A Night at the Darts

We invited local university student Freddie Auston to come along to the BoyleSports World Grand Prix of Darts on Thursday night and write about his experience, here's how he got on:

The Mattioli Arena played host once again this year to the BoyleSports World Grand Prix this week, for the third year running.

The event, televised to millions worldwide, is one of the biggest events the Mattioli Arena hosts annually. I was privileged enough to visit the venue on the Thursday of the event, the second day of the second round, where I was able to see superstars such as Dave Chisnall and James Wade apply their trade. The week-long spectacle was sold out on the night and for every night following as we got into the business end of proceedings which culminated into a truly fantastic atmosphere that stayed strong from the first to last bout. Due to the recent success of the event in Leicester, the Mattioli Arena have already been announced as event host again next year, a great accolade for the venue. 

The night started off passing through the strong level of security and a thorough pat down before entering into the arena as a whole, making sure everyone was nice and safe in the fanzone. The fanzone was for me the highlight of the night, with plenty of entertainment, food and drink, merch stands and places to relax while everyone waited for the arena to be opened.

For food and drink there were several stands serving beer, cider and soft drinks as well as two food stands serving pizza, burgers and other common sports arena food. The large amount of stands for drinks allowed for very quick service and next to no congestion waiting for service.

One stand that saw plenty of attention however was the spin to win wheel next to the VIP enclosed section of the fanzone. On this wheel was either odd or even, whichever you landed on would correlate to the sections of the darts board you had to hit after your spin. With varying prizes based on how well you did, better prizes for 3 correct triples then 3 singles for example. Also on this wheel however was a very slim chance to win a VIP ticket upgrade, something I was fortunate enough to land on. This provided the winner and their group access to the VIP seating up and right from the stage, two free drinks and access to free food. The VIP access was really well organised with private toilets also, as well as the free food being piping hot and very plentiful. 

Other things in the fanzone included a large merch stand selling all the top darts stars merch was being sold at the going rate prices. As well as this there were plenty of great spots for photos and socialising. My favourite part of the fanzone was the opportunity to see so many people coming in some incredible fancy dress. Some of my favourites were a group of about eight minions, Gru and Vector, as well as a group of oompa loompas and Willy Wonka both really stealing the show for me. Other less committed costumes included things such as dartboard hats, and a dartboard shaven into the side of someone's head. 

Entering the arena we were greeted by a packed out floor space filled from wall to wall with tables, chairs, signs and foam fingers for the crowd to get involved with. The venue sold so well for the night that more tables were squeezed in to allow more and more people to come and see the night. Large TV screens and speakers allowed everyone in the arena to have the best view in the house for the darts and be able to feel fully immersed in the action. From the bleachers to the barricade not only was everyone singing the whole night but everyone was safe. With security removing any signs that may have been inappropriate, especially on the barriers of the walkways where the Sky TV cameras often showed on live TV. 

Overall I feel not only did I enjoy the night but everyone involved did, throughout the you heard people talking highly of the venue and the event with people going as far to take the next day off of work. The Mattioli Arena is a great place for any event to be held and, personally, I am very excited to see the darts back there again for at least one more year. 

Words: Freddie Auston, Photos: Leicester Arena