Gerwyn Price has new feelings towards Ally Pally amid move to make atmosphere even bigger

Darts star Gerwyn Price says he is no longer dreads playing at Alexandra Palace ahead of the PDC World Darts Championship.

The Welshman has reluctantly played the pantomime villain over the years, voicing his complaints over the famous partisan crowd in north London.

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Price wore ear defenders to block out the fans in 2023, while also threatening to boycott the event over what he felt was an unfair disadvantage.

In 2024, the former world champion called for the tournament to be rotated around different venues.

However, Price was given a warm reception throughout the most recent World Championship as his popularity continues to rise.

And with the PDC announcing that it will move into Ally Pally’s Great Hall next year, Price does not seem to mind that things are about to get even louder.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he said: “It’s much better now that the crowd’s on my side.

“It’s been tough over the years – but especially the last couple of months – they’re right behind me.

“So I’m actually looking forward to going to Ally Pally this year.”

Despite rumours of a move to Saudi Arabia, the World Championship will remain at the iconic venue until at least 2031, boosting capacity to 180,000+ fans and over 5,000 per session.

Price added: “It wasn’t [enjoyable] for me obviously for certain reasons, but I love playing in the Premier League and some of those are the biggest venues with the biggest crowds.

“But yeah, Ally Pally with the atmosphere, I don’t think you can beat that.”

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Ally Pally’s new Beau

Price faces Czech player Adam Gawlas in his opening match on December 16 – though it is a game three days later that is garnering much attention.

Three-time women’s world champion Beau Greaves, who looks set to become the newest crowd favourite, takes on veteran Daryl Gurney.

Greaves will be making her second appearance at the Palace, fresh off the back of beating world no.1 Luke Littler in the PDC World Youth Championship earlier this year.

When asked if he will be rooting for her, Price said: “I’m not sure because I don’t know if I want to play her further down the line.

“Do we want her to stay in or do we want her to go out? I’m not sure.

“For someone to win so many games and so many tournaments on the bounce, she’s in a level of her own in terms of the ladies’ game.

“She can even live with anyone in the men’s game as well. She’s playing brilliant.”