Masters Snooker to stay at Alexandra Palace until 2015

Snooker’s second-longest running tournament, the Masters, will make Alexandra Palace its home until at least 2015, according to a new deal sealed by Barry Hearn.

In an interview with the World Snooker website, Hearn, the sport’s chairman, says: “We are thrilled to sign this new three-year agreement to keep the Masters at Alexandra Palace.

“It is a fantastic venue, and moving this elite invitation event there was a spectacular success.”

His comments are echoed by those of Neil Robertson, who says the venue was “really buzzing” when at its capacity of 1,500 spectators.

The Australian, who defeated Shaun Murphy 10-6 to claim this year’s title, adds that the only atmosphere he’s found to be better was that of the World Championship final.

Masters Snooker was first played at London’s West Center Hotel, then at the New London Theatre, before moving to its long-time home at Wembley Conference Centre.

In 2007 it moved to Wembley Arena, as work began on the ‘new’ Wembley Stadium, but last year’s relocation to Alexandra Palace was warmly received by many of the sport’s leading figures.

Tickets are already available for the 2013 Masters Snooker season, which is due to take place between January 13th and 20th, and early bookers can benefit from a half-price deal on Monday-Thursday tickets.

UK Championship tickets are also already on sale, with the competition scheduled for December 1st-9th 2012 and subject to the same half-price deal on tickets bought before May 31st.

However, again, it’s worth booking early to be sure of a place, as the final session of the UK Championship has already sold out.

With the special offer making many of the Monday-Thursday matches in both tournaments cost around the £10 mark, it’s likely that several more evening sessions and all-day passes will reach capacity before the offer closes at the end of the month.