Credit- Billy R (Flickr)
A limited number of fans will be allowed into the Crucible this April to watch the World Snooker Championships.
This is despite the restrictions on indoor sporting activities not being lifted until the 17 May according to the official government roadmap.
The Crucible is part of a limited pilot reopening scheme launched by the Minister for Culture, Oliver Dowden. The scheme is set to allow people into events such as the World Snooker Championship and FA Cup Final to collect data on the returning of fans to sports.
Oliver Dowden said: “Major events including the FA Cup final at Wembley in May are being lined up as pilots to help pave the way for fans and audiences to return this summer without social distancing. We want to get people back to safely enjoying what they love.”
The World Snooker Tour chairman, Barry Hearn, said he was thrilled to be welcoming fans back to the Crucible.
He said: “This is fabulous news for the players, who have really missed the buzz of playing in front of a crowd. The atmosphere on the first morning at the Crucible will be better than ever. And for those lucky few who have a golden ticket it will an amazing experience.”
Fans reactions to news was largely positive with many indicating their excitement to finally be allowed back into sporting events.
Good news – a rare thing – today that the World Snooker Championships and FA Cup Final will reportedly welcome fans back this spring.
One step closer to being back in cricket grounds❤#Cricket— Duke and Kookaburra (@d_ktalkballs) March 14, 2021
Looks like I’m being a covid guinea pig next month, going to the World Snooker Championships, need a negative test beforehand, no social distancing and have to agree to testing after the event, will still be worth it.
— ⭐️AD-"z0la25"-CFC🏴⭐️ (@ADz0la25CFC) March 14, 2021
Some did indicate their concerns at being used as ‘guinea-pigs’ as part of the government’s research strategy and others proposed alternate strategies for the reopening of the Snooker World Championship.
Surprising that people are to be used as guinea-pigs in a 'trial' of non-social distancing at the FA Cup Final and other events, starting in mid-April at the World Snooker Championships.
— Chris Driver (@csdriver) March 14, 2021
If the world snooker championships want a live audience maybe they could play outdoors. The players could wear pacamacs if it's raining.
— Wayne Connolly (@KeeperOfPybus) March 14, 2021
The Snooker World Championship will run from the 17 April to the 3 May with tickets now on sale.
