World Grand Prix to move from Dublin

The 2021 World Grand Prix will not take place at the Citywest Hotel in Dublin, Online Darts understands.

The unique event, which sees players have to start and end their leg on a double, had been held at the venue since 2001. However, last year, the event took place behind closed doors at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

It was expected this year to return to its traditional home. However, a source tells us that the Morningside Arena in Leicester is now the favourite to host the event.

It remains unclear if the dates for the tournament will move. It’s currently scheduled for Sunday 3 October – Saturday 9 October.

Why is the World Grand Prix moving again?

Ireland’s COVID-19 restrictions are among the toughest in the world. Earlier in 2021, UEFA stripped Dublin of the right to host games at Euro 2020, on the basis that the Irish government could not guarantee fans would be able to attend.

Much like UEFA, the PDC wanted to guarantee fans would be allowed to attend. With the government still unable to say yes, the PDC have decided to move the World Grand Prix for the second straight year. However, plans are to return to the Citywest in 2022.

Morningside Arena favourite to host first PDC ranking event

With restrictions on crowds being eased in the UK, the PDC are looking for a venue there to host the Grand Prix.

The Morningside Arena in Leicester is the venue tipped to win the rights. It previously hosted the 2019 Champions League of Darts, won by Michael van Gerwen.

However, this would be the first ranking event that the venue has ever hosted.