It's the best time of year right now, as the Snooker World Championship returns. As usual (but perhaps not forever), it takes place in Sheffield's Crucible Theatre.
I've attended a few famous sporting venues and occasions - Wembley, Murrayfield, Anfield, Old Trafford, Glebe Park, The Ashes, the Olympics, etc. But it was visiting the Crucible for the first time that I found the most breathtaking. Perhaps it's the dated seat covers, but you immediately feel connected to the sport's rich history. You immediately feel what it would be like to watch that 1985 final from your seat. The modest size of the venue means wherever you sit you feel a part of the match. Fans at football matches can yell at the top of their voices and not influence a jot, whereas at the Crucible you can't open a bag of sweets without getting told off on international TV (the trick is to wait for the applause).