Sheffield's Determination to Go All Out for World Championship Bid.

Posted 5 months ago

Barry Hearn is confident that Sheffield City Council will do everything possible to ensure the World Snooker Championship remains in the city.

The Crucible, with its capacity of just 980, has been the host of snooker's premier event since 1977, but its contract is set to end in 2027.

Barry Hearn, the president of Matchroom Sport and former chairman of World Snooker Tour (WST), emphasized the importance of keeping the tournament in Sheffield.

"Our priority is to stay in Sheffield, our home for so long," he mentioned on BBC 5 Live Breakfast. "We value the great moments here. But we also have a duty to everyone involved. We listen to the fans, locals, and players."

Hearn highlighted the impact on prize money and the need for improved conditions as the game progresses.

While Barry Hearn is keen on keeping the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield, he acknowledges that this might mean finding a new venue.

Matchroom took over WST's operations in 2010 under Hearn's leadership until he stepped down as chairman in April 2021.

Hearn, still influential in snooker, envisions a new facility specifically for the World Championship. He explained, "I think it's a new-build within the city. It can't be an expansion of the Crucible. There isn't enough space. The building is too small."