Shellys Builds a Snooker Player Paradise

The new elite snooker room is equipped with state-of-the-art snooker tables, as well as pool tables for social players. 

The newly-created space is for both seasoned players and newcomers to enjoy the sport comfortably – with a focus on rewarding loyal regulars and competition players.

“We wanted to provide facilities that the players could say they’re proud of and that they could show off or they showcase to others,” says Shellharbour Club General Manager Jason Petrolo. 

“The snooker room / pool room doesn't help us revenue wise, but it definitely helps us reward our customers. 

“They’re all pretty chuffed about it and proud to call this place home. We invested $40,000 in snooker tables, they’re the best you possibly can buy.

“It was an investment in a group of people that come in on a daily basis and support our business. It’s hard for them to support the business when they didn’t get anything in return. 

“I think it's always one of those things where we want players to go to other clubs and competitions and say ‘we’ve got the best snooker tables in the Illawarra’.

“So, it's nice to hear and nice to feel that our sporting clubs and our activity groups are very much engaged there with the business.”

As well as the upgrades, the entire space was shifted to a different part of the Club, closer to the atmosphere of the venue and not hidden away. At the same time, it’s also a private space for the sometimes intense competitions.

“It used to be upstairs, but that is now an extension of our sports bar,” Jason says. “So, it was quite unmonitored and not connected to our building.

“The sports bar is a place that can get quite loud and excited, something an intense snooker game doesn’t need. 

“So, while the room was brought to be adjacent, there’s enough space that both young and old can have the best experience possible in the space.

“We have a lot of young people in the market and the players want to feel safe, there’s almost a language difference between the two. 

“We wanted our older members to feel safe and have their own quieter space with barista-made coffee, beer and everything they need. It’s a space for the older market to relax.”

For the millennials, they have a great space to watch a range of sports on the big screen.

“In 2018 we put the sports bar in, and we’ve hosted Super Bowl parties and UFC is becoming very popular. It’s been very successful for us,” Jason says. 

“We’ve found it’s extended the length of time a young person spends in our venue. 

“It’s hard to try and cater for both markets, but we’ve achieved it.”