On the weekend of Nov. 4-6, approximately 500 soft-tip darters descended upon the Ramkota Hotel in Sioux Falls, S.D., for the first of three regional events to be conducted by the AMOA-National Dart Association (NDA) during the next two-and-one-half months.

More than $31,000 in prize money-in the form of 324 player payouts-was awarded during the course of the event. Bouts in Open 501 Singles, Open Cricket Singles, Open 501 Doubles, Open Cricket Doubles and Mixed Triples Combo-were featured, and players were placed in levels according to their skill ratings.

In addition to cash prizes, first place winners in each event were awarded plaques and a free certificate for entry into next year’s NDA International Team Dart Tournament, which is set for April 20-26, 2017, at Bally’s Hotel in Las Vegas. Up next will be the Dec. 2-4 tournament at the Radisson Hotel in Billings, Mont., followed by a third event in Madison, Wisc., running Jan. 13-15, 2017 at Pitcher’s Pub.

The NDA regional tourneys are conducted to provide NDA operator members with a way to boost league play. These events provide a convenient and cost-effective option for participants by:

— Being within driving distance for a sizeable segment of NDA operators and their players;
— Offering reasonably-priced entry fees and hotel accommodations;
— Classifying the events based on skill levels;
— Providing payouts for a solid percentage of the player pool;
— Creating an environment that includes considerable competition and fun for all;
— Serving as an additional tool for NDA operators to expand leagues and recruit new players.

NDA gratefully acknowledges operators Alvin Gerlach, Whitey Tolliver, Randy Oliver and Nate Knuth for volunteering their time and expertise to the Sioux Falls event. It also thanks Arachnid, Inc., for supplying dart boards and support for the event and appreciates all the players who turned out for a super weekend of dart competition and fun. For more NDA info, contact Jack Kelleher at [email protected] or phone 800-808-9884.