The Premier League Darts calendar has changed: Great Britain loses a traditional stage.

The Premier League Darts calendar has changed: Great Britain loses a traditional stage
The Premier League Darts calendar has changed: Great Britain loses a traditional stage

According to The Sun: Fans of the Premier League Darts are shocked by the absence of one significant city in the calendar for 2026.

The next tournament will start in February when the best players will travel to 17 different cities.

PAThe calendar for the Premier League Darts in 2026 has already been announced.

However, the new calendar has stirred up outrage as the city of Exeter has been removed from the list and replaced with a new location.

The Premier League players will travel to Belgium for the first time — the competition will take place at AFAS Dome in Antwerp on February 12.

Although the new location looks exciting, many fans are saddened by the absence of Exeter, which has long been a beloved venue.

Many fans have expressed concern about how this change will affect the UK Open, which usually takes place a week after the competitions in Exeter, as Minehead Butlins is only an hour's drive away.

“Exeter always happened a week after Minehead. It made sense. Money talks. And don't worry about the Southwest.”
“Poor old Exeter. Gone but not forgotten.”
“There was a tradition in Exeter ahead of the UK Open; it's terrible that it has been removed.”
“It's a shame to see Exeter missing from the list as it made sense for players not to travel so far in such a short time.”

Now dart fans in South West England will have to travel to Brighton, London, or Cardiff to see the Premier League nearby.

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PDC CEO Matt Porter commented:

“We are excited to hold the BetMGM Premier League in Belgium in 2026, during which it will be our widest season.”
“Belgium has successfully hosted European tours for several years now, and the sport has grown significantly there.”
“Supported by our broadcasters VTM and inspired by the successes of Dimitri Van den Bergh and Mike De Decker.”
“We are confident that the visit to the AFAS Dome will be a very popular event, adding a new dimension to the Premier League following a successful 2025 season and an exciting final in London.”

Tournaments will take place every Thursday from February to May.

The first night is scheduled at the Utilita Arena in Newcastle, and the final will be held at the O2 Arena in London.

International competitions in Antwerp, Berlin, and Rotterdam will complement 14 dates in Great Britain and Ireland.

The Premier League Darts calendar for 2026

Here are the dates and locations for the Premier League Darts in 2026...

  • Night 1 – Utilita Arena, Newcastle – Thursday, February 5
  • Night 2 – AFAS Dome, Antwerp – Thursday, February 12
  • Night 3 – OVO Hydro, Glasgow – Thursday, February 19
  • Night 4 – SSE Arena, Belfast – Thursday, February 26
  • Night 5 – Utilita Arena, Cardiff – Thursday, March 5
  • Night 6 – Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham – Thursday, March 12
  • Night 7 – 3Arena, Dublin – Thursday, March 19
  • Night 8 – Uber Arena, Berlin – Thursday, March 26
  • Night 9 – AO Arena, Manchester – Thursday, April 2
  • Night 10 – Brighton Centre, Brighton – Thursday, April 9
  • Night 11 – Rotterdam Ahoy, Rotterdam – Thursday, April 16
  • Night 12 – M&S Bank Arena, Liverpool – Thursday, April 23
  • Night 13 – P&J Live, Aberdeen – Thursday, April 30
  • Night 14 – First Direct Arena, Leeds – Thursday, May 7
  • Night 15 – Utilita Arena, Birmingham – Thursday, May 14
  • Night 16 – Utilita Arena, Sheffield – Thursday, May 21
  • Final – The O2, London – Thursday, May 28

Thus, the change in the Premier League Darts calendar shows how significant decisions can impact fans and traditions. Exeter, long considered an important location for major darts competitions, leaves an important void that now needs to be filled with alternative venues. Fans hope that new stages will also bring them an increased level of excitement and return that they previously experienced from their beloved Exeter.

Tournaments in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands may become new opportunities for fans, but the question remains whether they will be able to replace the emotions that Exeter provided. It remains to be seen how the situation in the darts world will develop and what new traditions may emerge at new venues.


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