English darts player Matthew Edgar has cautioned that the sport's flagship tournament faces a critical juncture regarding its traditional venue's capacity limitations.
The 38-year-old insisted that Alexandra Palace can no longer meet the extraordinary demand for World Darts Championship tickets.
"Just visualise it," Edgar said. "You're standing outside selling tickets, you let everybody in, and then you close the door sorry, nothing left. Then you look outside and you could fill it ten times more."
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The Alexandra Palace has hosted the World Championships since 2008
|PA
'Prime Time' highlighted the commercial implications of refusing entry to significantly more spectators than the venue can accommodate.
Edgar drew parallels with professional wrestling's premier showcase to illustrate how the championship has evolved beyond individual competitors. "We're at a point now where darts is selling regardless," he said. "People say, 'I'm going to the World Championship, I'm going to the darts.'"
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The tournament has transformed into an unmissable spectacle where attendees book travel arrangements before knowing the lineup, according to Edgar.
"It's become the WrestleMania. People book their tickets and flights before even knowing who's on the card it doesn't matter."
He emphasised that venues must now accommodate a minimum of 5,000 spectators to satisfy current demand levels.
Despite advocating for a venue change, Edgar insisted the championship should remain within the capital due to practical considerations.
"It's got to stay in a major city, with connections and good accommodation. You can't put it somewhere without hotels or transport links," he stated.
The multiple international airports and comprehensive public transport network make London the logical choice for hosting international visitors, Edgar argued.
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Darts fans might be forced elsewhere amid huge demand for tickets
|PA
He said: "I think it has to stay in London for that reason. You've got multiple international airports, people can price compare, if you miss a flight there's four or five other options."
Rather than abandoning Alexandra Palace entirely, Edgar proposed converting it into a venue for other prestigious darts competitions, specifically mentioning the Winmau World Masters as a potential beneficiary.
Edgar also championed expanding darts tournaments to coastal locations, citing the sport's successful ventures in traditional British holiday destinations.
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Darts fans are often part of the spectacle when it comes to the World Championship
|PA
"Blackpool works because it's a holiday destination in summer. Why not more seaside, holiday-style events?" he suggested.
The appeal of combining darts with leisure breaks has proven remarkably resilient, even in challenging conditions. Edgar pointed to Butlins Minehead as evidence, noting that the venue sells out during winter months despite basic accommodation.
"People happily stay in caravans, even when the pipes froze and there was no running water. That tells you it works," he observed, suggesting the holiday atmosphere enhances the tournament experience.