THE Professional Darts Corporation are delighted to confirm that BetVictor have extended their title sponsorship of the BetVictor World Matchplay, ahead of tickets going on sale for the summer's showpiece event.
The 2016 BetVictor World Matchplay will be the 23rd staging of the event, which was first held at Blackpool's Winter Gardens in 1994 and has been won 15 times by the legendary Phil Taylor before Michael van Gerwen claimed last year's title.
This year's tournament will be staged from July 16-24 and will be the first to be played under a new three-year contract with leading bookmakers BetVictor, who have been title sponsors since 2013.
"We're delighted that BetVictor have extended their sponsorship of the World Matchplay," said PDC Chairman Barry Hearn. "We thank BetVictor for their ongoing support of both the PDC and the World Matchplay through this deal.
"The BetVictor World Matchplay is a prestigious championship at a world-famous venue, and always provides a thrilling nine days for fans watching live at the Winter Gardens, live on Sky Sports or worldwide."
BetVictor Director of Sportsbook Matt Scarrott said: "We are delighted to extend our sponsorship of the BetVictor World Matchplay championship at the iconic Winter Gardens in Blackpool for a further three years.
"The week is not only one of the most eagerly-awaited events on the darts calendar, but is now an integral part of the summer of sport and a wonderful vehicle to showcase our brand to a global audience."
Reigning BetVictor World Matchplay champion van Gerwen is currently the 7/4 favourite with the sponsors to retain his Winter Gardens title this July.
World Champion Gary Anderson is 9/2 to claim his first World Matchplay title, while 15-time Blackpool winner Taylor is rated at 6/1 to win back the trophy this summer.
BetVictor World Matchplay
Selected Outright Odds
7/4 Michael van Gerwen
9/2 Gary Anderson
6/1 Phil Taylor
12/1 Adrian Lewis
16/1 Peter Wright
18/1 Dave Chisnall
20/1 James Wade
For full odds, visit the BetVictor website
The 2016 BetVictor World Matchplay will kick off on Saturday July 16, two sessions on Sunday July 17 before the first round concludes on Monday July 18.
The second round is split across Tuesday July 19 and Wednesday July 20, with the quarter-finals on Thursday July 21 and Friday July 22.
The semi-finals will take place on Saturday July 23, with the £450,000 tournament concluding with the final on Sunday July 24.
Tickets for the 2016 BetVictor World Matchplay will go on Priority Sale to LIVEPDC.TV Annual Subscribers through online sales only from Wednesday February 17.
Tickets will then go on General Sale from Monday February 22, with online sales accompanied by telephone and in-person sales via the Winter Gardens Box Office.
Key Dates
Sunday February 14 (11.59pm): Cut-off to be a www.LIVEPDC.TV Annual Subscriber to be eligible for the Priority Sales Period.
Wednesday February 17 (9am): Priority Sales Period with online sales only - link to be confirmed here in due course.
Monday February 22 (9am): General Sale Period with sales via the Winter Gardens Box Office via telephone, in person and online.
2016 BetVictor World Matchplay
Session Times & Ticket Prices
Saturday July 16 (7pm-11pm)
First Round x4
Table Tickets £36
Balcony/Standing Tickets £31
Sunday July 17
Afternoon Session (1pm-5pm)
First Round x4
Table Tickets £31
Balcony/Standing Tickets £26
Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
First Round x4
Table Tickets £31
Balcony/Standing Tickets £26
Monday July 18 (7pm-11pm)
First Round x4
Table Tickets £26
Balcony/Standing Tickets £21
Tuesday July 19 (7pm-12am)
Second Round x4
Table Tickets £26
Balcony/Standing Tickets £21
Wednesday July 20 (7pm-12am)
Second Round x4
Table Tickets £31
Balcony/Standing Tickets £26
Thursday July 21 (7pm-11pm)
Quarter-Finals x2
Table Tickets £36
Balcony/Standing Tickets £31
Friday July 22 (7pm-11pm)
Quarter-Finals x2
Table Tickets £41
Balcony/Standing Tickets £36
Saturday July 23 (7pm-10pm)
Semi-Finals
Table Tickets £46
Balcony/Standing Tickets £41
Sunday July 24 (7pm-9pm)
Final
Table Tickets £51
Balcony/Standing Tickets £46
Season Ticket (Table Ticket for all sessions): £245
Ticket prices above do not include any relevant booking/transaction fees.
Tickets are restricted to eight per person per session.
A Family Enclosure will be available on the West Balcony and groups must confirm at least one Under-18 in their party.
Standard PDC Terms & Conditions apply, which can be seen at www.pdc.tv/tickets.