The Paddy Power PDC World Championship has set its schedule for the upcoming season, running from Friday December 11 through Sunday January 3. Tournament organizers announced a record 180,000 tickets will be available for spectators.
A significant venue change will see the event held in Alexandra Palace’s Great Hall for the first time in the tournament’s history. This relocation increases capacity to over 5,200 spectators, a substantial increase from the previous limit of 3,200. Alexandra Palace has hosted the World Darts Championship since 2007.
Reigning champion Luke Littler, age 19, will defend his title after winning back-to-back championships. He defeated Gian van Veen in the previous final and has accumulated multiple titles this year, including victories at the World Masters, UK Open, World Cup, World Matchplay, and Premier League.
Ticket allocation will follow a new Wimbledon-style ballot system, marking the first time the event has utilized this approach. PDCTV annual members receive priority access during an exclusive window. The PDC annual members ballot opens at 12pm on Tuesday September 1 and runs through Monday September 7. The general public ballot opens at 12pm on Tuesday September 8 and closes at 11.59pm on Monday September 14. A traditional Christmas break is scheduled for December 24-27, with competition resuming afterward and concluding following New Year’s Eve.
The first round will begin four days earlier than the previous year, with 128 players competing. Matches will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
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