Barry Hawkins Questions Whether Crucible Expansion Plans Match Snooker’s Growth

With the 2026 Tour Championship still unfolding in Manchester, attention is already shifting towards snooker’s biggest stage, the World Championship at the Crucible Theatre.

That anticipation has only intensified following last week’s landmark announcement that the sport’s blue-riband event will remain in Sheffield for the long term. 

A new agreement between the World Snooker Tour and Sheffield City Council ensures the tournament stays put until at least 2045, with an option to extend to 2050, ending speculation about a potential move away from the Steel City.

Big Plans for a Bigger Crucible

Alongside the extension, ambitious redevelopment plans for the Crucible have been outlined. The iconic venue is set for a £45 million transformation, with proposals including an additional 500 seats in a new ‘in the round’ format and improved spectator facilities.

While many top players, including world number one Judd Trump and reigning champion Zhao Xintong, have welcomed the news, Barry Hawkins has offered a more measured take.

Hawkins Questions Capacity Increase

Demand for World Championship tickets has long exceeded supply, with most sessions selling out months in advance. Hawkins believes the proposed expansion may still fall short of meeting that demand.

“Yeah, it’s great that snooker is staying there,” Hawkins told SportsBoom.co.uk. 

“I was one of the people that thought it needed a bigger and better venue. The tournament is too big for it, we can outsell that tournament three, four times over I think.”

“Do I think 500 seats is going to be enough? I don’t think it will to be honest with you.”

Staying Loyal to Sheffield

Despite his reservations, Hawkins is clear that he never wanted the tournament to leave Sheffield, only that it could evolve into something even grander.

“It will be interesting to see what it looks like when it’s all done. Don't get me wrong, I’m sure it will be good.

“I wanted it to stay in Sheffield, but a bigger and better venue, we’ll see.”

The World Championship will continue at the Crucible in its current form until 2028, before temporarily relocating during the redevelopment phase.

Racing Against Time

Hawkins, now 46, made his Crucible debut back in 2006 and has been a near ever-present ever since, missing only the 2023 edition after falling in qualifying.

While he remains hopeful of featuring in the revamped venue, he admits time may not be on his side.

“Hopefully one day I get to play in that new venue, but I mean time’s ticking for me,” he joked.

“They say it’s going to take a year to be refurbished, but you know what this country’s like, it could take five years, so I’ll probably be dusted by then.”

Concerns Over Temporary Relocation

During the refurbishment, the tournament will require a temporary home for one or two years. 

Hawkins is keen for it to remain in the UK, and ideally in Sheffield, during that period.

“I’m not sure about that. I think if it went to China, it wouldn’t come back.”

“Maybe Birmingham’s another middle of the round sort of thing, not too far for everyone.”

“Somewhere still in Sheffield would be nice. I’m not sure what other venues they’ve got, but the city is buzzing when the snooker is on, it’s nice being up there.”

Before any changes take place, attention turns to this year’s tournament, which runs from 18 April to 4 May. The world’s top 16 players will be joined by 16 qualifiers as they compete for one of sport’s most prestigious and a £500,000 top prize, with a global audience of 771 million expected to tune in.