Professional darts hopes to hit the mark in NYC for first time at MSG theater

Fallon Sherrock's plans for her first visit to New York City include grabbing a hot dog from a street cart and exploring the sights she's seen on television.

And, oh yeah, playing professional darts onstage at Madison Square Garden.

The Bet365 US Darts Masters and Bet365 North American Championship on Friday, June 3, and Saturday, June 4, are the first major darts events ever held in New York City.

The sport's top competitors, including current World No. 1 Gerwyn Price, 2022 World Champion Peter Wright and Sherrock, the first woman to win a match at the World Championship, will be competing, as well as Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, Jonny Clayton, James Wade, Michael Smith and more.

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Professional darts has a large following in the UK, and tournaments have a partylike aura to them, with costumes, nicknames, hairstyles and more.

"The atmosphere is always electric — it's loud. It's just a really good vibe," Sherrock said, "(with) the music and they all get into it.  I want to make the crowd explode."

Sherrock, who made history in 2019 with her victories at the World Championship, is looking forward to introducing the sport to American audiences. She loves the game, and has proven women can hold their own in play against men.

"I love the adrenaline, the fact that you can only do (it)," she said. "You're not relying on a team or anything like that. What you put in is what you get out."

Sherrock said since her victory, many young female players have reached out to say that she inspired them to pick up the sport.

She is hopeful that spark, in addition to an expanding Professional Darts Corporation Women's Series, will encourage more women to play professionally.

"It'll give people more confidence ... getting the confidence that we need to boost them to succeed and push the game a bit more," she said.

Sherrock urges those who have never seen professional darts before to head to the tournament.

"It's a good atmosphere. It should be a fun night," she said. "Just go and enjoy yourself, just chill, watch darts. The music's always good. They put on a really good show."

The New York event is part of the World Series of Darts, promoted by the PDC, which is a series of worldwide tournaments ahead of a season-ending World Series Finals.

The matches take place at the Hulu Theatre at Madison Square Garden, with events at 7 p.m. Friday, June 3, and 1 and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 4.

For tickets and more information, visit the Madison Square Garden box office, Ticketmaster or msg.com.

Ilana Keller is an award-winning journalist and lifelong New Jersey resident who loves Broadway and really bad puns. Reach out on Twitter: @ilanakeller; ikeller@gannettnj.com

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Professional darts at Madison Square Garden in NYC for first time