Darts Declining In Popularity?

For the record, I think this may not be such a bad thing for darts. The real fans will stay, and the main folk darts will be losing is the boozy lads and lasses night out hen and stag party types.

I disagree. Every Premier League venue was sold out and television coverage is expanding, with new competitions being created.

You haven't even begun to give reasons why you think it is in decline, btw.

I totally disagree, it's been revolutionised by Sky Sports and I've always loved darts but if you compare watching it now to 20 years ago then WOW what a difference.

In fact, even a few weeks ago when the European tournament was on ITV4 it looked so bad. Sky Sports are just amazing at it.

John Gwynne was saying how in 94' at the World Matchplay they were asking people to come in; now they're turning thousands away!

I don't know how sponsorship works for other sports, but McCoys who have been sponsoring the Premier League say their sales have been sky-rocketing among the men they've been trying to appeal to as a result of their darts sponsorship.

A nice BBQ, some ice-cold beers and the darts. Brilliant stuff.

Re: me not giving reasons. Good Point.

I think:

1) It sort of can't get any bigger (every PL venue sold out etc.)

2) The death of legendary commentator Sid Waddell who did so much to promote darts and have it seen as a sport - which I've ALWAYS believed it is.

3) Phil Taylor - whilst he's still great, and I think he's one of the greatest sportsmen EVER, surely he's getting a bit older and surely he's not going to get any better.

4) Most of the ordinary young fellas I know who played darts have taken up bloomin' cycling since The Olympics! There's always other sports out there.

5) On the subject of other sports - isn't Barry Hearn turning hi attention a bit from darts and back to snooker.

6) TV over-saturation - I use to watch all the major on TV but now maybe the Worlds and Matchplay from Blackpool mostly as it's a bit like footy in that it's on every week!

(1).Maybe so, but it does not mean it's declining.

Football stadium limits are generally about 100k- most clubs stadiums such as ours its 60k.

I think the challenge for darts is not to expand within Britain and Ireland, as it's massive here- I think it could do with expanding in other places too. Outwith Holland, then most other countries aren't as well represented in darts as in other sports.

(2). A true legend, it is hard to argue that. Although it does not mean the sport will decline.

(3). Taylor is the best ever, but the standard is so good that he can be regularly challenged now. You could counter it and say now that more players are winning tournaments as a result of his decline (although not too sure whether "decline" is the word) then more fans will enjoy it.

(4). Wouldn't know about darts at youth level. I'm sorry. Personally, I know most young people just practice on their own as I did until I was able to drink in pubs.

(5). I'd argue that the sport has been revolutionised into the modern game, that he wouldn't be a massive loss.

(6). I actually agree. I'd prefer if Sky Sports got exclusivity and it was just the Premier League, the UK Open, the World Matchplay and the World that was shown. ITV and previously ESPN coverage really did the sport no favours.

All good points, Henrik. In fairness - it's hard for me argue against a Celtic supporting darts fan (me being one of those myself!!!)