Warrington was once renowned for being the first town in Britain to open an Ikea store. Now, in another first, the local sports stadium has been renamed after their famous local teenage darts player.
The Warrington Wolves rugby league ground will be renamed the Luke Littler Stadium, for one night only, following the 18-year-old world champion’s incredible sporting success.
Related: Happy birthday Luke Littler: champion turns double nine with world at his feet | Jonathan Liew
Littler claimed a first world title, of what may be many, with victory over Michael van Gerwen at Alexandra Palace last month, cementing his position as one of Warrington’s biggest sporting heroes, along with the legendary jockey Steve Donoghue and Great Britain rugby coach and local hero Jim Challinor.
Warrington’s Halliwell Jones Stadium will now be rebranded for the team’s opening Super League fixture against Catalans Dragons on 21 February. Littler, a Wolves fan, will be in attendance and the guest of honour on the night, leading the teams out and parading the Sid Waddell Trophy at half-time.
Littler, who has already carried the world darts trophy around Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground, said on the Wolves’ website: “It’s a dream come true that the club I’ve been a fan of since I was young has decided to name the stadium after me for a night. It’s an absolute honour and I can’t thank the club enough.”
Warrington’s chief executive, Karl Fitzpatrick, added: “Luke’s achievements on the world stage have been nothing short of incredible, and we are immensely proud to celebrate his success with this special homecoming. He’s a true Warrington fan, and therefore renaming our stadium in his honour for our home opener is a fitting tribute. A big thank you to Halliwell Jones and Warrington Borough Council for their support in making this happen.”
Meanwhile, darts will continue to be shown on Sky Sports until at least 2030 after the broadcaster announced a new five-year deal with the Professional Darts Corporation. The new deal means live coverage from the world championship, Premier League, World Matchplay, Grand Slam of Darts, World Grand Prix and World Cup of Darts will continue on the channel.
