A renewed crucible to host the World Championships until 2045

The World Snooker Championship will remain at the Crucible in Sheffield until 2045, with the venue set to be renovated to add up to 500 extra seats.

The new long-term deal at the 980-seat theater also includes the option to extend it through 2050.

During the redevelopment period after the 2028 edition, the tournament will be hosted in 2029 at an alternative venue.

National and local government will provide £35 million of the £45 million refurbishment cost, while the other £10 million will come from the private sector.

The premier snooker event has been staged at the Crucible since 1977, and the current agreement runs until 2027.

Barry Hearn, chairman of Matchroom Sport, said last April that the tournament would have to move from its long-standing home after 2027 if the stadium was not refurbished or replaced.

Hearn said the venue was “no longer fit for purpose” but added that the World Snooker Tour “would ideally want to stay” at the Sheffield venue.

China and Saudi Arabia have been suggested as potential alternatives to host the tournament.

“For over 50 years, I have been promoting the sport around the world, but there is no place on the planet that means more to me than the Crucible,” Hearn said of the new deal.

“I must thank Sheffield City Council for all their hard work to ensure this great tournament remains its spiritual home.”

Last May, Zhao Xintong made history by becoming the first player from China to win a world championship.

Some players, including Ronnie O’Sullivan and Iran’s Hossein Vafaei, criticized the venue for being too small but 2005 champion Shaun Murphy described it as “hallowed ground” for competitors.

Up until the semi-finals, the World Snooker Championship is played over two tables, meaning space is tight and fans are close to the players.

Other important improvements such as improved spectator facilities will be included in the renovation.