Star introduces online darts tournament for pubs

The free online competition, which has been sponsored by Strongbow, aims to increase midweek sales in the pubcos community wet-led venues ahead of the festive season.

It follows increased interest in the sport as competitor Luke Littler put darts back in the limelight with his recent success.

Designed to meet customer demand for experiences that add value to pub visits and provide an occasion for spectators and players alike, the tournament will be held on Tuesday nights from October to early December.

Adding excitement 

Training evenings will also be held in September to allow teams to familiarise themselves with the online technology.

Different pub teams will play live against each other, and licensees will be able to livestream their opponents on screens in their pubs. Spot prizes ranging from bucket hats to a Luke Littler signed T-shirt will add excitement.

Participating pubs will receive free PoS material and digital assets as well as branded kit, such as darts flights, to professionalise their darts offer.

In addition, the whole of the winning team will get tickets to the World Darts Championships as well as a visit from a darts pro to their pub.

Boost sales

Star Pubs retail director Cathy Olver said: “We know from our own estate that darts is an incredibly important income driver for pubs, ranking second only to football for live sports revenue.

“The demographic for darts enthusiasts is changing in our pubs; more women are playing and watching and helped by Luke Littler’s success, increasing number of younger people are becoming fans of the sport and getting involved, too.

“The tournament will enable licensees to boost their sales on quieter nights whilst building their pub’s reputation for darts and getting in on the trend for competitive socialising.”