Crucible to Host World Snooker Championship Until 2045 + Renovation Plans

The World Snooker Championship will remain at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield for at least another decade, after a deal was struck between the World Snooker Tour and the city council to keep the tournament at its historic venue until 2045. The agreement, announced Tuesday, secures the future of the championship at the Crucible, a location it has called home since 1977.

A key component of the agreement involves a significant modernization of the Crucible Theatre. Following the 2028 World Championship, renovation work will commence to increase the venue’s capacity by up to 500 seats. To accommodate the construction, the 2029 championship will be held at an alternative location within the UK, with the tournament slated to return to a revamped Crucible in 2030.

The future of the Crucible had been subject to speculation, with promoter Barry Hearn previously exploring alternative venues. Even star player Ronnie O’Sullivan had suggested potential international locations, including Saudi Arabia and China, as possible hosts. However, Hearn expressed his deep connection to the Crucible, stating, “I have been organizing sporting events around the world for over 50 years, but no place on this planet means as much to me as the Crucible.” He added, “I am very happy that after a long series of meetings and discussions, we have finally reached an agreement to host the World Championship at its historic venue – the Crucible.”

The Crucible’s current capacity of approximately 980 spectators has long been considered a limiting factor. The planned expansion aims to address this, enhancing the experience for fans and potentially increasing revenue. The deal also includes an option to extend the agreement through 2050, signaling a long-term commitment from both the World Snooker Tour and the city of Sheffield.

The 2026 World Snooker Championship is scheduled to run from April 18th to May 4th.