How the World Snooker Championship in Sheffield could look very different this year

The World Snooker Championship in Sheffield could be the first indoor sporting event in the UK to take place before a live audience since the country went into lockdown in March, it is hoped.
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The Government has yet to give the go-ahead for spectators to attend the event, which is due to get underway at The Crucible on July 31, but the World Snooker Tour, Sheffield Council and Sheffield Theatres are confident they have made a ‘good case’ and hope for an announcement soon.

Live audience or not, this year’s tournament is unsurprisingly set to look very different – away from the baize, at least.

The 2020 World Snooker Championship is due to begin on July 31 at The Crucible in Sheffield (pic: Nigel French/PA Wire)The 2020 World Snooker Championship is due to begin on July 31 at The Crucible in Sheffield (pic: Nigel French/PA Wire)
The 2020 World Snooker Championship is due to begin on July 31 at The Crucible in Sheffield (pic: Nigel French/PA Wire)
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There will be no big screen in Tudor Square, no BBC Cue Zone in the Winter Garden, which remains closed, and no special appearances by players in the city centre, as has happened with previous editions.

But Richard Eyre, the council’s head of city centre management, believes this year’s event represents a chance to showcase the city like never before to a global audience.

"Hopefully the World Snooker Championship will be the first big indoor sporting event to take place in the UK before a live audience since the lockdown began, so it will be a first for Sheffield.

"The spotlight will be on Sheffield and it will be a fantastic chance to promote the city and show the world we’re open for business."

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Should a live audience be allowed, Mr Eyre says Tudor Square may have to be closed off and become an extension of The Crucible to provide more space for social distancing.

He also says the venue won’t be at full capacity but different numbers have been considered depending on what is permitted.

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"It has to be done right because we don’t want to take any risks. We want to celebrate the fact it’s taking place here but we have to be really careful not to create any mass gatherings,” he said.

The WST has asked all fans with tickets to register their interest in attending the tournament if a live audience is permitted by the Government.

Ticket holders have also been given the option of a full refund or transferring their ticket to the 2021 Betfred World Championship.