Free to air broadcaster Dave has announced its first involvement with Darts. They have agreed a deal with the BDO and Frank Warren to broadcast the BDO World Trophy from the Lakeside in the bank holiday weekend at the end of May.
This comes following Dave’s exceptional opening fore into broadcasting live sport when a peak audience of 3.2 million people watched David Haye’s return to the ring against Mark de Mori in January. They will be broadcasting every arrow of everyday as they will be starting coverage at 12:00 pm for a 22:00 finish.
In additional good news for the BDO, the event will also be managed by famous Boxing promoter Frank Warren. This came to a big shock for many Darts fans, but considering what has been happening with the BDO lately, this is positive news which they are reeling about.
Commenting on the deal Frank Warren said: “Though I have worked predominantly in boxing for nearly 40 years, I have also promoted and been involved in various other sports and entertainment ventures throughout my career. I am delighted to have been part of setting this event up and securing the BDO one of the UK’s leading broadcasters for the event. In my opinion, Dave is the perfect channel for the event and with it taking place at Lakeside, the iconic home of British darts, I am sure the atmosphere will be electric.”
Whilst on the Dave and UKTV front, Richard Watsham, director of commissioning said: “This is an exciting time for the BDO and I’m thrilled that we’re able to bring Dave viewers the BDO World Trophy, free to air and live from Lakeside, the iconic home of world darts. This is an important step for Dave as we continue to expand into important new genres such as live sport.”
Whilst this news was massive for the BDO’s Sue Williams, as increasing pressure was placed on her and other members of the BDO’s board following recent events commented on the deal and relieved more than anything says: “Our exciting new partnership with UKTV and Frank is certain to delight all of the BDO’s loyal members and fans. We look forward to working with Dave on the opening event of this new partnership. The World Trophy is set to be an excellent few days of top level darts.”
Tickets for the Lakeside affair are still up for sale and are availible by contacting the Lakeside ticket office on: +44 (0)1252 836 464 or are advised to visit this following website for online tickets: lakesideworlddarts.co.uk
By Henry Deacon,
20:56; 04/05/2016
Henry Deacon Media 