During this World Championship, the discussion about whether the World Championship should continue to stay in Crucible is expanding, and many players, including Robertson and Trump, have complained about the crowding and cramping of this legendary venue. Barry Hern's solution to this problem is to rebuild a bigger, better and larger "Crucible" in Sheffield that can accommodate more audiences.
WST President Barry Hearn said the World Championships could be moved from Sheffield because of calls to improve the environment in Crucible, but he himself did not want to do so. "My heart tells me that Sheffield and Snooker deserve each other and that it was a wonderful marriage." Hearn said.
With a capacity of 980 people, Crucible has hosted the World Championships for 45 consecutive years, and under the current agreement, Crucible will remain the venue for the next five years. However, especially at the two-table stage, the venue was criticised by some players as overcrowded, and the venue has struggled to add a modern character. In contrast, the Masters' house, Alexandra Palace in London, houses more than 2,000 spectators, with some players saying it has the best atmosphere they've ever experienced.
Neil Robertson proposed using another venue in the city early in the tournament, with the race held at the same time as Crucible. "My idea was to make it a bit like Wimbledon. There you have centre court and pitch one, so you can give everyone the experience of playing on a single table. ”
"I think if there are two Crucibles and it's equal, then for everyone they're going to have an amazing experience at the end of the season and Sheffield is in good position to deal with that. As a World Championship, it should be the biggest event from the beginning, not from the semi-finals. Robertson said.
Another former world champion, Trump, said he was no longer as excited as he had been when he arrived on the field in the past. "I'd rather play in front of more people. The more people, the better the atmosphere, and today's Masters have far surpassed this competition. The more spectators you enter, the more energetic you feel. I just think the World Championships have a year to try to play somewhere else. ”
Four-time World Champion Higgins wants the tournament to stay in Sheffield, in Crucible, calling it "Snooker's Home". Higgins said, "It brings its own uniqueness because you play with the crowd in a narrow space. He wasn't keen on Robertson's two-venue idea, but he admitted to supporting a move to a purpose-built venue.
WST leader Barry Hearn has heard the players' call and has already begun to try to solve the problem. Herne's solution to the problem was to build a replica of Crucible because he wanted the site's name to continue. Hearn said he was in talks with Sheffield City Council on the possible construction of a "new Crucible".
"We have an agreement with the Council to stay here for the next four years or so, and that will of course be respected." I think snooker is synonymous with Sheffield and the history we have created with Crucible is undoubtedly a very important part of the snooker brand. The early talks currently with Sheffield Council are, why aren't we thinking about building a new Crucible in Sheffield? That way we don't have to think about going anywhere else. If I could do anything on the existing venue, of course I would. But there is no room at all. Hearne said.
Herne has often said that as long as the local government supports it, the tournament will remain in Sheffield. Asked if he would move the playing field if he lost that support, Hearne returned: "Absolutely. But I'd rather stay here, and my heart tells me it's the place sheffield and snooker deserve. It just takes a little bit of understanding and investment, people's time, people's hearts, and maybe a few bucks from the central government. "
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