[MartZubok]

Hi all. I need a little help. I'm going to Wimbledon this year. I'll be there the firıst week, most likely Thursday, Friday and Saturday. I went once before and queued up and it was a great experience. My questiıons are:

1. I'm not goiıng to queue up over night. Is there any other way to get a ticket to a show court (instead of a grounds pass)? There is no way to buy tickets (at a reasonable cost, something near face value) from someone who has a ticket but can't go, right?

2. I know that there is a resale line (people who have show court tickets but who don't want to stay for the later matches turn in their tickets and the club resells them for chariıty). If I get in that line as soon as I get insıde the grounds, is it likely that I would be able to buy a ticket fairly soon or would I probably have to wait a long time (and miss a lot of matches).

If anyone can help me I'd really appreciate it. And sorry if this is the wrong place for posting this.

Cheers.

Kevin

[avavavava]

There is an online sale of returned show court tickets on ticketmaster.co.uk. Last year, the sale started in the evening (I think), but it looks like they changed that.

(from the Wimbledon website on obtaining tickets.)

QUOTE]Several hundred reserved and returned Centre Court and Court 3 tickets will be sold online on the day before play via the Ticketmaster website. Tickets will be available from 9am each day. Check the Ticketmaster website for more details.[/QUOTE]

Re: the resale line: If I remember correctly, the resale starts at 3 pm, but people start queing up fairly early for it. Play usually starts at 12 am on outside courts and at 1 pm on Court No 1 and Center Court, so you'd be missing at least 3 hrs of play. So far, I never had the patience to wait that long again after queuing up for hrs to get in in the first place, esp. since there isn't a guarantee when and how many show court tickets are returned. But I also know people who got to see some great matches that way, so I guess if you have the patience it's worth a try.

Hope you'll have a great time next week

[WepKeyday]

From what I remember, the resale line basically starts moving once people start leaving (around 3:30-4:00), but people line up a lot earlier - around 1:30. So, that's basically a lot of time spent just standing there and missing live tennis. unless there's a specific match you're dying to see, a better idea would probably be to line up for the resale right after they start selling tickets, when the line is moving already. But it'd still take some time. There are also different lines for each court, if I'm not mistaken. Which means you have to pick the court before you get in line.

[ZESINTERS]

If you don't overnight/camp, it will be difficult to get tickets for any of the main courts. But Wimby is great because there are plenty of outside courts with great matches and good view. Court 14 is lovely, and if you sit at the top, you can get a view of the match in 14 AND 13 (it is not Arthur Ashe Stadium, so the top means 4 rows up. Still great view of the court). You will get a top 16 ranked player playing there (but not top 4).
Court 18 is another option.
You have no idea how much I envy you. Have a great time.

[alexosnasos2]

From what I saw last year- the resale line really just is not a good option. It tends to be freakishly long even early on- AND remains real long even in the early evening. We didn't even think about trying this route- no way in hell were we going to sit around and at best watch the big TV screen when great live tennis is going on all over the place. Queuing really is your best option. Plan B queuing that we found is, if you go around 4 p.m. or later, the line is quite shorter in general, and you can see remaining same day matches this way.

One other thing to note- once you can find a seat at your court of preference- especially with the more popular matches at outside courts- while they sometimes let you run to the washroom up to a certain time before the first match begins- after that point, if you leave your seat, it's gone. They will not let you save seats.

AND- if what Tina posted about Ticketmaster UK is true- that will truly suck- 'cause last year you could try getting tickets for the next day starting at 8 p.m the day before- and we got Center Court tickets for the women's QF this way- we got to see Serena/Li Na or Na Li. Will have to review how Ticketmaster UK is working REAL carefully ASAP.

In any case- Wimbledon is an experience of a lifetime.

[WepKeyday]

One more note if you go the Ticketmaster route - I'm not sure where you hail from, but if you don't have it yet, make sure you have set up a Ticketmaster UK account before the time ticket sales start. You can only get tickets from a UK account (at least in the past)

[MartZubok]

Thanks everyone for your advice. When I went in 2004 I was able to get on center court because that year they had to play on the first Sunday because it had rained so much during the first few days of the tournament. But now that there is a roof I don't think that that can happen, right? In any case, I'm from the US so I will take your excellent advice and open an UK Ticketmaster account right now. Also I will take your advice and see some matches on the outer courts and then later in the afternoon see what I can find in the resale line. It's always a trade off between going to some of the outside courts and being really really close to the action (I saw Canas vs Martin on and outside court and it was amazing, (Canas's couch couched him the entire match, btw)) or seeing marquee players further away on the show courts. Since I'm going two days I'll try to get on one of the show courts at least part of one day. And thanks for reminding me about the seat saving rule. It's the only criticism I have of Wimbledon. At some point you have to use the bathroom and it's terrible not to be able to come back to your seat. But I have to say that in general I love the fact that they sell out much less than other tournaments. Tickets are so reasonably priced and the organizers who help control the queue do a great job.

OK, one last question. I've checked the website but I don't see anything about food. Are you allowed to bring in food or drink? Also, I've seen the size restrictions for bags. So am I right that normal sized backpacks exceed the size limits? What do most people bring, just a plastic bag?

Thanks again everyone. I really appreciate your help and I'll post after I go and let you know how it went!

hugs

Kevin

[ZESINTERS]

You are allowed on Fifth of Scotch whiskey per person, but only if you are schedule to watch Murray.

(Sorry, couldn't resist, but on this one I don't know. I remember I took sandwiches, bottled water and cookies, but this was prior 9/11).

[alexosnasos2]

One more note if you go the Ticketmaster route - I'm not sure where you hail from, but if you don't have it yet, make sure you have set up a Ticketmaster UK account before the time ticket sales start. You can only get tickets from a UK account (at least in the past)

Still true- you must have a Ticketmaster UK account, thanks for this add, mmmm8. Of course, like USA Ticketmaster, it's very easy to register.

[alexosnasos2]

Thanks everyone for your advice. When I went in 2004 I was able to get on center court because that year they had to play on the first Sunday because it had rained so much during the first few days of the tournament. But now that there is a roof I don't think that that can happen, right? In any case, I'm from the US so I will take your excellent advice and open an UK Ticketmaster account right now. Also I will take your advice and see some matches on the outer courts and then later in the afternoon see what I can find in the resale line. It's always a trade off between going to some of the outside courts and being really really close to the action (I saw Canas vs Martin on and outside court and it was amazing, (Canas's couch couched him the entire match, btw)) or seeing marquee players further away on the show courts. Since I'm going two days I'll try to get on one of the show courts at least part of one day. And thanks for reminding me about the seat saving rule. It's the only criticism I have of Wimbledon. At some point you have to use the bathroom and it's terrible not to be able to come back to your seat. But I have to say that in general I love the fact that they sell out much less than other tournaments. Tickets are so reasonably priced and the organizers who help control the queue do a great job.

OK, one last question. I've checked the website but I don't see anything about food. Are you allowed to bring in food or drink? Also, I've seen the size restrictions for bags. So am I right that normal sized backpacks exceed the size limits? What do most people bring, just a plastic bag?

Thanks again everyone. I really appreciate your help and I'll post after I go and let you know how it went!

hugs

Kevin

Hey, Kevin: Yes, a regular backpack will be too big- albeit they have places outside of the courts and while you're on the queue line where you can store stuff there if you want (I can offer no advice on how that works- 'cause no way in HADES!!!!! am I ever gonna store stuff at a Slam or anywhere. If I can't drag it with me, it ain't coming.) We just bring these cheapy smaller Walgreens bags- for sunscreen, sunglasses, umbrellas (LIKE we do here in Chicago- 'cause ya never know with the rain), a book for when you queue, etc. I brought in minor food items and a water bottle last year- no problems.

BTW- the Wimbledon site says that via Ticketmaster UK they will be offering tickets for Centre AND Court 3 seats (it's always just been Centre Court before) as of 9 a.m. the day before- albeit it's best to check with Tickemaster UK frequently, as I wouldn't be at all surprised if at any point they change up their procedures.

[new-nickname-zanovo]

1. There is no way to buy tickets (at a reasonable cost, something near face value) from someone who has a ticket but can't go, right?

Correct, unless you know somebody who is feeling generous. But it's very easy for them to sell on craigslist or stubhub and the starting prices are around 200 GBP for early round Centre/1.

If you want show court tickets, you gotta queue or pay.

EDIT: Well, I guess there's now the day-before TicketBastard option, but good luck getting in on that! There might be 1 ticket per 100 people trying to get in.

[WepKeyday]

We were able to bring in an average size (like a schoolbag) backpack with no issues whatsoever. Food and drink is fine, but don't have any open containers while going through the security line.

Also, half of Court 3 is free, so if you get on grounds in time, you don't necessarily need to buy the tickets for it. In fact, the free half is better as you can also see Court 4 if you go to the top rows (unless they changed the paid/non-paid sitting). But you have to go straight to that court and fast when gates open.

[alexosnasos2]

EDIT: Well, I guess there's now the day-before TicketBastard option, but good luck getting in on that! There might be 1 ticket per 100 people trying to get in.

To make a longish story (somewhat?) shorter- last year, both John and I first had the option to get Centre Court tickets for women's QF day via ticketmaster UK- and at first decided just to book one ticket, thinking to save money. As we were taking the bus back to the hotel, we realized that we had made a bad, exhausted decision- went back on a computer one hour later- and still managed to get one more Centre Court ticket.

So, my best guess is that a lot may depend on what day you are going? Maybe it's actually easier to get a Centre Court ticket later in the tournament? (I've read some posts elsewhere that last year it was considered easy to get women's finals tickets via Ticketmaster UK- albeit not the best seats of course.) Or maybe it's best to just keep on trying? Or maybe it was just ridiculous luck? IN any case, we'll try to get tickets this way again. Since we already have Centre Court tickets on the first Thursday, we'll try to get to the hotel computer at 9 a.m. that day for tickets for the next day, etc......

[serius_06]

We were able to bring in an average size (like a schoolbag) backpack with no issues whatsoever. Food and drink is fine, but don't have any open containers while going through the security line.

.

Obviously our definitions of average slightly differ. We carried enough food for a Mormon family.

[occafeVes]

Also, half of Court 3 is free, so if you get on grounds in time, you don't necessarily need to buy the tickets for it. In fact, the free half is better as you can also see Court 4 if you go to the top rows (unless they changed the paid/non-paid sitting). But you have to go straight to that court and fast when gates open.

Right, we did just that last year but the luck was not on our side. Zvonareva vs Jankovic - great on paper, but absolute horror show in reality...

[avavavava]

We were able to bring in an average size (like a schoolbag) backpack with no issues whatsoever. Food and drink is fine, but don't have any open containers while going through the security line.

Also, half of Court 3 is free, so if you get on grounds in time, you don't necessarily need to buy the tickets for it. In fact, the free half is better as you can also see Court 4 if you go to the top rows (unless they changed the paid/non-paid sitting). But you have to go straight to that court and fast when gates open.

It's a new court 3 (and court 4) this year, so I am not sure if you can still see No. 4. But there are still a few unreserved seats on No.3 (no standing area though, it seems).

Right, we did just that last year but the luck was not on our side. Zvonareva vs Jankovic - great on paper, but absolute horror show in reality...

Arrrgh. I thought we agreed to never mentioned that match again? Also, Court 3 and 4 were under construction last year. The Jankovic-Zvonareva "fun" was on Court 12. (also a nice court, btw. It has shades which was a true blessing last year.

Obviously our definitions of average slightly differ. We carried enough food for a Mormon family.

L.O.L. Nothing like tuna-sandwiches in the summer heat.

Kevin, there are also several water fountains, so no need to carry in a lot of bottles.

[alexosnasos2]

Kevin, there are also several water fountains, so no need to carry in a lot of bottles.

True enough- including some of the areas you can get to as one enters Centre Court. Always have a water bottle with you, for fill-ups as needed.

[alexosnasos2]

Right, we did just that last year but the luck was not on our side. Zvonareva vs Jankovic - great on paper, but absolute horror show in reality...

......Not to mention how joyful it was at that same time to be able to scoreboard watch and hear the sounds of errors with the-beginning-of-the-end nearby Court 2 match between V and then-Groth.

Truly, most of the tennis we saw that day was pretty suck-a-thon- and yet it was an incredible day. With of course the most quality entertainment provided by Cara "Shut Up. I am TRYING! you IDIOT!!!!!!!!!* Black.


(*Contrary to ugly rumors spread by certain Tailgate participants- the quote was directed at Hubby, not us. )

[WepKeyday]

It's a new court 3 (and court 4) this year, so I am not sure if you can still see No. 4. But there are still a few unreserved seats on No.3 (no standing area though, it seems).

Oops. Totally forgot about that construction. Never mind

Obviously our definitions of average slightly differ. We carried enough food for a Mormon family.

L.O.L. Nothing like tuna-sandwiches in the summer heat.

Kevin, there are also several water fountains, so no need to carry in a lot of bottles.

But the small backpack is what made the sandwiches all nice and warm

Also, it's imperative to bring a nice bag of wine

[unfolaReemoma]

1. I'm not goiıng to queue up over night. Is there any other way to get a ticket to a show court (instead of a grounds pass)? There is no way to buy tickets (at a reasonable cost, something near face value) from someone who has a ticket but can't go, right?

Another option that I've found quite successful is to hang around outside one of the main courts just after a match has finished, look cute & lost (or at least one of the above!), and see if someone leaving will give you their ticket - it's worked for me at least a couple of times.

I agree with the others - I'd never queue in the resale line - you just end up missing a lot of great tennis.

Court's 14 & 18 are my favourite outside courts - although I'd also highly recommend queuing overnight, it's not as bad as it sounds, and the time just flies past (getting there before 3am is a must for centre court).