The Lakeside Country Club in Frimley Green, Surrey, holds a special place in the hearts of darts fans around the world. For decades, it was the iconic venue for the BDO World Darts Championship, often referred to as the “home of world darts.” In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at when darts moved from Lakeside, the reasons behind the shift, and the impact it had on the sport.

The Final Curtain: 2019 BDO World Darts Championship

It was in 2019 when darts moved from the famed Lakeside stage. The last BDO World Darts Championship held at Lakeside took place from January 5 to January 13, 2019. After 33 years at the iconic venue, the BDO announced that the tournament would be relocating to a new venue for its 2020 edition, marking the end of an era for the prestigious event.

The Reasons Behind the Move

There were several factors that contributed to the decision to move the BDO World Darts Championship from Lakeside. These included:

• Financial challenges: The BDO faced financial struggles, which led to a decline in prize money and sponsorship deals. This situation made it increasingly difficult for the organization to maintain its flagship event at the iconic Lakeside venue.
• Competition from the PDC: The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) had become the dominant force in professional darts, attracting top players and offering larger prize funds. As a result, the BDO struggled to maintain its relevance and appeal in comparison.
• A need for change: There was a growing consensus within the BDO that a change of venue could provide a fresh start and help revitalize the tournament, making it more appealing to players, fans, and potential sponsors.

The New Venue: Indigo at The O2

The BDO World Darts Championship found a new home at Indigo at The O2, a modern entertainment venue located in London. The 2020 edition of the tournament took place from January 4 to January 12, 2020. However, the move did not resolve the BDO’s financial and organizational issues, and the organization eventually folded in 2020.

Conclusion

The move from Lakeside in 2019 signaled the end of an iconic chapter in the history of darts. The venue will always be remembered as a symbol of the sport’s humble beginnings and the passion of its fans. While the BDO’s departure from Lakeside marked a significant change, the sport of darts continues to thrive and evolve under the leadership of the PDC and other emerging organizations.