Project Overview

For the 2026 World Championship Snooker, our team delivered the most significant redesign of the event infrastructure in decades at the iconic Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.

Having supported the championship for more than 25 years, we were responsible for designing, manufacturing and installing a reconfigured broadcast and audience environment that enhanced the experience for spectators, broadcasters and VIP guests, while respecting the heritage and operational constraints of one of the sport’s most recognisable venues.

The project extended beyond the Crucible itself, with infrastructure delivered across three key locations in Sheffield: the Crucible Theatre, Tudor Square and the Winter Garden.

Project Highlights

Client: World Snooker Tour

Event: World Championship Snooker 2026

Location: Crucible Theatre, Tudor Square and Winter Garden, Sheffield

Services Delivered

• Design and manufacture of bespoke broadcast structures
• Commentary booths and camera platforms
• VIP seating infrastructure
• Broadcast and event infrastructure
• Multi-site installation and logistics

Installation Programme: Two-week installation

Key Achievement: The most significant redesign of the event infrastructure in decades.

The Challenge

The brief was unlike a traditional client commission. Rather than responding to a defined specification, our team developed and proposed a new vision for the championship layout more than a year in advance.

The objective was to modernise the arena while preserving everything that makes the Crucible unique. The redesign sought to increase VIP seating, improve audience viewing, enhance broadcast operations and create a cleaner, more immersive presentation throughout the venue.

Delivering these improvements within the historic auditorium presented several challenges. The unique shape of the theatre, limited available space, and permanent building features left very little room for structural changes. Every new element had to integrate seamlessly within the existing environment.

Adding further complexity, the venue was available for just one dark day before installation, leaving almost no opportunity for on-site testing or adjustment.

Our Solution

To ensure the installation could be delivered efficiently, the complete structure was pre-built and tested at our manufacturing facility before arriving on site.

By templating the auditorium and replicating its unique geometry, our team was able to verify clearances, confirm interfaces with the building fabric and ensure every bespoke component would fit exactly as intended.

A major element of the redesign involved relocating the broadcast infrastructure to the rear of the auditorium and introducing newly elevated commentary booths. This improved sightlines for commentators while providing discreet backstage access, allowing broadcast crews to move freely without disrupting play, a crucial consideration during live snooker competition.

The project also required the design and manufacture of bespoke commentary booths and camera platforms to suit the angled walls of the auditorium. Creating new access through the venue’s fire wall demanded close collaboration with venue management, building control and South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service to ensure full compliance with building and fire regulations.

The Delivery

The project was delivered across three separate locations, each with its own operational requirements.

At the Crucible Theatre, our team transformed the main auditorium alongside supporting backstage areas and the loading dock.

In Tudor Square, infrastructure was installed to support the outside broadcast compound and the championship fan zone.

At the Winter Garden, we delivered infrastructure for the BBC broadcast studio together with an additional public fan zone.

Managing multiple live environments required detailed planning and coordination. Installation teams worked safely around busy pedestrian routes, public spaces, theatre operations and city centre logistics, ensuring work progressed efficiently while minimising disruption to the public and neighbouring venues.

The Outcome

The redesigned layout delivers lasting benefits for every part of the championship.

Additional VIP seating has increased hospitality capacity, while the repositioned commentary facilities provide improved visibility of the tables and more efficient operational access for broadcast teams.

The arena itself now presents a more complete visual experience, creating an environment designed not only for television audiences but also for spectators inside the venue.

Perhaps most importantly, the project demonstrates what can be achieved through careful planning, technical expertise and collaborative working. Every change within the Crucible has implications for players, broadcasters, officials and spectators, making precision and attention to detail essential throughout every stage of delivery.

Having worked on the World Championship for more than 25 years, this project represents another milestone in a long-standing partnership built on trust, collaboration and a shared commitment to continually improving one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.

Client Feedback

“I just wanted to say a huge WELL DONE and also THANK YOU for the part you all played in the 2026 event.  I think we can all agree that yet again we pushed the mantle forward and delivered an outstanding event in all areas.”

“This event is the true definition of “team work”, and that ethos enables WST to deliver a world class global event.”

– Nicola Moloney, Operations Director at WST