SOME of the biggest names in snooker were in Barnsley this week for a behind-closed-doors event and discussions are ongoing to allow the public back in to watch them from next year.

The Metrodome has regularly hosted events on the World Snooker calendar for almost two decades, some in front of crowds such as the English Open in 2017 which was won by Ronnie O’Sullivan.

But, in recent years, the events have been qualifiers with no fans in attendance.

This week, the World Open qualifiers took place with former world champions Stuart Bingham, Shaun Murphy, Luca Brecel, Ken Doherty, Mark Williams and Kyren Wilson playing.

Events manager Richard Sheldon said: “It’s fantastic to have World Snooker back again.

“We’ve had a successful relationship with them for about 16 years and have held a variety of different events in their calendar.

“This is the staple one.

“It’s a huge privilege to be working with them.

“We’re developing the relationship with them and looking at opportunities for more events.

“We’re currently in discussions about bringing back events which are open to the public.

“Over the years we’ve done two or three events with them per year.

“We’re always looking to expand it but it’s fitting in with their schedule and our bookings.

“This event will be back again next February and there is potential for a couple of additional events in 2027.

“If we be great if the Barnsley public could attend and we’d really like to secure one of those opportunities.”

The Metrodome previously hosted the Weber Cup – the international tenpin bowling event – and regular PDC Darts competitions featuring some of the top names in the sport.

Both of those organisations have now moved on to other venues but the Metrodome is hoping to bring top-level sport back to Barnsley.

Sheldon said: “It’s something we’re always looking to develop.

“We have a great dynamic space.

“The snooker is a pleasure for us to host.

“We had a fantastic relationship with darts. That is something we could re-engage in.

“But sometimes the event outgrows the facilities.

“We’re working on making our arena as up to date as possible.

“Sometimes it’s a capacity issue if the event grows a lot.

“We really want to attract those events to Barnsley and forge relationships with top sporting bodies.”

The main arena in the Metrodome also regularly hosts grassroots events in various sports.

Sheldon said: “Any sports we can help and support, we will look at.

“We have a British Karate Federation event in 2027 which is a huge tournament with 2,000 people attending from all over the UK.

“We host combat sports and gymnastics tournaments – local clubs who put on events with up to 1,000 people a day attending.

“We host professional, amateur and white collar boxing regularly throughout the year.

“It’s an opportunity for professional fighters starting on their journey and also junior fighters who get the professional feel of coming down to the ring with audio/visual production and music.

“We’re proud at BPL to give the community the space and platform for grassroots events to take place.

“It’s great to see boys and girls from Barnsley or further afield aged from four or five getting to experience sports at a venue like this.

“That wasn’t really an option when I was growing up.”