ALLY PALLY could be set for an invasion of ‘cult’-like German darts fans for next year’s World Championships.
The venue is the iconic home of ‘ biggest tournament, but it is in store for some big changes before next year’s edition.
Ally Pally could see an influx of German fans next yearCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
The darts-mad country could take advantage of 70,000 new tickets at the eventCredit: PA
Tickets for sold out within a day, prompting the sports governing body the PDC to take steps to increase capacity next year.
The tournament , allowing the capacity per session to increase from 3,300 to 5,000.
This will take the total capacity of fans throughout the tournament to the region of 180,000, more than 70,000 more than this year.
Among them could be an influx of German fans on a pilgrimage to support their favourite players in London, with German thrower Max Hopp highlighting their extreme passion for the sport.
Per the Daily Star , Hopp said: “Ally Pally is always a great venue.
“Next year we move to a bigger arena as well so the crowd is going to be buzzing. Ally Pally is just a cult – in my country we say it’s a cult.”
Hopp, 29, was feeling the buzz from the crowd on Monday when he made his return to the Worlds.
‘Maximiser’, ranked 93rd in the world, shocked favourite Martin Lukeman 3-1 to book his place in the second round.
Max Hopp spoke of the growing darts fandom in GermanyCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
He spoke about how much the win meant to him, this being his first appearance at the since 2021.
He continued: “Everyone wants to be here. Everyone wants to be up on the stage. To produce a win is massive.
“You could see it in my celebration. It was a big win for me – a lot of pressure falling off. It was just massive for me to get up on that stage.
Hopp is one of a record eight German stars to play in the tournament this year, including World No13 Martin Schindler.
Hopp added: “We all want to improve darts and we all want darts to explode in Germany.
“I think the whole of Germany is still looking for that one guy to really kick on.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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