Drama, atmosphere, and a good time – live darts events have it all, and their popularity is still growing. In 2024, over 150,000 people attended Premier League Darts events in the UK and Europe, with a record-breaking 14,000 fans packing out The O2 for the playoffs. Such high demand has been inspired not only by a desire to see the world’s best players in action, but also due to darts events’ reputation as some of the biggest parties in sport.
If you’re heading to a darts event and wondering what to expect, this guide is designed to help you maximize your experience. Alternatively, if you’re still on the hunt for tickets, check out our Buying Tickets Guide for more specific information on securing your seats.
- What to Bring and Wear
- When to Arrive
- Venue Parking and Transport
- Entry Gates
- Finding Your Seat
- Darts Event Format and Schedule
- Crowds and Other Fans
- Taking Photographs and Videos
- Autographs
- Merchandise
- Food and Drink
- Toilets
- Leaving and Exiting the Venue
- Make the Most of It
What to Bring and Wear
The most important thing to bring to a darts event is your ticket. Most tickets are delivered digitally, with common providers like the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) and Ticketmaster providing apps to which your ticket can be downloaded. Tickets may also be sent by email, and may need to be printed at home. If you are unsure about how your ticket can be presented at the venue, it’s best to check directly with your chosen supplier to avoid any confusion.
For fans, the dress code at PDC darts events is generally very laid-back and casual, with fancy dress a popular option at all tournaments. As you might be at the event for a number of hours, it’s best, as always, to prioritize comfort when it comes to clothing, but feel free to get into the spirit of things as darts events are known for their party atmosphere. While fans are essentially free to wear what they wish, the following items (even for those in fancy dress) are not permitted:
- Football jerseys and related football accessories
- Hi-vis vests, jackets, or similar
- Helmets
- Outfits likely to offend, including those that contain radical political material, expletives, or nudity
- Professional cameras
- Outside food and drink
As darts is an indoor sport, you won’t need to worry about dressing for inclement weather, but it’s always best to bring a removable layer of clothing in case the venue is abnormally hot/cold. In particular, some older darts venues can get warm in the summer when full, so it’s worth bearing this in mind.
The PDC discourages fans from bringing bags of any kind to darts events, and only small personal bags and purses are permitted. Small bags are generally considered to be under A4 in size, but their permittance is at the venue’s discretion. Bag storage facilities may be provided at some events, but the PDC suggests spectators check this information with the host venue.
As is the case at all sports events, a number of items are prohibited at the darts, including: aerosols, fireworks, darts, tools, flagpoles, umbrellas, weapons, bottles, cans, balls, and inflatables. Depending on the event, once you are inside the venue, staff may hand out 180 cards and other free event-related items to help boost the atmosphere.
When to Arrive
Doors open 60–90 minutes before play begins at PDC darts events. These times are usually listed on the ticket supplier’s website. Bear in mind that queues can build up quickly at major tournaments, so it’s always best to arrive early. Arriving around the venue’s opening time will give you more than enough time to find your seat, explore the venue, and browse the food and drink offerings before the action begins.
Venue Parking and Transport
When it comes to parking and transport options at darts events, these vary significantly depending on the venue. However, in general, darts events are hosted in large cities and major destinations, meaning you will never struggle getting to the venue, but may have to be flexible on which mode of transport you use, depending on where you are heading.
Parking is readily available at, or close to, most PDC venues. At major events, like the World Darts Championship, parking can usually be found onsite, however, it can sell out quickly, so it’s important to book early, either through the ticket supplier or venue website. Where onsite parking is not available, public parking is a good option and venues are usually within walking distance of any number of private parking facilities. If you are struggling to find a space close to your chosen venue, try sites like JustPark for a wider look at what’s on offer.
For venues located in Downtown areas of major cities like London and New York, it might be best to take public transport to the event. This can help you avoid delays caused by traffic congestion, and make for a more enjoyable experience overall. Venues in major cities will never be too far from train or bus lines, but make sure to double-check your route and any travel updates before leaving to ensure you have a smooth journey.
For more information on traveling to a darts event, visit a venue’s Travel & Parking tab on Koobit.
Entry Gates
Most darts events take place at medium-sized indoor venues, with around 1–3 entry gates. In most cases, like with theatres and concert venues, fans will have their ticket scanned at a main entrance before following directions to their seating section. However, some arenas, like The O2 or Madison Square Garden, are much larger than the average darts venue, so you may want to leave extra time for entry and finding your seat when visiting those.
At all venues, it is likely that your ticket will be scanned by a member of staff upon entry, but more modern venues may have automated scanners in place. Security checks will also be in place, with all bags subject to a search by staff, and extra measures, such as metal detectors, at some venues. To help reduce queuing time, it’s best not to bring any bags to the event, though small personal bags and purses under A4 in size are permitted.
Finding Your Seat
There are 2 main seating options at darts events: Table Seating and Tiered Seating.
Table Seating is located on the floor of the venue, with around 10–12 people seated at each table. Tables are generally laid out in rows, perpendicular to the stage, with a letter corresponding to each particular row. Seats at these tables are numbered, with lower numbers usually closer to the front. In order to find your seat, look for the letter/number combination on your ticket (A11, F4, P32) – the letter is your table row, and the number is your seat at that table. All tables should be lettered and seats numbered, so all you’ll need to do is match this information to the info on your ticket. Remember, tables are shared (unless you’re with a large group) and these seating areas can get very busy quite quickly, so it’s best to arrive early, while there are fewer people in the venue, to make it easier to find your seat.
Tiered Seating is found in the seating bowl that surrounds the arena floor. Seating in these sections is more standard, and is usually marked on your ticket with a combination of letters and numbers indicating your section, row, and seat. This may be something like Section 109, Row B, Seat 13 (sections in the 100s are usually lower down, with the 200s and 300s increasingly higher up), or Block C, Row H, Seat 24.
At any point, if you are struggling to find your seat, feel free to ask stewards or venue staff for help. It’s probably best to arrive at your seat at least 15/20 minutes before the event begins. Darts is a laid-back sport, so you can leave your seat at any time, but leaving between legs (games) will probably cause the least disruption to your fellow spectators, especially in tiered seats.
For more information on specific ticket types available at darts events, visit Koobit’s Buying Tickets Guide.
Darts Event Format and Schedule
Darts events are usually broken up into ticketed sessions, which can take place in an afternoon or an evening. These sessions can last between 2–4 hours, depending on how many matches are played, and how long each match takes. Some sessions may contain just one long match (often the Final), while other sessions may have 7 or 8 shorter matches. Longer matches may contain organised breaks between sets (a set is usually the best of 3, 5, or 9 legs/games), while events with shorter matches will have natural breaks between matches. Away from the action at the oche, major darts events, like the World Darts Championship, may have music, games, bars and other entertainment to keep spectators occupied, but the best of the fun can be found in the main arena.
Crowds and Other Fans
A key driver behind darts’ rising popularity is the party atmosphere for which the sport has become famous. Consequently, crowds at darts events are generally high-spirited and out for a good time, which can create an electric atmosphere hard to match in many sports. However, with alcohol readily available, some events can become more like social gatherings with darts in the background, which may be frustrating for some fans. Excitable, raucous, rowdy, loud, high-spirited, fun, intense, unforgettable – all these words could be used to describe darts crowds, but as long as you know what to expect, and are willing to enter into the spirit of the event, you’re sure to have a good time.
The heart of the party at a darts event is the table seats, which are perfect for groups and those who want to be immersed in the fun. For those wishing for a more laid-back experience, opt for a tiered seat, which will give you an elevated view of all the action at the oche and on the arena floor. In terms of events, Premier League nights are known as some of darts’ most outgoing affairs, while the World Matchplay might be a more relaxed option.
Taking Photographs and Videos
Spectators may take photographs at darts events for their own personal use, but flash photography is not permitted, and nor are cameras with interchangeable lenses.
Autographs
The aisle used by darts players during their “walk on” before matches is very close to fans, and some players will sign a few autographs on their way to the stage. Similarly, fans may also be able to persuade a player to sign an autograph on their way back down the aisle, after the match has ended. Alternatively, keep an eye out for autograph sessions involving darts players, which may take place around major events. Many darts players no longer sign autographs away from organised events due to the rise in professional autograph hunters selling their signatures online, so these planned sessions may provide your best opportunity for an autograph.
Merchandise
Event and player-specific merchandise may be available from stalls in the arena on the day of your event, especially at major tournaments like the World Darts Championship. For all your other darts needs, visit the official PDC store.
Food and Drink
Outside food and drink cannot be taken into darts venues, but there should be plenty of options available to buy once inside, though the exact selection may vary depending on the venue. For instance, at Alexandra Palace during the World Darts Championship, spectators can enjoy food from a wide range of cuisines, including Mexican and Italian. Many darts fans also enjoy watching the action with a drink or two, so you can expect a generous selection of beers, wines, ciders, spirits, low alcohol beverages and soft drinks on hand too. At smaller venues, food options, in particular, may be limited.
In line with many sports and music events, food and drink at darts events can be expensive, though prices may vary depending on the venue. Larger arenas and major events are likely to be more pricey than smaller venues and more minor events. For instance, in 2024, the cheapest pint of beer during the Premier League Playoffs at The O2 in London cost £8.95, so grabbing dinner and a few drinks before entering the arena is generally a good idea. As is increasingly common, many arenas now take card payments only, but it might be worth bringing a little cash to the event too, so you’re covered for all eventualities.
Toilets
Toilets are readily available at all darts venues and you should never be more than a short walk from a facility. As the night wears on, queues for the toilets can grow significantly, so it’s always best to go before the event begins.
Leaving and Exiting the Venue
Most darts events take place at medium-sized venues, so it shouldn’t take too long to exit. If you want to avoid the crowds, hang back in your seat for a few minutes and wait for the rush to pass. Onsite parking can lead to delays, so if you’re looking to make a quick exit, it might be best to use public parking or take public transport.
Make the Most of It
Like watching a high-stakes game of Operation on a stag-do, a visit to the darts is a sometimes surreal bucket-list experience that combines drama, nerve, and astonishing skill, with all-out exuberance and fun. While events might not be for everyone, live darts has a lot to offer to most sports fans, and what’s certain is that you’ll never be bored. To make the most of your afternoon/evening, embrace the party spirit, join in with the crowd, and soak up the unique atmosphere, while the world’s best darts players put on a show. Planning ahead and staying flexible can also help the day run smoothly, but ultimately, escape from real life and immerse yourself in the wacky world of darts.