The darts world is buzzing with excitement following an announcement from PDC chairman Barry Hearn about a major upgrade for one of the sport’s flagship events in the United States. The US Darts Masters, already a highlight on the international calendar, is set to take a dramatic step forward by moving from its current theater setup at the iconic Madison Square Garden into the full main arena starting next year. This shift will dramatically increase capacity to around 19,500 fans per session, reflecting the explosive growth of darts popularity across the Atlantic.
Hearn, the visionary behind the sport’s global expansion through Matchroom Sport and the PDC, shared the thrilling news amid reports of record-breaking ticket sales for the recent edition. The demand has been so overwhelming that the event has outgrown its previous intimate venue configuration. “Watch this space because next year we are going to come out of the theater at Madison Square Garden and we are going to go into the full arena,” Hearn declared, his words capturing the anticipation building among players, fans, and organizers alike.
The US Darts Masters has quickly established itself as a premier invitation-only tournament since its inception, pitting top PDC stars against the best from the North American circuit in a high-stakes, best-of format. Held at the legendary Madison Square Garden—the “World’s Most Famous Arena”—the event has drawn massive crowds and generated electric atmospheres, with celebrities, passionate supporters, and high-profile darts action combining to create unforgettable nights. Previous editions featured dramatic matches, nine-darters, and the unmistakable roar of the crowd, but the theater setup limited attendance compared to the arena’s full potential.
This move to the main arena represents a bold statement on darts’ rising status in the American market. Darts has surged in popularity stateside in recent years, fueled by streaming platforms, high-profile exhibitions, and the success of events like the Premier League legs and World Series tournaments. Record ticket sales for the latest US Masters proved that fans are hungry for more, with sell-outs happening faster than ever and demand far exceeding supply in the smaller theater. By expanding to the 19,500-capacity arena from 2027, the PDC aims to accommodate that enthusiasm while elevating the event to a scale befitting its growing prestige.
For players, the upgrade promises an even bigger stage to showcase their skills. Imagine the likes of Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen (once recovered from his recent illness), and American hopefuls stepping out under the bright lights of the full Madison Square Garden, with nearly 20,000 voices chanting and cheering every 180 or checkout. The atmosphere is expected to rival some of the biggest European majors, blending the raw energy of floor events with the spectacle of televised blockbusters.
Hearn’s “watch this space” tease hints at even more developments on the horizon, as the PDC continues to push boundaries in its quest to make darts a truly global phenomenon. The organization has already seen massive growth in viewership and participation worldwide, with new markets opening up and established ones thriving. This venue upgrade in New York underscores that commitment, ensuring that North American fans get the world-class experience they deserve while attracting fresh audiences to the sport.
As preparations ramp up for the 2027 edition, excitement is mounting across the darts community. The US Darts Masters has always delivered drama and excellence, but moving to the iconic main arena at Madison Square Garden promises to turn it into one of the calendar’s must-see spectacles. With record sales paving the way and Hearn’s confident outlook setting the tone, darts fans everywhere have plenty to look forward to. The sport’s American chapter is about to get a whole lot bigger—and louder.
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