Alexandra Palace will be host to more than 80.000 fans over the coming fortnight, as World Darts Championships are prepared to proceed despite growing concerns about the Omicron variant.
The agenda includes fancy dresses and sell out sessions after the PDC had to pull them from the 2021 edition. Participants will need to bring Covid passes and adhere to strict guidelines.
Eddie Hearn is the Head of Matchroom Sport Group and insists that they will see it through until January 3rd, even if there are government restrictions that force them to close off fans.
A full crowd of 3,000 is expected on Wednesday evening as defending champion Gerwyn Price kicks off proceedings at the London venue, with the same numbers expected for all 28 sessions across the next 16 days of action.
Covid passes were approved in England by the Conservative Government on Wednesday, but there was a rebellion within it. This is despite concerns about the latest version. This week, the World Health Organisation said that Covid is rapidly spreading.
This means all Alexandra Palace guests must present an NHS Covid Pass to gain entry. This includes proof that you have been fully vaccinated, natural immunity and proof of negative lateral flow tests taken during the event.
With spectators welcome back, the World Darts Championship is being held again at Alexandra Palace.
After last Christmas’s social distancing measures, fancy dress is back in the spotlight.
Fans have been warned by the PDC that they will not be allowed to show their Covid status.
Although the measures are stringent, it is still possible that some fans will be banned from attending the event because of tightening government regulations. Hearn assures fans that the show will still go ahead in that case.
‘If anything happens, firstly we will cry a little bit – and then we will lick our wounds and go to work,’ Hearn, who took over from father Barry as head of the events organisation last April, told the Sun.
We are used to this now, as a company. The government regulations will be followed.
“We’ll make it a safe and friendly environment for customers, and we’ll adapt to any rule changes.
‘If we have to adapt in the circumstances – whether that is distancing, implementing masks in the venue or reducing the crowds – we have the expertise to do all of that.
Over 80,000 people are expected to view the Championship in the coming two weeks. It will take place in north London.
Over the past few years, Alexandra Palace has made fancy dress a mainstay of World Championship proceedings
Matchroom Sports Group is hoping to attract fans to every session. But, we will continue to be open to playing on in the event that government regulations change.
It would be shameful because last year we didn’t have it and this year it is all back. It is time to wear fancy clothes.
Face coverings will be required for all attendees.
Hearn claims that the Ally Pally’s party atmosphere won’t be affected by the new measures. This venue has been a popular spot for sporting and real royalty, including Prince Harry who attended in 2014.
Due to its unique atmosphere, the event attracts many famous faces. Prince Harry was one of them in 2014.
Last year, chanting was banned and fancy dress was prohibited.
Hearn said, “With the year that everyone has had, this occasion is going to put smiles on many people’s faces.”
“We all know that the World Championship is a must-see Christmas event for darts and sports enthusiasts.
“The atmosphere will be truly special and the best that we’ve ever seen.”
Gerwyn Price, the reigning champion of this category was made to enjoy his victory in front a empty Ally Pally earlier this year.
Welshman, who is aiming to add a second title to his trophy collection, will do it in front of an packed house.
Gerwyn Price lifted the Wolrd Championship trophy in an empty Alexandra Palace this year, and is targeting another win
‘Most of the titles I have won, I’ve gone on and defended them,’ he said. It’s an added incentive. Under pressure, I thrive.
Price walked away with a cheque for £500,000 after his victory in January, while Hearn has stated he wants to see the prize fund hit an incredible £1million in the near future.
‘During the Covid period the PDC didn’t touch prize money, they continued to provide opportunities for players,’ said Hearn back in July.
“I want to see the World Championship with a first prize of a million pounds. It’s the overall crazy plan we will always discuss in board meetings.
People associate the value of prize money with stature and sport size.
The first session on Wednesday sees Price begin his title defence. After a round-bye, Price will now face Ritchie Edhouse and Peter Hudson.
Players are not the only ones who get into the fancy dress game. In 2020, Peter Wright from Scotland dressed up as the Grinch.
Fans hope that the government does not pass new measures in the near future. They will also be able to attend all 28 sessions.