From the Little Shop of Horrors to A Streetcar Named Desire, Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre continues to delight audiences of all ages with its programme of live events.
But it remains just as well-known for its hosting of snooker’s World Championship every year… for the time being, at least.
The snooker’s impresario, Barry Hearn, has insinuated that the tournament may have to move from the iconic venue.
The Player’s View
If Hearn were to listen to the views of some of snooker’s most popular players, he would leave the World Championship at The Crucible beyond the end of the current contract in 2027.
Mark Selby, whose renaissance in 2024 is such that he’s now considered the 5/1 third favourite in the UK Championship betting this November behind Judd Trump and Ronnie O’Sullivan, is one of the former world champions desperate for the tournament to stay at the theatre.
Others that remain prominent in the snooker betting for any event, such as Shaun Murphy, Mark Williams, and John Higgins, are also adamant that the World Championship remains at its spiritual home.
And some people think we should leave the crucible 😂😂😂😂 #WorldSnookerChampionship #drama
— Shaun Murphy (@Magician147) April 29, 2024
Higgins, the four-time world champion, and Murphy have revealed their love for the venue, while Williams has admitted that while he hasn’t always been a fan of The Crucible, but that its quirks have won him over.
“It’s small, very cramped backstage, but I think that’s what makes the atmosphere like it is, and you’ll never create that anywhere else,” the Welshman revealed.
But can the snooker greats of the modern era convince Hearn of The Crucible’s worth as the host of the sport’s biggest event?
Money Talks
Hearn, via his Matchroom Sport empire, has long been in the business of maximising the profitability of the sports he has commanded.
He took the sport out of local snooker halls in the 1980s into larger venues, remaining adamant that for snooker to grow similarly to boxing and darts – his other sporting success stories – the World Championship simply has to move on from its spiritual home.
The Sheffield theatre got its big break as the home of the Worlds since 1977, but with a capacity of less than 1,000 seats – and a small space to fit in the two match tables – Hearn has spoken of a need to upsize.
One of snooker’s greatest ever players, Ronnie O’Sullivan, remains as outspoken critic of The Crucible, so much will depend on how much influence he can exert on Hearn.
As a Plan B, discussions between Matchroom Sport and the local council have identified Sheffield Arena as a possible alternative. The venue would offer a capacity in the region of 12,500 seats.
Hopefully, a compromise will be reached and Sheffield remains the home of the World Snooker Championship… but it would appear that The Crucible’s days as host are numbered.
