Staff at London's iconic Alexandra Palace are bracing for a whirlwind week as they prepare to transform the venue from a darts arena into a snooker theatre. The conclusion of the three-week World Darts Championship on January 4 leaves just seven days to reconfigure the space for the prestigious Masters snooker tournament, which begins on Sunday, January 11, 2026.
From Wembley to Ally Pally: A Tournament Transformed
The Masters found its new home at Alexandra Palace in 2012, a move orchestrated by World Snooker chairman Barry Hearn. Seeking to inject fresh energy into the competition, Hearn relocated it from its long-term bases at the Wembley Conference Centre and Wembley Arena. The goal was to utilise the unique Victorian charm of 'Ally Pally' to breathe new life into the event, a strategy that has proven immensely successful.
The Rowdy Home of Snooker's Masters
The 2,200-seat arena at Alexandra Palace is renowned for generating what is often called the most electric and rowdy atmosphere on the professional snooker circuit. This stands in stark contrast to the silent, reverential tones of the Crucible Theatre during the World Championship. Many top players actively relish this high-energy, vocal environment, which has become a defining characteristic of the Masters.
The tournament has been a landmark stage for snooker's 'Class of 92', most notably Ronnie O'Sullivan. The Rocket has claimed a record eight Masters titles at the venue. His 2024 victory was particularly historic, as the then 50-year-old became both the youngest and oldest winner in the tournament's history, having first triumphed as a 19-year-old back in 1995.
A Golden Anniversary and Future Challenges
The Masters celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2025, with Shaun Murphy lifting the trophy after defeating Kyren Wilson in the final. The event's popularity shows no sign of waning, with tickets for the final now selling out within minutes of release.
The tournament's only recent absence from north London came in 2021, when it was temporarily moved to Milton Keynes due to Covid-19 restrictions. Its return the following year was met with widespread approval from players and fans alike.
Now, the focus for the Ally Pally team is on the logistically demanding, rapid changeover. This quick turnaround underscores the venue's status as a premier, multi-purpose destination for major sporting events, requiring meticulous planning and hard work to ensure both the darting and snooker spectacles run seamlessly.
