How to organise an anniversary darts tournament

Start by fixing the room, date and playing hours before inviting anyone. Then choose a tournament format, write down the rules and collect registrations so you know how many boards, score tables, chairs, drinks and prizes you need. Most problems happen when the match schedule is left until the last minute or equipment is not tested. Set up the boards, lighting and oche lines before participants arrive, and keep registration separate from the catering area.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

1
Reserve the room
2
Record date and times
3
Set the tournament format
2 people
4
Set the rules of the game
5
Send invitations
2 people
6
Process registrations
7
Collect dietary requirements
8
Order prizes
9
Check dartboards
2 people
10
Check spare arrows
11
Create the match schedule
2 people
12
Print participant list
13
Do the shopping
2 people
14
Chill drinks
2 people
15
Set up tables and chairs
3 people
16
Hang dartboards
3 people
17
Mark out the oche lines
2 people
18
Set up score tables
2 people
19
Set up the registration table
20
Hang decorations
2 people
21
Set up the catering table
2 people
22
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
23
Set out snacks
2 people
24
Display prizes

Event

25
Receive participants
3 people
26
Register entry fees
2 people
27
Explain the tournament
28
Supervise the first round
3 people
29
Update interim results
2 people
30
Serve drinks
2 people
31
Refill drinks
2 people
32
Refill snacks
2 people
33
Support the final rounds
3 people
34
Announce the winners
35
Present prizes
2 people
36
Handle the final round of drinks
2 people

Aftercare

37
Gather darts supplies
3 people
38
Sort waste
2 people
39
Wash dishes
3 people
40
Clean the room
3 people
41
Remove decorations
2 people
42
Put furniture back
3 people
43
Chill leftover food
44
Return borrowed items
2 people
45
Check the deposit and cash register
2 people

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 60
Bar stoolsqty 8
Clothes racksqty 2
Waste binsqty 6

Sports equipment

Dartboardsqty 6
Dartboard lightingqty 6
Dart matsqty 6
Dart arrowsqty 24
Scoreboardsqty 6
Scoreboard calculatorsqty 6
Board markersqty 12
Reserve flightsqty 60

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 6
Power stripsqty 6
Coolersqty 4
Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Bluetooth speaker

Tableware

Glassesqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Pitcherqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 100
Buntingqty 8
Tableclothsqty 8
Prize table sign

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Battery lanternsqty 4

Kitchen

Serving traysqty 6
Pliersqty 6
Small bowlsqty 12
Bottle openersqty 4
Lockable storage containersqty 8

Catering

Dart trophiesqty 3
Medal ribbonsqty 12
Prize envelopesqty 6
Groceries

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Microfiber clothsqty 12
Hand soap dispensersqty 3

Tips

Choose the tournament format before sending invitations. Include the start time, registration deadline and expected finish time so players know whether they are committing to a short knockout or several rounds.
Test every dartboard, light, scoreboard and set of arrows at least one day beforehand. Keep spare flights and spare arrows available; a broken flight during a match should not stop the schedule.
Create the match schedule as soon as registrations close, then print a participant list and keep a digital copy on the laptop. Allow extra time between rounds for ties, missing players and score corrections.
Set up the oche lines, dart mats and score tables before putting out decorations. Check that each board has clear lighting and that extension cords and power strips do not cross walking routes.
Plan food and drinks around the playing order. Chill drinks early, prepare the catering and coffee stations before the first match, and display the prizes on a marked prize table so they are not forgotten during the presentation.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise an anniversary darts tournament?: Book the room and record the date at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Send invitations once the format, rules and playing hours are confirmed, then close registrations about 10 to 14 days before the event.
How many dartboards do I need for a tournament?: Base the number on your match schedule rather than the guest count. As a practical starting point, one board can handle one match at a time, so three boards allow three matches to run simultaneously; add a board only if the room, lighting and oche spacing allow it.
When should I make the darts tournament schedule?: Prepare a draft while registrations are open, but finalise it immediately after registration closes, normally 7 to 10 days before the tournament. Print the participant list and keep a digital backup for last-minute changes.
What should I check on the day of the darts tournament?: Finish board, lighting and oche checks before participants arrive, ideally 60 to 90 minutes before registration opens. Also check the scoreboards, arrows, markers, drinks, catering table and displayed prizes before starting the first match.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.