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 [Culture](/culture) 

 



 /  20 November 2019  

#  All You Need To Know About The World Darts Championship  


 The William Hill World Darts Championship is the biggest tournament in the sport. It is also one of the biggest parties to hit Ally Pally over the Christmas season. Featuring a £2.5m prize fund for the 96 players battling it out to win the prestigious Sid Waddell Trophy, it’s an event not to be missed. Tickets are selling fast so if you’re thinking of going, here’s what you need to know…  
 

 



 

 



 

 

 

 

**When is it?**   
From 13th December to 1st January at London’s Alexandra Palace. There is no play from December 24th to the 26th nor on the 31st.  
  
**What’s the set-up?**   
After arriving at Alexandra Palace, entry is via the Fans Village in the Great Hall, from where you head into the West Hall for the action. Three sides of tiered seating provide the amphitheatre, facing a 120ft-wide stage. Table seating on the hall floor includes the walk-on area where players make their high-tempo entrances.  
  
**Why Alexandra Palace?**  
The World Championship moved to Alexandra Palace in 2008, providing not only an ideal arena to stage the biggest tournament in darts, but also the facilities to host an event with worldwide TV coverage, and the capacity to host almost 100,000 fans.  
  
**What can you expect on the night?**   
A night at the darts guarantees great entertainment: enjoy a drink with your friends while watching the best players in the business; go in fancy dress to really get involved in the unique atmosphere.  
  
**Who is competing?**  
Look out for reigning world champion Michael van Gerwen, as well as former champs including Gary Anderson, Adrian Lewis and Rob Cross – who capped a fairy-tale debut season as a professional by winning the 2018 tournament. Also look out for two female qualifiers among the field.  
  
**Anyone else to keep an eye on?**  
Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld will be playing in his final World Championship ahead of retirement, but watch out too for Nathan Aspinall, who won the 2019 UK Open, last year’s World Championship runner-up Michael Smith and Wales’s Gerwyn Price, a former rugby union player who is now winning titles in darts.  
  
**What are the ticket options?**   
Standard tickets through [SeeTickets](https://pdc.seetickets.com/tour/2019-2020-william-hill-world-darts-championship) are almost fully sold out, but [hospitality packages](http://pdc.tv/hospitality) remain available and include prime seating, food and drink.  
  
**Which are the best seats?**   
Floor table tickets are the most sought after, along with the hospitality tickets adjacent to the players’ walk-on area. But the unique layout of Ally Pally also features tiered seating around three sides – guaranteeing a great view from anywhere inside the arena.  
   
**What if you’re in a group?**   
Groups are welcome and there’s a family section in the tiered seating, catering for younger fans.  
  
**What is the best night to go?**  
Any! With multiple matches in all sessions leading up to the final, there’s always plenty of action to enjoy. Even if your favourite star isn’t playing, you’ll be seeing fantastic players on stage.  
  
**What time does it start &amp; finish?**  
Sessions usually begin at 12:30 and 19:00 local time. Full session times are available at [PDC.tv](https://www.pdc.tv/)[.](https://www.pdc.tv/)  
  
**What is the dress code?**   
Fancy dress is permitted – which is partly why the World Championship has become Britain’s biggest Christmas party.  
  
**Best way of getting there?**  
In Muswell Hill, Alexandra Palace can be accessed by train from Moorgate or Kings Cross, by tube to Wood Green, and by bus (the W3 service stops outside the venue). Car parking is also available.  
  
**And finally….**  
You’ll struggle to find a better atmosphere in sport. Fans can support their favourites, write personalised messages on ‘180’ cards, get high-fived by players during their walk-on songs and enjoy dancing to the iconic darts tune ‘Chase The Sun’.  
  
*For more information, visit [AlexandraPalace.com](https://www.alexandrapalace.com/)*

 

 

 

 

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