Weekender: University of Hull to host world squash championships

The University of Hull has secured a deal to play host to the Allam British Open and the British Open Masters next year.

Dr Assem Allam announced the deal at the University’s new sports facilities, the Beacon.

The tournaments will see almost 500 of the world’s top squash players visit the city with the Allam British Open running from May 18 to 26, and the British Open Masters from May 20 to 20.

An all-glass court, complete with spectator seating, will be erected solely for the tournament and will see the University, which has been host to qualification and first round matches for the past five years, expand its support of the tournament.

Almost 5,000 fans from all over the world are expected to attend the events, culminating at the glass court arena in what will be the final major Platinum level tournament of the 2018/19 PSA World Tour season.

Millions more will be able to follow the championships through television, digital broadcasts and social media – with the 2018 edition of the Allam British Open reaching over 10 million people consuming close to ten million minutes of content across social media platforms alone.

This announcement follows on from the £16m redevelopment of the University of Hull sport’s arena which boasts a six-court squash facility allowing for both championships to be staged concurrently.

Dr Allam said: “The British Open is a ‘national treasure’ and it is fantastic that we are continuing to build on the legacy of staging the event completely at the new sport development on the University of Hull campus and continuing to inspire new generations to become involved with the sport in the region.

“I hope that we can attract many young students to discover squash for the first time in 2019 and look forward to working together with England Squash, the PSA and the University of Hull to develop the sport in the region in the years to come.”

Alex Gough, PSA chief executive, added: “The Allam British Open is the oldest and one of the most iconic event in squash and Hull has proven to be a fitting home for the tournament during the past six years.

“For an event of this stature to have longevity and stability is a huge bonus for our players and our sport and we look forward to working with all parties involved to help ensure the next edition delivers an exceptional experience at the University of Hull.”

Steve Curtis, partnerships and project manager for sport at the University of Hull, said: “Our ambition is to be able to provide the setting to host world tournaments like this and our new facilities will provide an amazing location. We look forward to welcoming spectators from across the globe to witness what is sure to be a thrilling tournament.

“We hope the event can inspire the region to pick up a racket and give squash a go, we will be working in local schools to provide opportunities to try squash and to attend the championships on campus.”