Hangar61 has officially opened its doors as the new Winmau International Darts Centre,
marking a significant milestone for the future of junior darts. The ribbon-cutting ceremony
was led by JDC Chairman Steve Brown and Winmau CEO Tom Brown as they were earlier
joined on stage by Winmau Ambassador Wayne Mardle.
The state-of-the-art venue features 20 world-class match boards and will serve as the new
home for many of the Junior Darts Corporation’s premier competitions, including the Junior
Power League, as well as the Advanced and Foundation Tours.
Steve Brown, who first set up the Junior Darts Corporation 16 years ago said: "I’m really
proud of what we’ve achieved here, and it’s been a big effort from a lot of people. The
venue is absolutely magnificent and it’s going to benefit a huge number of kids from all
over the world."
"The JDC has come so far in the last 16 years, to be able to offer this environment not just
for the incredible players we have in the system but for the community as well."
Designed to provide a professional and high-performance environment, Hangar61 aims to
support the development of young players and elevate standards across the sport, by
offering consistent playing conditions and a dedicated competition hub.
The venue, which is based in Patchway, Bristol, will also serve as an educational hub for
the JDC and will host educational programme’s as well as becoming a major asset for the
local community by providing private entertainment and event spaces.
Winmau ambassador marveled at the new venue, saying: “The youth of today have such a
headstart; they’re now going to be learning in a professional environment. Darts has a
responsibility to nurture the next generation, and the JDC by committing these excellent
new facilities are doing exactly that."
"This is the absolute start of not just the next generation and the next professionals, but
the next World Champions in the sport. There’s got to be one of two in this room today!"
This landmark opening signals the beginning of a new era for the Junior Darts Corporation,
reinforcing its commitment to investing infrastructure and creating pathways for future
stars of the game, as well as providing a safe and professional environment for young
players to learn and experience the game.
