Sky Sports darts presenter Emma Paton has revealed her favourite venue on the circuit, and she is already looking forward to returning later this year.
With the majors season approaching, all attention turns to Alexandra Palace for the Paddy Power PDC World Darts Championship. Paton says she is counting down the days until she can walk through its doors again.
Ally Pally Tops the List
"The Ally Pally is probably just my favourite because I love the Worlds, and even walking in there I'm just like, 'Oh, we're back'," Paton told Daily Star Sport, via Leasing Option.
The Alexandra Palace is the home of the World Championships, but Paton also holds other venues in high regard.
European Venues Impress
"It's a tough one because I love them all, you know. But I think some of the European venues of the Premier League are incredible because they're so huge," she said.
"I think Rotterdam was always one that, for me, stands out because obviously the Dutch love their darts, but also the fact that everyone in there is wearing orange and it's just a sea of orange. So I always think that's really cool."
"Berlin as well, where I think over the years the atmosphere has really grown, in what again is a huge arena at the Uber Arena, and Antwerp was added this year to the Premier League, and it kind of exceeded my expectations, really."
New York and the Big Apple
"Then I've done the World Series in New York before. New York's one of my favourite cities anyway, but I just think the fact that darts is at Madison Square Garden, which is just this iconic venue generally."
"I think that one probably stands out as well!"
With only a few months to go until the World Championships, there are still several major tournaments to navigate before the doors open at Ally Pally, including the World Grand Prix in Leicester, known for its unique double-in format.
