Wimbledon is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world. As such, demand for tickets is extremely high and getting your hands on them can be tricky. This article will provide tips and strategies for securing the best Wimbledon tickets so you can experience this iconic event in person.
When does Wimbledon ticket sales open?
Wimbledon tickets go on sale in phases starting in August/September the year prior to the tournament. The first batch released is for Debenture tickets, which are limited premium seats sold on a 5-year contract. After that, tickets are distributed according to this timeline:
- June: Ballot registration opens for those interested in buying tickets.
- August/September: Ballot results announced and those selected can purchase.
- September/October: General public sale opens for any remaining tickets.
- April/May: Additional tickets may be made available closer to the tournament start date.
As you can see, to boost your chances you need to act early. Sign up for the Wimbledon ballot as soon as registration opens to get your name in the mix.
Understand the different ticket categories
Wimbledon has several ticket categories, each with a different seating location, cost and other perks. These include:
| Ticket Type | Location | Cost | Perks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debentures | Exclusive areas like Centre Court boxes | £160-£230+ per day | Reserved seating, access to Debenture holders’ lounge |
| Centre Court | Around Centre Court grass | £100-£240 per day | Prestige of seeing top matches |
| No.1 Court | No.1 Court stadium | £56-£150 per day | Second best matches |
| No.2 Court | No.2 Court stadium | £25-£80 per day | Good matches, more affordable |
| Grounds Passes | Show courts, outside courts, food stalls | £8-£30 per day | Can move around freely, cheapest option |
Understanding where you want to sit and your budget will help narrow your options.
Increase your odds in the ticket ballot
The Wimbledon ticket ballot gives the general public a chance to buy coveted tickets. However, the odds are very low, often less than 1% chance due to huge demand. Here are some tips to boost your chances:
- Register as soon as ballot opens – earlier registrants seem to be prioritized.
- Only opt-in for the tickets you can actually afford and attend.
- Apply every year consistently.
- Do a ticket exchange to build up a history.
- Join tennis or Wimbledon-related organizations like the LTA as a member.
While not guaranteed, these tips could incrementally increase your odds year over year.
Attend the Queue for on-the-day tickets
About 500 Centre Court tickets are allocated daily for the famous Wimbledon Queue. Fans line up with tents, sleeping bags and umbrellas for a chance to snag same-day tickets. Here are some queue tips:
- Arrive very early – at least by the night before or 1-2am daily.
- Come prepared for any weather with supplies and warm clothes.
- Bring entertainment – portable chairs, snacks, card games etc.
- Go later in the tournament when crowds are smaller.
- Understand queue cards and numbers for when tickets are allocated.
- Know that Grounds Passes are more readily available than show court tickets.
Joining the Queue takes serious commitment but can pay off with Centre Court access!
Buy from authorized ticket resale platforms
If you miss out on the primary sales, authorized resale platforms like Viagogo offer safetly verified resold tickets. However, expect to pay above face value. Do your due diligence:
- Carefully check listed ticket details like category, row and seat.
- Buy early when ticket supplies are higher.
- Sort by price low-to-high if looking for deals.
- Read seller reviews and ratings.
- Confirm buyer protection and money back guarantees.
Paying more is usually necessary, but verified resale platforms are ideal over sketchy scalpers or Stubhub.
Consider public ticket packages or hospitality
Official Wimbledon packages combine tickets with hotel, meal, transportation and other perks. Benefits include:
- Guaranteed tickets to top matches.
- Handling of all logistics and planning.
- Opportunity to meet tennis legends at meals.
- Luxury experience and perks through hospitality.
Of course, these premium experiences come at a significant cost. But for some, it’s worth it for a hassle-free, once-in-a-lifetime Wimbledon experience.
Join a tennis or country club
Certain exclusive tennis clubs and institutions receive dedicated allocations of Wimbledon tickets for members. For example:
- The Hurlingham Club – 41 pairs of tickets
- LTA British Tennis Members – approx. 200 tickets
- All England Lawn Tennis Club – 150 Centre Court tickets for members
Do your research and consider joining a reputable tennis club or country club near you. Becoming a member takes time and resources, but can offer excellent access not just for Wimbledon but various perks and networking all year-round.
Volunteer as a steward
Each year, Wimbledon recruits over 5,000 volunteers called stewards to help run the tournament. In exchange for a commitment of 5+ days of work, you get:
- A uniform, including Ralph Lauren outfits if assigned to Show Courts.
- 2 complimentary tickets for the two weeks.
- Free meals and snacks during shifts.
It requires hard work, but volunteering is a unique way to experience Wimbledon from the inside. And you still get those coveted tickets without the headaches!
Conclusion
Getting your hands on the best Wimbledon tickets requires planning, commitment and sometimes luck. Ideally, register for the ticket ballot a year in advance and cross your fingers. If that fails, tap into your connections whether it’s at a tennis club or country club to access special allocations. Joining the Queue is a right of passage for die-hard fans. And for a truly memorable experience, public packages and hospitality deliver exceptional service and amenities.
While not easy or cheap, we hope these tips help you check Wimbledon off your bucket list with an experience you’ll never forget!
