Bob Rudd will be exhibiting at ARE for the first time this year in order to showcase the Target Darts Zone, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the system in a live environment. Speaking to Coinslot, project marketing manager Emily Price explained how the Target Darts Zone broadens the appeal of darts to all players without alienating longstanding players and customers.
Bob Rudd has high expectations for its Target Darts Zone this year, with the company exhibiting at ARE for the first time to demonstrate to operators and landlords how the system can both strengthen existing footfall and create new reasons to visit.
Attendees to the show will be able to experience Target Darts Zone in the busy live environment in which it thrives, as the company shares an advanced insight into a programme of new initiatives designed to boost ongoing engagement.
“Visitors to our stand will experience the Target Darts Zone in action – a modern evolution of a true pub classic,” said project marketing manager Emily Price. “We’ll be demonstrating how the concept enhances traditional darts while introducing a more interactive, competitive social layer.”
“It’s designed to keep the core darts audience engaged – the regular players and teams who are already the lifeblood of many pubs – while also opening the experience up to a broader, more social audience.”
ARE 2026 will also give Bob Rudd the perfect platform to showcase its Monthly Target Darts Zone National Tournaments, which allow pubs from across the UK to compete against each other for Target-sponsored prizes, including signed shirts and signed sets of darts.
“It’s creating a real sense of community and healthy competition between venues, while crucially keeping players in their local. Instead of losing trade due to teams travelling, pubs can now host competitive matches without sacrificing a night’s revenue.”
“Alongside that, we’ve introduced our Monthly Virtual ‘Beat the Pro events. Using the Virt Camera, venues can connect live with a professional player – whether they’re at Target’s headquarters or even playing from home – and compete in real time over the course of an evening.”
Aiming for the bullseye
Emily Price said… “It [Target Darts Zone] is designed to keep the core darts audience engaged – the regular players and teams who are already the lifeblood of many pubs – while also opening the experience up to a broader, more social audience…
