Murphy: My dream is to tear down Fort Crucible and rebuild a bigger stadium
On May 17, 2024, according to David Caulfield, Shaun Murphy did not want the World Snooker Championship to leave Sheffield, but he admitted that the Crucible Theatre was too small as the host venue.
The prestigious venue has hosted every World Championship since 1977 and is currently under contract until 2027.
In addition to this, it is unclear where the future World Snooker Championship will be held.
It's a controversial topic that in some ways overshadows the heat of the recently concluded 2024 World Championship won by Kyren Wilson.
The World Taiwan Federation and sporting director Barry Hearn have publicly stated that he wants Sheffield City Council to fund a new and/or improved venue with a larger capacity.
Players and fans are divided on this issue, and many do not want to sacrifice the history and prestige that comes with the small space setting of the Crucible Theater.
Others understand that if the sport can sell more tickets, including providing additional options for businesses and spectators, then the sport could bring more monetary benefits.
Several alternatives have been proposed, including moving to Sheffield or other venues in the UK, or even moving abroad, and there are constant rumors that Saudi Arabia and China are potential venues.
In the latest episode of the 147 podcast with Phil Seymour, Shaun Murphy said, "Listen, if it's up to me. I'd quickly dial Bob, the builder, and I'd have him flatten Fort Crucible and rebuild a bigger, more modern stadium. ”
"I don't want it to move, I don't want it to leave Sheffield Arena. I don't want to move it somewhere, I want it to stay in Crucible. I think if the seats in Crucible were doubled, I don't think we would have had this conversation. ”
"But those are my opinions, and it's important that I make that clear because I do wear many hats.
"As a player director, I have to represent the thoughts and feelings of the players who voted for me. It's up to us to represent their best interests. From a financial point of view, the World Championships probably won't stay here. ”
"As Hearn said during the tournament, he has a fiduciary responsibility on the tour to provide and ensure that there are ample opportunities for players to make money."
"Hosting our biggest event in our smallest arena doesn't necessarily do that, does it? Thankfully, this is an issue that I don't have to solve.
"My absolute dream scenario is to tear down Fort Crucible and rebuild a bigger venue."
'I pointed out during the World Championships that if you look at the other major stadiums – let's remember those in England that spring, Wembley, and places like that – that's what they did.
"In order to maintain their place in the public consciousness, they have to change bigger, they have to change what they were.
"Before, no one wanted to go to Wembley and play the Masters. That's one of the reasons. I think it has to change and it can't continue in its current form. (Welcome to click to pay attention to Runwu AB)