[GinaIsWild]

Hi all!

I got amazingly lucky this year and got picked in the lottery to buy Wimbledon tickets. I'll be on Centre Court on Thursday (same day as the Queen!), which will complete my personal "career" Grand Slam of visiting each GS.

A couple questions for anyone who has been to Wimbledon recently:

1. I was thinking it might be fun to try to queue to get a grounds pass for Wednesday. The website says they have 500 CC, 500 Ct 1, 500 Ct 2 and 6000 grounds passes available for sale each day. I know people start queueing overnight for the showcourt tickets, but do you think I'd be able to show up early Weds morning to get a grounds pass?

2. Do they let you bring in any of your own food? I can't find anything on their website that addresses this. I have food allergies and would be much more comfortable bringing my own snacks as I'm concerned I might not be able to find much for sale that I can eat (not to mention what I am sure are outrageous prices).

3. What's typical attire for fans at Wimbledon? I feel like it may not be quite as casual as the US or Aussie Opens... would I look out of place wearing jeans?

Any other tips are greatly appreciated!! I can't even tell you how excited I am!

[laperuzdfhami]

Hawkgirl,

congrats on getting great tickets! I'm so jealous of your Grand Slam!

You might be interested in the following thread about TAT members meeting up at Wimbledon:
http://www.talkabouttennis.com/forum...ad.php?t=15110

Among the joking, there are some very useful Wimby tips from those of us who've gone. Maybe you could even join some of the TATeurs, although I'm not sure anyone's going on Wednesday.

To briefly answer your questions:
1. If you show up around or before 7 am, you'll be sure to get a groundspass

2. Yeah, you can bring your own food. Don't wave any open water bottles while going through the security check or they'll get confiscated, but anything else is fine (including filled water bottles inside your bag). At least this was the case last year.

3. It's as casual as any other tournament. I've noticed more people tend to dress up in silly outfits, if anything (definitely more than USO and RG). Just make sure to layer if you go to queue in the morning, temperature can change quickly

[neirty]

congrats on getting the tickets, hawkgirl! That's really awesome
:
I went to Wimbledon last year (and will be going this year, too, as are some other posters here.- checked out the Wimbledon tailgate thread for more info), so my thoughts on your questions:

Ground passes:
We went to Wimby both the first Friday and saturday and were able to get ground passes on both days.
On Friday, we arrived at the queing area around 6 am and got queuing numbers somewhere in the 2900s. While too late for show courts, ground passes weren't a problem and we were part of the first group of people they let in, which was great for finding seats at the courts we wanted. Also, we got to enter the still empty show courts and take pics .
On Saturday, we overslept a little and arrived at the queue around 7.30 am, which got us queuing #s in the low 9000s. We had to wait longer to be let in and got to the grounds right around the time the matches started. By then, the seats of the more popular courts had been taken and we had to wait for maybe another 30-45 mins before seats opened up.
BTW the queue didn't start moving until maybe 8.30, 9 am, so it's a good idea to bring a picnic blanket or similar to sit on while waiting.

Food: We brought our own food (lots of it, actually) and it wasn't a problem.


What to wear: I wore jeans last year and I don't remember feeling out of place. However, it got really hot and I wished I had worn something lighter.

[MexicoCity]

hawkgirl

I too will be completing my "career" grad slam on Tuesday!! I have centre court tickets!!
I'm sooo freakin' excited I can't even tell you!! I'll report back after!!!

[laperuzdfhami]

congrats on getting the tickets, hawkgirl! That's really awesome
:
I went to Wimbledon last year (and will be going this year, too, as are some other posters here.- checked out the Wimbledon tailgate thread for more info), so my thoughts on your questions:

Ground passes:
We went to Wimby both the first Friday and saturday and were able to get ground passes on both days.
On Friday, we arrived at the queing area around 6 am and got queuing numbers somewhere in the 2900s. While too late for show courts, ground passes weren't a problem and we were part of the first group of people they let in, which was great for finding seats at the courts we wanted. Also, we got to enter the still empty show courts and take pics .
On Saturday, we overslept a little and arrived at the queue around 7.30 am, which got us queuing #s in the low 9000s. We had to wait longer to be let in and got to the grounds right around the time the matches started. By then, the seats of the more popular courts had been taken and we had to wait for maybe another 30-45 mins before seats opened up.
BTW the queue didn't start moving until maybe 8.30, 9 am, so it's a good idea to bring a picnic blanket or similar to sit on while waiting.

Food: We brought our own food (lots of it, actually) and it wasn't a problem.


What to wear: I wore jeans last year and I don't remember feeling out of place. However, it got really hot and I wished I had worn something lighter.

I thought it was later than that, around 8... but you're probably right, because you're remembering stuff like queue numbers!


We got there a little after 5 on another day, btw and still didn't get court tickets, btw, so you really almost have to camp out of get there super-super early to guarantee court tickets. But that day was the second Monday, so demand was probably higher.

[Almolfuncomma]

All these threads just make me more and more jealous... Congrats, hawkgirl!!

[KatoabamyHant]

Play it safe, tina. Sleep with a prince. It worked for belslus.

[GinaIsWild]

Thanks everyone! Checked out the tailgate thread and looks like I'll miss the other TATers but yes, lots of good info there.

I'm staying with a friend who lives just one tube stop from Wimbledon so I think I will try to get up early Weds. to queue for a grounds pass (assuming I'm not too jet-lagged). Would love the extra day to wander the grounds and see some matches on the side courts since I'll be on Center Court all day Thurs. Plus, the friend I'm going with on Thursday grew up in London and has been before so I have a feeling she won't quite share my same enthusiasm.

Also, for anyone interested in trying to get tickets in the future - I had entered the public ballot for several years with no luck. Last summer, I joined the LTA and was automatically entered into the LTA members' ballot. Was notified in April that I was selected in their ballot. My seats are in the boonies (section 518) but I at least got them at face value (which was incredibly reasonable) and totally worth it!

[VitaliyMurnov]

Hi all!

I got amazingly lucky this year and got picked in the lottery to buy Wimbledon tickets. I'll be on Centre Court on Thursday (same day as the Queen!), which will complete my personal "career" Grand Slam of visiting each GS.

A couple questions for anyone who has been to Wimbledon recently:

1. I was thinking it might be fun to try to queue to get a grounds pass for Wednesday. The website says they have 500 CC, 500 Ct 1, 500 Ct 2 and 6000 grounds passes available for sale each day. I know people start queueing overnight for the showcourt tickets, but do you think I'd be able to show up early Weds morning to get a grounds pass?

2. Do they let you bring in any of your own food? I can't find anything on their website that addresses this. I have food allergies and would be much more comfortable bringing my own snacks as I'm concerned I might not be able to find much for sale that I can eat (not to mention what I am sure are outrageous prices).

3. What's typical attire for fans at Wimbledon? I feel like it may not be quite as casual as the US or Aussie Opens... would I look out of place wearing jeans?

Any other tips are greatly appreciated!! I can't even tell you how excited I am!

My wife and I did the queue last year on Tuesday and arrived around 8:30 am. We got to the ticket booth right around noon and were able to get two tix to Court 2. So, arrive early if you want the big courts. Also, the ticket sales are not computerized, so each attendant has a stack to sell. When you get to the front of the line, try to pick the ticket booth furthest from the line as that person will likely have the most tickets available. The queue process is extremely well organized, but definitely bring a blanket and a book to read/iPod. You will be sitting for several hours before your queue starts to move.

For your Centre Court tickets, be sure to memorize when you submitted your lottery ballot, when the tickets arrived, etc. It is very likely that you will be stopped at the gate and asked these questions. If you cannot answer them correctly, the guard will confiscate your tickets. Bad answer - I bought them on ebay (bye bye tickets). Good answer - I submitted my lottery ballot in October, got the notification in March (or April) and got the tickets in May. Resale of Wimby tickets is forbidden by the terms of sale.

Food is the best deal going at Wimby. You can bring in a full picnic, no questions asked. The food options in the venue are pretty poor and the lines are huge, so pack some food (especially since you have allergies). You can bring in one liter of wine per person or 4 large beers per person. Bring an empty water bottle. There are water fountains throughout the grounds and that's a much better option than paying for water. My wife and I did a full picnic and got a lot of envious looks from other attendees.

Dress is casual unless you have really "posh" seats. It's not like Ascot or other horse races where everyone gets dressed like they're going to a wedding. Jeans are not hugely common, but you wouldn't get heckled for wearing them. Most men will be in casual trousers (don't call them pants). Bring an umbrella, a hat and wear layers. The temps can change quite dramatically if the sun comes out or it starts to rain. There aren't a ton of indoor places to hide when it rains (or to avoid blazing sun), so a golf umbrella is recommended over a small pocket sized one.

Congrats on hitting your personal Slam. I am only at 1 of 4 so far, but planning to hit the other ones in the next few years.

-Snidely

[GinaIsWild]

Hi again everyone! Thanks again for all the tips. I decided to queue this morning and made it there by about 7:30 am. Was number 2872. We started moving around 8:45 and I was on the grounds by 10:30 am.

Headed straight over to the practice court area and caught John Isner walking out of the players area and managed to get him to sign my program (and even though it's illegible, that program will now be saved for eternity!).

My plan was to head to court 18 for the end of Molik-Arn and the conclusion of Isner-Mahut before moving on to see possibly Mardy Fish and/or Melanie Oudin. Um, yeah, that never happened! After queuing for an hour to get in the lower level seats on court 18, in time to see the last few games of the women, I settled in a front row seat in the corner, figuring the 5th set would take oh, about an hour or so and then I would go grab some lunch. Ha! You all know the rest!

I can't even tell you how lucky I feel to have been at that match today. I got chills when the players got a standing ovation when they hit game 50. By the time they were in the 20s, we all knew we were watching something special, but we couldn't even fathom how special. As they kept going, we just kept laughing and shaking our heads in disbelief at what we were seeing.

At the same time, it was such a letdown to leave without the match being concluded! Since my Centre Court tickets are for tomorrow, I at least get to go back but I can't even imagine how crowded court 18 will be - I'm going to do my best to get back on, though, because it just doesn't feel right not to see the end!

[Gmvkgkmn]

Hi again everyone! Thanks again for all the tips. I decided to queue this morning and made it there by about 7:30 am. Was number 2872. We started moving around 8:45 and I was on the grounds by 10:30 am.

Headed straight over to the practice court area and caught John Isner walking out of the players area and managed to get him to sign my program (and even though it's illegible, that program will now be saved for eternity!).

My plan was to head to court 18 for the end of Molik-Arn and the conclusion of Isner-Mahut before moving on to see possibly Mardy Fish and/or Melanie Oudin. Um, yeah, that never happened! After queuing for an hour to get in the lower level seats on court 18, in time to see the last few games of the women, I settled in a front row seat in the corner, figuring the 5th set would take oh, about an hour or so and then I would go grab some lunch. Ha! You all know the rest!

I can't even tell you how lucky I feel to have been at that match today. I got chills when the players got a standing ovation when they hit game 50. By the time they were in the 20s, we all knew we were watching something special, but we couldn't even fathom how special. As they kept going, we just kept laughing and shaking our heads in disbelief at what we were seeing.

At the same time, it was such a letdown to leave without the match being concluded! Since my Centre Court tickets are for tomorrow, I at least get to go back but I can't even imagine how crowded court 18 will be - I'm going to do my best to get back on, though, because it just doesn't feel right not to see the end!

What a treat for you. Sooooooooooooooo glad you got to see that.

[KatoabamyHant]

Hi again everyone! Thanks again for all the tips. I decided to queue this morning and made it there by about 7:30 am. Was number 2872. We started moving around 8:45 and I was on the grounds by 10:30 am.

Headed straight over to the practice court area and caught John Isner walking out of the players area and managed to get him to sign my program (and even though it's illegible, that program will now be saved for eternity!).

My plan was to head to court 18 for the end of Molik-Arn and the conclusion of Isner-Mahut before moving on to see possibly Mardy Fish and/or Melanie Oudin. Um, yeah, that never happened! After queuing for an hour to get in the lower level seats on court 18, in time to see the last few games of the women, I settled in a front row seat in the corner, figuring the 5th set would take oh, about an hour or so and then I would go grab some lunch. Ha! You all know the rest!

I can't even tell you how lucky I feel to have been at that match today. I got chills when the players got a standing ovation when they hit game 50. By the time they were in the 20s, we all knew we were watching something special, but we couldn't even fathom how special. As they kept going, we just kept laughing and shaking our heads in disbelief at what we were seeing.

At the same time, it was such a letdown to leave without the match being concluded! Since my Centre Court tickets are for tomorrow, I at least get to go back but I can't even imagine how crowded court 18 will be - I'm going to do my best to get back on, though, because it just doesn't feel right not to see the end!

So glad you were there.

[OixKKcj1]

That is just so awesome, hawkgirl!!!

[laperuzdfhami]

Hi again everyone! Thanks again for all the tips. I decided to queue this morning and made it there by about 7:30 am. Was number 2872. We started moving around 8:45 and I was on the grounds by 10:30 am.

Headed straight over to the practice court area and caught John Isner walking out of the players area and managed to get him to sign my program (and even though it's illegible, that program will now be saved for eternity!).

My plan was to head to court 18 for the end of Molik-Arn and the conclusion of Isner-Mahut before moving on to see possibly Mardy Fish and/or Melanie Oudin. Um, yeah, that never happened! After queuing for an hour to get in the lower level seats on court 18, in time to see the last few games of the women, I settled in a front row seat in the corner, figuring the 5th set would take oh, about an hour or so and then I would go grab some lunch. Ha! You all know the rest!

I can't even tell you how lucky I feel to have been at that match today. I got chills when the players got a standing ovation when they hit game 50. By the time they were in the 20s, we all knew we were watching something special, but we couldn't even fathom how special. As they kept going, we just kept laughing and shaking our heads in disbelief at what we were seeing.

At the same time, it was such a letdown to leave without the match being concluded! Since my Centre Court tickets are for tomorrow, I at least get to go back but I can't even imagine how crowded court 18 will be - I'm going to do my best to get back on, though, because it just doesn't feel right not to see the end!

Amazing! Enjoy tomorrow!

[Almolfuncomma]

Wow, that must have been so awesome! Congrats

[Aozenee]

very cool, hawkgirl. Thanks for sharing the story with us!

[vintsqyuid]

Glad you enjoyed Mahut and Isner, Hawkgirl!

[Zvmwissq]

That's amazing, Hawkgirl! Have fun tomorrow!

[gymnAnemoe]

It's great that you were there!
With any chance, nelslus will be able to see the end of the match on Saturday!!!!

[MexicoCity]

So awsome you got to see Isner/Mahut. We caught a bit of it when it sarted on Tuesday! Hopefully it will end today!!