Staff at the iconic Alexandra Palace are bracing for a whirlwind week as they prepare to swap arrows for cues. Following the conclusion of the three-week World Darts Championship, venue teams must execute a rapid transformation to host another major sporting spectacle: the Masters snooker tournament.
A Race Against Time at Ally Pally
The logistical challenge is significant. The 2026 Masters is scheduled to begin on Sunday, January 11, barely a week after the darts final concludes. This demands a swift and efficient operation to reconfigure the famous north London venue, ensuring the snooker tables and atmosphere are perfectly prepared for the world's best players and thousands of expectant fans.
A Home for Snooker's Rowdy Crown Jewel
The Masters found its current home at Alexandra Palace in 2012, a move orchestrated by World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn. Seeking to inject fresh energy into the event, Hearn relocated it from its long-term bases at the Wembley Conference Centre and Wembley Arena. The gamble paid off, with the venue's unique Victorian charm and capacity for 2,200 spectators creating what is widely regarded as the most electric atmosphere on the circuit.
Unlike the silent intensity of the Crucible Theatre during the World Championship, Ally Polly encourages a high-energy, rowdy environment that many top players actively relish. The tournament briefly moved to Milton Keynes in 2021 due to Covid-19 restrictions but returned to its beloved London home the following year.
Legends and Landmarks in North London
The Ally Pally stage has been a canvas for snooker greatness, particularly for the legendary Ronnie O'Sullivan. The Rocket has won a record eight Masters titles, with several of those victories coming at this venue. In a remarkable piece of history during the 2024 edition, O'Sullivan, then 50, cemented his legacy by becoming both the youngest and oldest winner in the tournament's history. He first lifted the trophy as a 19-year-old back in 1995.
As the tournament celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, the title was claimed by Shaun Murphy, who defeated Kyren Wilson in the final. The event's enduring popularity is undeniable, with tickets for the final now selling out within minutes of release.
For the dedicated staff at Alexandra Palace, there is little time to reflect on past glories. The immediate future holds a frantic week of change, ensuring the stage is set for more sporting drama under its historic roof.
