Those who live in York and in close proximity to the city are very fortunate to have a number of top-class sporting events on their doorstep. If you are looking for a sporting day out in 2022, here are some events you should consider.
PDC Darts
Darts is a sport that is increasingly being added onto many people’s bucket lists when it comes to events they want to attend. Those who watched any of the PDC World Darts Championship will have seen what a lively show this is.
The Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) is holding events in Leeds and Barnsley in 2022, both of which are a short drive from York. The former is the Premier League, an event that takes place over 18 nights before a finals evening. Gerwyn Price, the 10/3 favourite in the PDC World Darts Championship betting, will be one of eight players taking part in that competition in 2022.
The PDC have yet to announce their full line-up for the 2022 Premier League, but you will be able to find a list of the players involved in the darts tips today, as well as predictions on who is likely to prevail in the matches.
If you are heading to Leeds for their Premier League event, fancy dress is always encouraged. As you will find at the arena, the social side of the evening is just as important to many of the crowd as what is taking place on the oche.
UK Championship Snooker
The UK Championship is one of the three Triple Crown events in snooker and York is lucky enough to play host to this event. Staged at the Barbican Centre, this is a great chance to see some of the world’s leading snooker players.
This tournament was first held in York in 2001 and for the majority of the time since then, the World Snooker Tour has returned to the Barbican Centre, as the crowds always flock in their numbers. The annual event takes place between November and December and in the early round of the competition, there are multiple tables in the arena. Once they reach the semi-final, the arena turns into a one table set-up.
Ronnie O’Sullivan, for so long now, has been the biggest name in snooker, and he has won the UK Championship a record seven times. The Rocket often produces his best snooker in York. He recently lifted his 38th ranking trophy, with victory coming over Neil Robertson in the World Grand Prix, so he remains in good form.
Visiting the UK Championship is a great chance to see the world’s best players from a great vantage point. You will appreciate just how talented they are, and it may even inspire you to pick up a cue yourself!
York’s Ebor Festival
One of York’s traditional attractions is its racecourse. Racing has taken place in York since Roman times and today it boasts one of the finest racecourses in the country. Some of the best thoroughbreds and jockeys feature at this course throughout the Flat season.
York’s biggest meeting of the season is the Ebor Festival, held in late August over four days. Although the British weather can be unpredictable, when this meeting takes place under the sun, it is one of the highlights of the year in horse racing in the UK.
The most prestigious race at the Ebor Festival is the Juddmonte International, won in 2021 by Mishriff. This is a Grade One race over 1m2f, and it is often a contest where the Derby winner takes on the older horses the middle distance division, in what is always a fascinating clash.
Now is a great time to start planning for 2022 and hopefully you can enjoy at least one of the above three events in your local area.
