Fans will return at PDC World Darts Championship but under strict rules

Fans will be in attendance at the PDC World Darts Championship, which gets underway on Tuesday 15 December at Alexandra Palace, but it will be a very different experience to the usual party.

Up to 1,000 fans will be at each session of the tournament, but can only sit in tables of four, consisting of one household or support bubble.

There will be no fancy dress or ‘football style’ singing and chanting, while fans must wear a mask whenever they stand up.

Darts fans will be able to drink alcohol and do not need to order food when they do so, but they will have to order it to their table on an app.

Christmas jumpers are allowed, though, keeping the festive feel at the Palace.

Only fans from Tier 1 or Tier 2 areas will be allowed to attend the event, with Alexandra Palace itself in Tier 2.

Tickets go on priority sale on Thursday 3 December, when the draw is made for the first round, with general sale on Friday.

A table of four ranges from £160 for the early rounds to £280 for the final.

It will be a far cry from the rowdy, raucous, loud, boozy atmosphere usually created at the Alexandra Palace, but it will also be the first time a crowd has attended a darts event in the UK since March, so certainly a step back towards normality.

How Alexandra Palace is being made Covid secure

• Crowd numbers have been limited to 1000 in line with government guidelines and a strict programme of social distancing and COVID-secure measures have been introduced across the venue;

• Tables are limited to one household or support bubble (maximum of four people) per table, all of whom must arrive at the same time to gain entry;

• All tables and chairs are positioned to comply with social distancing guidelines and spectators will not be able to mix between tables;

• Face coverings must be worn at all times by spectators and staff when travelling around the venue, with the exception of when you are seated at your table, eating or drinking;

• The arena will be divided in to two separate zones, each with its own entrance/exit and toilet facilities to minimise contact between spectators;

• All food and drink will be ordered via a smartphone app and delivered to tables – there will be no bars or catering concessions for spectators to visit;

• Spectators will be sent a recommended arrival time, and event security staff will manage the exit from the arena in a controlled manner;

• One-way systems will be in place to manage the flow of people around the venue;

• Clear social distancing markers will be displayed to remind people to maintain distance between other individuals and households, especially when queuing;

• Hand sanitisation stations will be located across the venue;

• Daily deep cleaning will be conducted across the venue along with enhanced cleaning of public areas in between sessions;

• There will be no Fans Village and all spectators must head straight for their table on arrival;

• The only reason to leave your table during the event will be to visit the toilet, or for spectators sat on the Palm Court side of the venue only, to visit the smoking area;

• Spectators are encouraged to avoid public transport where possible when travelling to the event, with parking available on site;

• All spectators must follow COVID-19 guidelines and not travel to the event if they or any member of their household has symptoms of COVID-19 or has tested positive in the last 21 days;

• All spectators must provide their name and the lead booker must provide contact details for NHS Test & Trace;

• All staff will undergo a daily health screening before being permitted access on site;

• Fully-trained COVID-19 Welfare Officers will be on site throughout the duration of the event.

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