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Major League Baseball Stadiums Ranked By Seating Capacity

Variety of stadiums is a major part of baseball. Where atmosphere and facilities are usually the focus in other sports, the specific dimensions and conditions of an MLB ballpark have a direct impact on gameplay.

The biggest MLB stadiums can rival the top sports arenas in the Premier League, holding over 50,000 spectators.

Biggest Major League Baseball Stadiums:

Dodger Stadium – 56,000
Coors Field – 50,144
Chase Field – 48,405
T-Mobile Park – 47,929
Yankee Stadium – 46,537
Angel Stadium – 45,517
Busch Stadium – 45,494
Oriole Park at Camden Yards – 44,970
Great American Ball Park – 43,500
Citizens Bank Park – 42,792
Citi Field – 41,922
Miller Park – 41,900
Wrigley Field – 41,649
Rogers Centre – 41,500
Nationals Park – 41,339
Oracle Park – 41,265
Minute Maid Park – 41,168
Truist Park – 41,084
Comerica Park – 41,083
Guaranteed Rate Field – 40,615
Globe Life Field – 40,300
Petco Park – 40,209
PNC Park – 38,747
Target Field – 38,544
Kauffman Stadium – 37,903
Fenway Park – 37,755
Marlins Park – 36,742
Progressive Field – 34,830
George M. Steinbrenner Field -- 11,026
Sutter Health Park -- 10,624

While not always full, the dimensions, the climate, are important factors to take into any baseball betting decision.

From smallest to biggest, we have ranked MLB’s permanent stadia.

30) Sutter Health Park -- 10,624

The temporary home of the Oakland Athletics has the smallest capacity among all MLB stadiums. It is one of two minor-league ballparks in use for the 2025 regular season. Tampa Bay’s Tropicana Field gets more than its fair share of criticism.

The controversial move to Las Vegas is still in the works, so it's up in the air how long the A's will call Sacramento home.

29) George M. Steinbrenner Field -- 11,026

Hurricane damage has taken Tropicana Field out of action for the 2025 season.

The Tampa Bay Rays will be playing at George M. Steinbrenner Field as a result, while over $55 million worth of work is carried out on the Trop.

28) Progressive Field – 34,830

Home of the Cleveland Indians, Progressive Field is the third-smallest stadium in MLB.

Progressive Field hosted the Chicago Cubs’ famous World Series triumph in 2016 as Cleveland blew a 3-1 lead in the Fall Classic.

27) Marlins Park – 36,742

With a small fan base and struggling to compete in the fierce NL East, the Marlins often have a lot of empty seats.

Marlins Park has changed in recent years, but they are still a long way of building a loyal following in football-loving Florida.

26) Fenway Park – 37,755

As famous as sporting venues come, Fenway Park is the oldest active MLB stadium, and despite its relatively small capacity, can produce quite an atmosphere.

The Green Monster is iconic. The pesky pole makes it a great place for lefty sluggers. Fenway should be on everyone’s bucket list.

25) Kauffman Stadium – 37,903

Home of the 2015 World Series champions, fans at Kauffman Stadium had to endure a long rebuild until Bobby Witt Jr. arrived in the big leagues.

24) Target Field – 38,544

Target Field has enjoyed some renovations in recent years, including a brand new scoreboard.

23) PNC Park – 38,747

On the North Shore in Pittsburgh, the Pirates’ PNC Park backs on to the Allegheny river. Night games have a great view of the steel city’s skyline.

22) Petco Park – 40,209

Located in downtown San Diego, the home of the Padres houses just over 40,000 people, who can enjoy the view from the towering stands or wander around the pedestrianised area behind the outfield seats.

21) Globe Life Field – 40,300

Built for the 2020 season and used as a neutral Playoff venue, the Texas Rangers’ stadium didn't have to wait long to enjoy success, with the Rangers winning the 2023 World Series.

20) Guaranteed Rate Field – 40,615

A great place to watch a night game, the Chicago White Sox’s Guaranteed Rate Field hasn’t seen much exciting baseball in recent years. Their 2024 season was historically bad.

19) Comerica Park – 41,083

Detroit’s Comerica Park is not a friendly place for hitters. Early season can be pretty chilly for Tigers players.

18) Truist Park – 41,084

Built just a few years ago, the Atlanta Braves’ new home has already hosted some spectacular postseason moments. With Ronald Acuna and co., they will hope for plenty more in the years to come.

17) Minute Maid Park – 41,168

One of seven stadia with a retractable roof, Minute Maid Park is a great place to watch baseball, complete with a train which makes a quick trip on its short track whenever the Astros hit a homer.

16) Oracle Park – 41,265

Sporting venues don’t come much better than the San Francisco Giants’ Oracle Park. Home to one of the greatest MLB dynasties, it is a stadium steeped in history.

Located on the bay, the majority of spectators have a view of the water, and hitters will occasionally launch the ball into the sea.

15) Nationals Park – 41,339

Nationals Park is an impressive, if slightly dull, venue. It neither favours the batter nor the pitchers, and the dimensions are uniform all the way round.

14) Rogers Centre – 41,500

The last North American sports venue built to accommodate football and baseball, the Blue Jays’ Rogers Centre is a multipurpose arena used for all sorts.

Previously called the SkyDome, the Rogers Centre has a fully retractable roof. People on the observation deck of the nearby CN Tower can look into the stadium when the roof is open.

13) Wrigley Field – 41,649

The glorious main entrance, the erratic gales of the Windy City, the ivy-covered brick, its throwback scoreboard.

Wrigley Field opened in 1914 and has retained so much of its charm, along with a devout Cubs fan base. The Cubs ranked ninth in average attendance in 2023.

12) Miller Park – 41,900

A place that favours hitters, Miller Park is a standard ballpark. The slide in the outfield gives the place a bit of character.

11) Citi Field – 41,922

Home of the New York Mets, Citi Field succeeded the wonderful Shea Stadium. Some things were retained from Shea, including the big, red home run apple.

10) Citizens Bank Park – 42,792

Philadelphia’s fans have a reputation for their hostility towards opponents.

It’s no different at Citizens Bank Park than it is at Wells Fargo Center or Lincoln Financial Field.

9) Great American Ball Park – 43,500

A place where hitters see their numbers explode and pitchers are panicking whenever the ball goes in the air, Great American Ball Park has been through some difficult years with the Reds struggling, but Cincy are heading towards contention again.

8) Oriole Park at Camden Yards – 44,970

Camden Yards changed the way baseball approached stadia. It broke a trend of multi-purpose venues, and saw more teams go for retro-asymmetrical parks.

So many have followed the retro-classic look of Oriole Park since it was built in the early 1990s.

7) Busch Stadium – 45,494

Following a similar format to many others, fans can take in the downtown St. Louis skyline from Busch Stadium, or they can visit the statues of former Cardinal greats including Stan Musial, Lou Brock and Bob Gibson.

6) Angel Stadium – 45,517

Angel Stadium hasn’t hosted a playoff game since 2014. That won’t be changing any time soon with Shohei Ohtani playing across Los Angeles and Mike Trout on the decline.

5) Yankee Stadium – 46,537

Always in the mix in online MLB betting odds, the New York Yankees’ home is a popular spot for New York’s millions of tourists.

It doesn’t have the same historic significance as the old Yankee Stadium, but it’s still a wonderful place to watch baseball.

4) T-Mobile Park – 47,929

The birth of T-Mobile Park came on the back of a Seattle Mariners postseason appearance in the 1990s amid threats to relocate the team.

The result was an incredible venue featuring a state-of-the-art roof.

3) Chase Field – 48,686

Located in Arizona, the Diamondbacks’ Chase Field has a roof for different reasons to many others.

The sweltering Arizonan heat can prove too much, but the roof still allows sunlight in without overheating the players or spectators.

A complex cooling system enables baseball to be played regardless of the weather.

2) Coors Field – 50,445

By far the biggest playing area in MLB, Colorado’s Coors Field is vast in every way. It’s one of two MLB stadia with a baseball capacity of over 50,000.

Over 1,500 metres above sea level, Coors has a reputation as a major hitters park with the ball carrying a long way off the bat.

Efforts have been made to reduce this over time, but you’d still rather be at the plate than on the mound.

1) Dodger Stadium – 56,000

The third-oldest stadium in MLB, Dodger Stadium has the biggest capacity by far. It was completed in 1962, four years after the Los Angeles Dodgers swapped New York for south California.

Located at the top of Chavez Ravine, and a symbol of sport in Los Angeles, Dodger Stadium will not be changing any time soon.

They have a conditional-use permit which limits the capacity at 56,000.

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*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*

March 19, 2024

Baseball

By Sam Cox

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Sam is a sports tipster, specialising in the Premier League and Champions League.

He covers most sports, including cricket and Formula One. Sam particularly enjoys those on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean – notably MLB and NBA.

Watching, writing and talking about sports betting takes up most of his time, whether that is for a day out at T20 Finals Day or a long night of basketball.

Having been writing for several years, Sam has been working with 888Sport since 2016, contributing multiple articles per week to the blog.

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The Greatest 9 Dart Finishes In The History Of Darts

Darts has gone from the traditional pub game to a fully functioning sport in a relatively short space of time – and darts is now watched by millions around the world.

Hitting a nine dart finish is akin to scoring a hat-trick; you are adored by fans in attendance and 9 darter highlight reels can be found splashed across social media.

Best 9 Dart Finish Guide:

For darts betting fans, the nine dart finish is a popular pick – whether that is for a player to hit the perfect leg in a set, match or game.

The sport has evolved somewhat since John Lowe notched the first televised nine darter in 1984, with fans almost expecting a perfect leg every time one of the top players opens with a 180.

Here, we look at some of the best 9 dart finishes in the sport. From the top TV nine darters to darts prize money for the perfect 9 darter, we’ve got you covered here at 888sport.

Televised Nine Darters

John Lowe is credited with being the first player to record a 9 dart finish at a televised event, with the Englishman recording a perfect leg at the 1984 World Matchplay.

Meanwhile, Premier League Darts is the top darts event for televised 9 dart finishes.

With as many as 14 perfect legs recorded since the event was formed in 2005, the cream of the crop put on a show in the Premier League. Raymond van Barneveld recorded the first Premier League nine-darter back in 2006, and we had to wait until the final in 2010 for anyone to match that feat.

According to the PDC records, Phil Taylor leads the way with a sensational 11 nine darters – ahead of Michael van Gerwen (10) and both Raymond van Barneveld and Adrian Lewis (5).

‘The Power’ is widely accepted as the greatest darts player of all-time and he certainly sets the standard when it comes to televised performances. He was a popular pick in darts betting tips throughout his exceptional career.

In 2023, Fallon Sherrock became the first woman to record a televised nine-dart finish. In April 2025, Luke Littler recorded the 101st televised nine-darter in Manchester, which was the fifth nine-darter of the Premier League season.

Most Nine Dart Finishes

Michael van Gerwen - 24
Phil Taylor - 22
Adrian Lewis - 14
Dave Chisnall - 11
Simon Whitlock - 11
James Wade - 9
Raymond van Barneveld - 9

Hitting a 9 darter is one of the top achievements for any darts player. Could we see one of the rising darts stars climb onto this list in the near future?

Greatest 9 Darters – World Darts Championship

Despite a drought of nine-dart finishes between 2016 and 2021, the World Championship is still the second most successful event in terms of 9 darters. There were four nine-dart finishes across the 2022 and 2023 editions, which is the most ever over a two-year span.

Incredibly, Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor failed to hit a nine dart finish in a World Championship match during his illustrious career, despite winning 16 world titles.

Paul Lim became the first player in World Darts Championship history to score the perfect leg back in 1990 – and that was in the BDO rather than the PDC.

Dean Winstanley hit one of the most famous 9 darters at the 2012 World Championship – with unrivalled joy spread across his face as he clinched a cool £7,500 bonus.

Unfortunately, Winstanley went on to lose the match to Vincent van der Voort but those in attendance at the Alexandra Palace will never forget his jubilant 9 darter celebration.

To this day, Raymond van Barneveld and Adrian Lewis are the only players to score two 9 dart finishes at the PDC World Championship.

Both players will go down as darts legends and Barney’s second nine dart finish sent the Ally Pally into raptures – darts fans will always remember the Dutchman’s impact on the biggest stage of all.

How Many Ways Can You Get A 9 Dart Finish?

There are 3944 different ways to hit a nine darter. Incredibly, the most popular final dart for the checkout is the bullseye with 2,296 nine darters ending on that.

Most darts fans will be familiar with nine dart finishes ending on double 12 – that is arguably the ‘go to’ way for the majority of modern dart players.

Again, the vast majority of 9 darters start with a player targeting the treble 20. The reason is simple: this is the highest scoring area on a dart board.

Logic dictates that most players will start on treble 20 with the possibility of opting for treble 19 as another high scoring alternative.

The most common method of attempting a nine dart finish usually involves leaving 141, with three possible 9 darter routes for players:

Treble 20 (60), Treble 19 (57), Double 12 (24)
Treble 20 (60), Treble 15 (45), Double 18 (36)
Treble 17 (51), Treble 18 (54), Double 18 (36)

Like the greatest 147 snooker breaks, the nine dart finish is the ultimate achievement. There may be 3944 unique ways to hit the perfect leg but that does not make it any easier.

You have to be incredibly talented at the oche to hold your nerve and only the best darts players will record a 9 darter.

How Often Do Nine Dart Finishes Happen?

A total of 534 nine dart finishes have been recorded in PDC history, with modern day players hitting 9 darters for fun.

47 nine darters were thrown in 2019, with 25 perfect legs scored during a disrupted 2020 calendar. In 2024, 58 nine darters were thrown in PDC events, which absolutely smashed the previous record.

According to PDC darts statistics, just 10 nine dart finishes had been recorded prior to 2006 – a fact that shows the increase in quality of play in recent years.

What Is The Prize Money For A 9 Dart Finish?

The prize money awarded for hitting a nine dart finish varies depending on tournament – though many events are steering clear of a bonus for the perfect leg.

Due to the high standard of play in recent years, the 9 darter is getting more popular. In fact, there were a record 47 successful nine-dart finishes in 2019.

The bonus for recording TWO perfect legs at the 2020 PDC World Darts Championship was £100,000. Unfortunately for darts fans around the world, the bonus went unclaimed.

Nowadays, it is universally accepted that there will not be a nine dart finish bonus for most major darts tournaments. Instead, this sum will be added to darts tournament prize money.

PDC Nine-Dart Club

However, there is a nine-dart finish tradition that has been left in place. A player will be inducted into the PDC Nine-Dart Club if they successfully complete the perfect leg.

If a player hits a nine darter in a non-televised event, they are awarded a Silver Pin Badge. If a player hits a 9 dart finish in a televised competition, they receive a Gold Pin Badge.

Best Darts Players For Nine Darters

Michael van Gerwen is one of two players (Phil Taylor being the other) to hit two nine-dart finishes in the same match.

The Dutchman leads the way with an impressive 24 nine dart finishes throughout his career – eclipsing Taylor’s tally of 22 perfect legs.

Adrian Lewis, Dave Chisnall and Simon Whitlock are next up with 12, 11 and 11 nine dart finishes respectively. If anything, this shows the gulf in class between Van Gerwen, Taylor and their rivals.

While the latter has failed to win the PDC World Championship, Lewis is a two-time world champion and he is one of the best darts players of all-time.

March 19, 2024

Darts

By Alex McMahon

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Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible.

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Boxing Weight Classes - Boxing Weight Divisions

Like most sports, boxing has evolved throughout time to maintain its status in the modern era. Boxing betting fans still enjoy watching a heavyweight title fight but it is no longer the be all and end all.

With a number of boxing divisions for the boxing weight classes, punters can get stuck into major upcoming bouts on a regular basis.

The sport has changed somewhat since the days of Muhammad Ali but most would say it has changed for the better…

Boxing Weight Classes

Nowadays, British boxing is thriving and the United Kingdom fighters are dominating some of the biggest divisions in the sport.

With the likes of Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury flying the flag in the heavyweight division, boxing fans in Britain have been spoiled in recent years.

Without further ado, it is time to take a closer look at the boxing divisions. Our guide to the boxing weight classes begins with a list, sorted by the upper limits of each division.

Professional Boxing Weight Classes

The traditional seven weight class format has been replaced in modern years, with a total of 17 divisions recognised by professional boxing governing bodies as of 2015.

For those who prefer to read boxing weight classes in stone, you can find information online that will convert boxing divisions for fight fans.

Minimumweight, 105 pounds (48kg)
Light Flyweight, 108 pounds (49kg)
Flyweight, 112 pounds (51kg)
Super Flyweight, 155 pounds (52kg)
Bantamweight, 118 pounds (53.5kg)
Super Bantamweight, 122 pounds (55kg)
Featherweight, 126 pounds (57kg)
Super Featherweight, 130 pounds (59kg)
Lightweight, 135 pounds (61kg)
Super Lightweight, 140 pounds (63.5kg)
Welterweight, 147 pounds (67kg)
Super Welterweight, 154 pounds (70kg)
Middleweight, 160 pounds (72.5kg)
Super Middleweight, 168 pounds (76kg)
Light Heavyweight, 175 pounds (79kg)
Cruiserweight, 200 pounds (91kg)
Heavyweight, unlimited

Amateur Boxing Weight Classes

The Olympic-style amateur boxing weight classes differ slightly to the professional boxing weight classes.

This is something to bear in mind when looking at boxing odds at the Olympic Games – the format of amateur boxing is very different to the professional sport. This is, however, where some of the biggest stars have made their name. It's important to familiarise yourself with the differences between amateur and professional boxing before tuning into the Olympics.

Again, the upper limits of each amateur boxing division determine the weight class for each fighter – here is a list of the amateur boxing weights:

Light Flyweight, no more than 108 pounds (49kg)
Flyweight, 115 pounds (52kg)
Bantamweight, 123 pounds (56kg)
Lightweight, 132 pounds (60kg)
Light Welterweight, 141 pounds (64kg)
Welterweight, 152 pounds (69kg)
Middleweight, 165 pounds (75kg)
Light Heavyweight, 178 pounds (81kg)
Heavyweight, 201 pounds (91kg)
Super Heavyweight, any weight over 201 pounds (91kg)

Difference Between Amateur And Professional Boxing Weight Classes

The first thing you’ll notice is the number of weight classes for the respective sports. In amateur boxing, there are 10 weight classes compared to 17 professional divisions.

Because of this, the amateur divisions have ‘wider’ weight limits – making it easier to make the weight without going into the next weight class up or down.

Professional boxing weight classes start with minimumweight at 105 lbs while light flyweight is the opening weight class for amateur boxers at 108 lbs.

By the same token, there is a super heavyweight division for amateurs while professional boxers over 200 lbs are still classed as heavyweights.

Boxing Weight Classes Champions

There are four major sanctioning bodies in professional boxing:

World Boxing Association (WBA)
World Boxing Council (WBC)
International Boxing Federation (IBF)
World Boxing Organisation (WBO)

American boxing magazine The Ring also award their own world title, having done so since 1922. However, the four major belts are the ones that everyone wants to win.

With that in mind, there are four world champions in each professional boxing weight class – take the heavyweight division for example.

Oleksandr Usyk is the WBA super champion, the IBF champion and the WBO champion while Tyson Fury holds the WBC heavyweight belt.

This can make things confusing for casual boxing fans but 888sport can keep you updated with the latest fight night news and boxing champions information.

Women Boxing Weight Classes

Women’s boxing is on the rise, with the likes of Katie Taylor and Clarissa Shields helping to boost the profile and attraction of the sport.

According to BoxRec, there are 17 professional boxing weight classes for women fighters, ranging from Light Minimumweight to Heavyweight.

It must be said – Vanessa Lepage Joanisse is the only current heavyweight champion. Lani Daniels only holds one of the four light heavyweight belts.

At the time of writing, there are four undisputed women’s boxing champions; the supremely talented Katie Taylor, Savannah Marshall, Claressa Shields and Alycia Baumgardner.

Women boxers were allowed to compete for the first time at the Olympic Games back in 2012 and that opened the doors for younger fighters coming through the ranks.

As of March 2024, there are six female Olympic boxing weight classes. Here are the current women boxing divisions ahead of the Olympic Games:

50kg
54kg
57kg
60kg
66kg
75kg

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*Credit for all photos in this article belongs to Alamy*

August 25, 2023

Boxing

By Alex McMahon

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Alex is a sports betting tipster, specialising in Premier League football, the Champions League and horse racing.

He loves placing a weekly accumulator on the football at the weekend and dreams of landing the big winner that will take him back to Las Vegas.

As well as writing sports betting tips for 888sport since 2015, Alex has produced content for several international media companies, such as Goal.com and The SPORTBible.

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The Best Darts Walk On Songs (Past & Present)

Nowadays, darts is unrecognisable compared to 20 years ago.

From live darts betting odds on the Premier League to the hype surrounding darts walk on songs, the sport has evolved and tungsten fans follow darts news all year round.

The biggest darts event of the year is the PDC World Championship, with an incredible £2.5 million in prize money up for grabs.

Best Darts Walk On Songs:

The crowd plays a major part in modern darts. Whether that is hyping players up on the way to the oche or celebrating a nine dart finish, darts relies on crowd interaction.

Without further ado, it is time to look at our top five best darts walk on songs. Keep an eye out for these darts walk ons during the upcoming PDC World Darts Championship.

Luke Littler Walk On Song

Luke Littler has Greenlight by Pitbull, LunchMoney Lewis, and Flo Rida for his walk-on song. Litter -- who has taken the darts world by storm since breaking onto the scene -- has been a neutral's favourite from day one.

Mr. Worldwide's 2016 song is far from his biggest hit -- ranking a highest of 17th in the charts -- but it was also used as the theme song for WrestleMania.

Luke Humphries Walk On Song

Cool Hand Luke goes back to his childhood with The Kaiser Chiefs' I Predict A Riot. Released in 2004, before Humphries' 10th birthday, the song has long been an anthem at sporting events.

Unsurprisingly, the well-oiled darts crowds love getting up to Ricky Wilson's high-tempo tune.

Stephen Bunting Walk On Song

A lot of darts players look at the 2010s biggest hits when picking their walk-on songs. Stephen Bunting is no exception, selecting Titanium by David Guetta and Sia to get the crowd moving.

Bunting is a performer during his walk on, trying to rile up the crowd as the 2011 hit belts out around the arena.

Peter Wright Walk On Song

Probably the most iconic darts walk on song of the modern era, Wright makes his way to the stage with Pitbull’s Don’t Stop The Party pumping the crowd up.

He reaches the stage but his darts walk on isn’t finished there. The Scot dances across the entire stage in a bid to excite the darts fans in attendance.

Nicknamed Snakebite, Wright is one of the biggest characters in the sport and his darts walk on is an iconic part of his act.

Michael van Gerwen Walk On Song

Seven Nation Army is a song linked to a number of famous sport entrances and it has been the choice of ‘Mighty’ Michael van Gerwen since breaking onto the scene.

Widely regarded as one of the best darts players of all-time, Van Gerwen’s darts walk on is particularly poignant because of the popularity of the White Stripes song.

Among the most successful players in the sport's history, Van Gerwen's walk-on song has been heard more often than most of his peers.

Adrian Lewis Walk On Song

A two-time PDC world champion, Lewis is one of a few players to change their darts walk on song in recent years.

‘Money for Nothing’ by Dire Straits was his darts walk on song but Lewis now comes onto the stage to Papas Got A Brand New Pigbag.

This is one of the more upbeat darts walk on songs and Lewis often receives a warm welcome because of this switch.

Fallon Sherrock Walk On Song

The first female darts player to win a PDC World Championship match, Sherrock wrote her name in the history books in 2019.

Now known as the ‘Queen of the Palace’, Sherrock walks onto the stage to Katy Perry’s Last Friday Night.

While not the most intimidating darts walk on song choice, it is synonymous with Sherrock and her exploits at the 2020 PDC World Championship.

Simon Whitlock Walk On Song

Nicknamed ‘the Wizard’, Whitlock pays homage to his native Australia with his darts walk on song, Down Under.

The Men At Work track is known all around the world and darts fans can be seen belting out the lyrics at every televised event.

The 2010 PDC World Championship runner up has struggled at the Alexandra Palace in recent years but he is still one of the most popular figures in the sport.

Famous Darts Walk On Music:

Darts fans will remember the Ted Hankey walk on theme while Raymond van Barneveld’s walk on music is a hit known around the world.

Here, we look at three of the best darts walk on songs from retired players, starting with 16-time PDC world champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor.

Phil Taylor Walk On Song

In terms of longevity, nobody can match the great Phil Taylor. His choice of walk on song, The Power by Snap, only enhances his legendary status in the sport.

While not the most energetic en route to the stage, Taylor’s grand entrance and dramatic version of the track helps build anticipation.

Taylor’s decision to retire was probably right – the 16-time world champion went out on a high and nobody will dare take The Power’s darts walk on song from him.

Wayne Mardle Walk On Song

If this was a list of the most iconic darts walk ons, Wayne Mardle’s entrance to the stage would sit at the very top of the list.

The legendary Hawaii Five-O theme always gets the crowd excited and Mardle was the master at playing down the occasion – making light of any situation.

While he failed to win the PDC World Championship throughout his career, his darts walk on lives long in the memory and he is now the voice of darts in the commentary box.

Raymond van Barneveld Walk On Song

If ever a darts walk on song summed up a player, it is Eye Of The Tiger by Survivor for five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld.

A fan favourite throughout his career, Barney’s walk on was eagerly anticipated at every major event and darts fans would pay homage by wearing Netherlands shirts.

Try stopping darts fans from a rendition of ‘Barney Army’ after the music stops playing over the tannoy – it is just as iconic as the Dutchman’s legendary walk on.

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*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*

March 19, 2024

Darts

By Sam Cox

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Who Are The Best Women’s Football Teams In The World?

England’s Lionesses are among the world’s elite
Internationally, the USWNT are still the side to beat
Lyons are officially the best club side in world football but only for now

At club level and internationally these teams continue to take the fastest growing sport in the world to new heights, pushing the boundaries and winning silverware by the plentiful.

Best Women’s International Soccer Teams

10) Australia

The Matildas’ slow-build to prominence enjoyed a substantial accelerated boost when they co-hosted last summer’s World Cup, reaching the semi-finals in the process.

Their journey, that included a thrilling penalty shoot-out victory over a side in France who were much fancied in the online betting, ignited interest in the sport down under and saw Tony Gustavsson’s team on the front pages from Sydney to Perth.

Whether that’s a high-water mark or the start of something special remains to be seen but certainly the latter is a possibility given the thousands of Australian girls who have been inspired to take up the game.

Not for nothing, the Matildas are also fronted by Sam Kerr, one of the greatest players in the history of women’s football.

9) Brazil

The Canarinhas have gained an unwelcome reputation for being nearly women in recent years, so often encountering misfortune at World Cups and winning the less desirable metals at the Olympics.

Yet still they remain a force to be reckoned with, re-entering the FIFA tip ten rankings these past twelve months with a young side determined to outshine their predecessors and go the full distance.

The post-Marta age of Brazilian women’s football looks full of promise.

8) Japan

For Brazil, read Japan then additionally factor in that women’s football is a very big deal in East Asia with a full professional league launched in 2021/22.

Many a football prediction tipped the Nadeshiko to reach the last eight at last year’s World Cup and they duly did that, delighting fans with their attacking mandate until exiting in close fashion to Sweden. One prominent pundit described them as a ‘joy to watch’.

Furthermore, even better things await them, this being a young side nowhere near its peak.

7) Holland

Oranje remain a technically skilled and eminently watchable outfit and that hasn’t changed even if results have gone against them on the biggest stages in recent years.

For that reason alone, they have drifted out to seventh in our rankings where previously they would have been much higher.

With the formidable partnership of Lieke Martens and Arsenal’s Vivianne Miedema up front the Netherlands are an offensive threat but a failure to qualify for this summer’s Olympics has to count against them.

6) France

With the explosive and exceptional Kadidiatou Diani in attack supplemented by the emerging Vicki Becho, Les Bleues have the firepower to trouble the great and the good, while elsewhere theirs is a team sprinkled with genuine quality, mainly sourced from an all-conquering Lyon side.

Yet continually, a last four spot in a major tournament deserts them, last summer’s penalty trauma at the hands of host nation Australia the latest example of an if-only.

This summer’s Olympics being held in France naturally makes 2024 a huge year for Herve Renard’s side.

5) Sweden

Whether it’s the World Cup, Euros or Olympics, the Blågult are always in the mix, as illustrated by semi-final appearances at the last three major tournaments and reaching – but alas losing – the last two Olympic finals.

In the latter of the latter, Peter Gerhardsson’s side can count themselves unlucky not to grab gold, committing 30 shots on Canada’s goal to no avail.

Blessed with outstanding talents such as Stina Blackstenius, and with a recent Algarve Cup success as a reminder of their capacity for brilliance, the Swedes has consistently been one of the best international sides around for a decade and more.

4) Germany

The two-time World Champions have barely a handful of their squad plying their trade overseas which illustrates the strength of the Frauen-Bundesliga.

It is their international exploits however that has really elevated the profile of the sport, courtesy of German legend Birgit Prinz and in recent times Alexandra Popp, the latter taking on the mantel of national heroine.

3) England

Success in the SheBelieves Cup in 2019 acted as a springboard for the Lionesses but if this instilled belief into the squad the seismic changes came later, when Dutch coach Sarina Wiegman was appointed in 2021.

A new, exciting dawn saw Beth Mead and company secure a famous Euros triumph at Wembley and this game-shifting achievement – that propelled women’s football into the mainstream in the UK – was soon followed up by last summer’s World Cup adventure.

England’s closely-fought defeat to Spain in the final was watched by 14.8 million, broadcast simultaneously on BBC1 and ITV.

2) Spain

The reigning world champions have benefited hugely by having the nucleus of Barcelona’s formidable dream-team, not least Aitana Bonmati pulling the strings in their midfield, the recent Ballon d’Or winner instrumental in Spain’s dramatic rise.

Ahead of the balletic 26-year-old, Salma Paralluelo scores goals for fun and it’s a testament to La Roja’s ridiculous strength in depth that they attained a world crown in 2023 minus Mapi Leon, arguably the best defender on the planet.

What we’re witnessing is a golden generation who are proving time and again why there is only one other team who inhabit their stratosphere.

1) USA

And that team is the USWNT.

Their shock last 16 exit at the World Cup was seen as the closing of a chapter for a number of household names who have come to define the international game. Meghan Rapinoe has retired. Alex Morgan is unlikely to add to her 221 caps.

Within that vacuum has come a period of struggle but for so long now the USWNT has been the dominant force in women’s football – winning four Olympic gold medals and more World Cups than any other nation – that it’s unimaginable that the new crop, under incoming boss Emma Hayes, don’t emerge soon and rule the roost again.

So let’s get ahead of the curve and maintain them at number one, even if just this week their world ranking has plummeted to a record low of fourth.

When it comes to women’s football, write off the USA at your peril.

Best Women’s Soccer Club Teams

10) Paris Saint Germain

Founded in 1971, PSG Feminine have been at the forefront of the game throughout its duration and growth, but of course major investment into the club from Qatar has propelled them into another orbit altogether in recent years.

Even so, their vast resources are not enough to match Lyon domestically though any encounters with them in the Champions League are usually box-office.

9) AS Roma

Founded in 2018, Roma were one of the big stories of 2022/23, winning their first Serie A title and progressing through to the quarter-finals in the Champions League.

They may not be in possession of the highest paid female footballers around but theirs is a group effort, forged on no little quality. La Lupa are a team to watch going forward.

8) Bayern Munich

After a five-year absence, the Bundesliga crown was brought back to Bavaria in 2020/21, with a fourth title sewn up last season.

Almost as meaningfully, another quarter final appearance was made in the Champions League, the sixth consecutive campaign where Bayern have made at least the last eight.

With Klara Burl and Pernille Harder doing the damage in the final third, and Georgia Stanway scavenging in midfield, whisper it quietly but the swagger is returning to the Bayern Campus.

7) SL Benfica

As Aguias are only seven years old but already they have snagged three consecutive league titles, their eminent name acting as a lure for promising young Portuguese players.

In two of those seasons a domestic double was secured and should they continue on this sharp trajectory it won’t be long before Filipa Patao’s side are holding their own in the Champions League.

In 2022/23 a cruel group draw had them outclassed by Bayern and Barcelona but lessons will have been learnt.

6) Real Madrid

For a good spell it seemed like Real Madrid Feminino were destined to dwell firmly in Barcelona’s shadow, an also-ran if that can dared be said of any club that boasts such a famous name.

Yet in recent seasons a series of shrewd purchase has resulted in Las Blancas closing the gap on their sublime rivals, as much as is humanly possible at least.

Last term’s output is a case in point, Madrid losing only three games all campaign only to still finish runner-up. Pertinently, two of those losses were against Barca.

5) VfL Wolfsburg

In the last decade Die Wölfinnen have dominated German football with multiple league titles definitive proof of that. Reaching six Champions League finals meanwhile – triumphing in two of them – has them pegged as a genuine European giant.

A lethal front partnership of Polish striker Ewa Pajor and Alexandra Popp routinely terrorise rearguards but it’s from Lena Oberdorf and Lena Lattwein’s midfield orchestration where Wolfsburg really take full advantage.

4) Chelsea

Tactically adroit and always on the front foot, the Blues have proven far too strong for their English peers under Emma Hayes.

It will be fascinating therefore to see how they fare from next season on, this being Hayes’ last year in charge before moving to the States.

Five WSL titles in the last six years exactly mirrors the league achievements of Manchester City in the men’s game, and once again this term Chelsea are short-priced in the football bets, topping the table several months in.

3) Corinthians

Founded 27 years ago, Sport Club Corinthians Paulista Futebol Feminino have claimed the last four Campeonato Brasileiro titles, their side containing several key members of the national team.

By some distance the most successful South American outfit, what they’re building at the Stadio Parque Sao Jorge is little short of a dynasty.

2) Lyon

Olympique Lyonnais have staggeringly won 16 D1 Feminine titles in 17 years, often transferring their imperious football to the continental stage for good measure. They have lifted the Champions League on eight occasions, an unparalleled amount.

All of which means Les Fenottes are historically the most successful club side in women’s football and with a magnificent spine in recent seasons of Wendie Renard, Amandine Henry and the eternally prolific Ada Hegerberg it was hard to imagine the relinquishing their stranglehold on the European game.

Certainly it was going to take a phenomenal creation to usurp them. And then that phenomenal creation came into being...

1/ Barcelona

A direct parallel can be drawn between Pep Guardiola’s extraordinary Barca, who changed football irrevocably for the better, and their female counterparts who did likewise some years later.

In possession, Jonatan Giraldez’s side are fluid and forever probing. Without the ball they press relentlessly.

But for all that their style and methods impress, it’s the sheer welter of fabulous players that Barca Femini possess that puts them head and shoulders above their peers.

At times during their ascendancy the illustrious likes of Alexia Putellas, Aitana Botmati, Fridolina Rolfo have decimated all-comers in the league, racking up record point hauls, while last term they secured a second Champions League success.

It would take a very brave punter to back against this incredible outfit in the live betting. Or daft.

*Credit for the photos in this article belongs to Alamy*

March 18, 2024

Women's World Cup

By Stephen Tudor

https://twitter.com/SteTudor123">

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Stephen Tudor is a freelance football writer and sports enthusiast who only knows slightly less about the beautiful game than you do.

A contributor to FourFourTwo and Forbes, he is a Manchester City fan who was taken to Maine Road as a child because his grandad predicted they would one day be good.

Stephen Tudor

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