Ally Pally atmosphere is like Anfield – moving away from historic venue would be shameful
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Stephen Bunting has likened Alexandra Palace to Anfield and hopes the World Darts Championship remains in its spiritual home.
Bunting gave a superb account of himself at the latest edition of the tournament before losing in the semi-final to eventual winner Luke Littler.
His heroics have even earned him a spot in the 2025 Premier League of Darts which gets underway in Belfast on February 6.
The 39-year-old furthered his reputation as a fan favourite during his run at an atmospheric Ally Pally with fans singing his name at every opportunity.
Speculation has mounted recently on whether the event could be staged away from the London venue with Saudi Arabia mooted as a possible future host.
But 'The Bullet' is in no doubt that darts' decision makers should keep the Championships where they are.
"I absolutely love it at Ally Pally," Burning told talkSPORT. "The goosebumps start as soon as you start driving up that hill towards the venue.
"The atmosphere this year was incredible," he added. "Obviously it's a massive help with the walk-on and people dubbing me the 'peoples champion' and everyone seemed to get behind me.
"It was a massive help, definitely in some of the earlier games. Playing Luke Littler it was always going to be difficult but I still had 60 per cent of the crowd on my side.
The atmosphere was amazing and to play in an iconic venue like that, it would be such a shame if they ended up moving it.
“It's a part of our history and culture of the sport, it's such a unique venue for us to play in and we absolutely love it there.
"We talk about Liverpool Football Club with the crowd and we always say the 12th man. It's exactly the same in darts when you're up there on your own and things aren't going right, they can really help boost you and refocus you into the game.”
The World No.5 admits his recent exploits have not only enhanced his popularity, but it has also seen him become a recognisable face away from the oche.
"It's amazing to be honest," Bunting explained. "You feel it on socials, you feel it before you get to the venue. I get more recognised now when I go and do my grocery shopping.
"It's incredible, obviously when you're in that venue and up on that stage, it's only you who can do anything about your performance so to have all the crowd behind you really is an extra boost.”
Bunting revealed his excitement at a first shot at Premier League darts in a decade, where he hopes to get his revenge on Littler.
Alongside the 17-year-old, he will face Gerwyn Price, Nathan Aspinall, Chris Dobey as well as Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Rob Cross.
"It's a massive honour to be part of that line-up. Sixteen weeks playing week-in, week-out. I'm pitting my skills up against the best players in the world.
"Last year, I wasn't far away but the PDC thinks the time is right now and I really can't wait to go up and down the country and be on TV for 16 weeks."
