Wimbledon - anyone been?

[ILikePaperHats]

I mean the tennis competition, not the town! I've bought my 76year old mum as an Xmas present 2 tickets to Wimbledon 2019 on the last Friday on no. 1 court (so will probably be the doubles final) together with 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast. She can be very fussy and I'm a bit nervous whether or not she's going to go for it or not (for one thing, she has to go with me!) Has anyone been to see any tennis at Wimbledon? I'm worried it might be a bit dull but my mum does like watching such events on TV (Royal Ascot is another one).

Yes. Its a great experience.

Ive bought through the ballot over the years and twice got good enough allocations to buy them.

Mens quarter final day on centre court. Pre roof! And mens finals day court one - watched final on the screen on henman hill then the tennis on court one.

I love it such an atmosphere

Im thinking of taking my dad to the races in 2019. For the experience.

You used to be able to find out the daily planned schedules on the Wimbledon website so you can see whats going on, subject to rain, of course.

I didn't realise you could get tickets this early. Didn't think they released them yet.

I've been last Thursday court 1. You don't (barring lots of rain) get big name singles. You do get good matches though. I have a slight preference for watching doubles anyway so don't mind.

Best is to find some of the veterans' matches on outer courts. Still good tennis, but very entertaining.

I desperately want to get my mum some tickets for her 70th but I'm not a member of a club and have no idea how to do it! Is entering the ballot the only option?

I found tickets on TravelZoo but it includes a one night or 2 night stay in a London hotel

I have to say I’m slightly dubious about travelzoo’s offer. I’d double check you’re not being scammed. Sorry I know that’s not what you want to hear.

Otherwise Wimbledon is fab! Great atmosphere, you’re free to wonder in and out of the matches on in your court so you don’t have to stay sat down all day. There’s loads of food, it’s fun to sit on Murray mound and spot famous people and other tennis players. Been 3x since 2014 (been lucky in the ballot!) and seeing Murray win the semis was a big highlight, so exciting.

GoodHeavensNoImAChicken what are your concerns with the TravelZoo offer? Why do you think it's a scam?

I'm surprised you can get tickets this early - the ballot hasn't even closed yet (although I presume they know they will get x amount of tickets for each day)

Anyway, yes I go every year (job is tennis related) it's a nice day out, can get a bit boring depends who you get on court and how much you like tennis!
You can come & go from the courts so you're not stuck there for the whole time.
once you get your tickets look at where your seats are - if you are close to the courts on court 1 you are in the sun and there is no shade - you will need a sun hat and cream (or the other option is you will get wet when it rains!)
Wimbledon are saying they expect the roof on court 1 to be in place for next year - if (it's a big if) there is a roof be prepared for it to be very warm/stuffy if the roof is closed
There are a number of options for food in the club, look at the website and if you want to do something like the afternoon tea book early - anywhere that you can book in the club will get full fast.

If you want to eat in a restaurant in Wimbledon after you have been to the tennis book that early too - the place is packed!