THE Ladbrokes World Darts Championship will remain at London's Alexandra Palace for the next three years after the PDC's contract with the prestigious venue was extended.
Alexandra Palace has hosted darts' biggest tournament since the World Championship moved to north London in 2008, with the venue's West Hall staging the £1 million event in December and January.
The Great Hall at Alexandra Palace is turned into the Fans Village for the duration of the tournament, hosting a specially-created Ladbrokes shop, merchandise stalls and food and drink outlets.
Adrian Lewis retained the World Championship title this January in the fifth staging of the World Championship at Alexandra Palace, with over 40,000 fans attending the 15-day event over the Christmas and New Year period.
"We are delighted to have signed a three-year contract to keep the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace," said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn.
"The tournament has continued to grow significantly in the past five years and Alexandra Palace has become a great home for the event, providing world-class facilities for players, fans and our media partners.
"With Sky Sports' coverage shown worldwide throughout the event, this deal will continue to develop Alexandra Palace's global reputation as a leading venue."
"There is no better arena in the sport of darts as Alexandra Palace during the Ladbrokes World Championship. The atmosphere that is created is incredible, and it's a special stage which brings the best out of our players."
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Alexandra Palace, said: "The team at Alexandra Palace is both delighted and proud to 'step up to the oche' once again to work with Barry Hearn and the prestigious Professional Darts Corporation to host the Ladbrokes World Darts Championship.
"Last year over 40,000 people visited the event and contributed to the tremendous festival atmosphere of the specially created 'Fans Village'.
"This three-year partnership deal is a testament to the character and quality of Ally Pally as an events venue.
"We have a great tradition of hosting live sporting events and the Palace really comes alive when we host the darts, one of the highlights of our year.
"We look forward to welcoming international darts stars and supporters alike to enjoy all that Alexandra Palace has to offer."
The 2013 Ladbrokes World Darts Championship will be played from December 14-January 1, with tickets going on general sale on Monday June 18 at 10am. To purchase, call SeeTickets on 0844 871 8807 or via www.seetickets.com.
Tickets are currently on Priority Sale to LIVEPDC.TV Annual Subscribers - click here to purchase tickets or call 0844 871 8807.
About Alexandra Palace
History & Heritage
Alexandra Palace is one of London and the UK's most iconic buildings. Built as a "People's Palace" in 1873, this remarkable seven-acre Grade II historic entertainment destination sits in 196 acres of North London parkland and offers unprecedented views of the city.
The Palace and Park were created in the enterprising Victorian era to provide the people of North London with a magnificent cultural and recreational centre. Since then, Alexandra Palace (or Ally Pally as it is affectionately known) has become globally recognised as the birthplace of the world's first television broadcast and has been home to the BBC Television Service, a horse racing track, cricket, football club and ice rink - as well as staging many legendary rock and pop concerts.
Ally Pally - Today
Today Alexandra Palace maintains its original enterprising spirit. It has undergone a recent exciting rebrand as "Your Ally Pally" which highlights the venue's public spirit. It also fulfils its original purpose of hosting an eclectic mix of live music, sport, cultural and leisure events, as well as playing a role in the London 2012 Olympic programme by hosting the Torch Relay and Holland Heineken House. Alexandra Palace became a Cool Venues Award Winner in 2011.
Ally Pally - The Trust and Regeneration
Alexandra Palace continues to hold a special place in the heart of local people and Londoners today, under the guardianship of its Board of Trustees. The Trustees are determined to build a more financially sustainable model for Alexandra Palace and to capitalise more fully on the public benefit potential of this iconic place. They have therefore embarked on a project to regenerate the site as a whole. The exciting regeneration plan for Ally Pally is already underway. So far, a £2.3m investment has enabled the ice rink to be turned into a superb sporting and recreational facility and the Park has been restored with Heritage Lotttery Fund support. Most recently, English Heritage awarded Alexandra Palace over £320,000 for essential repairs to be made to the fabric of the building as well as to support the Trust's conservation management plan.
Alexandra Palace is holding a public consultation on its exciting proposals to regenerate the Palace. Find out more and have your say at www.alexandrapalace.com/regen