What do I do in the Wimbledon queue?

June 28, 2007 2:29 PM

What do I need to know about the queue at Wimbledon? In particular, what kind of tent should I bring?

I'm going to Wimbledon tomorrow night to camp out overnight in the hopes of getting a ticket on Saturday (yes, I know it'll probably be rained off). I'd like to know any general tips on surviving and having fun, but particularly about how to pitch a tent there. Does a pop-up tent need to be pegged down? If so, what kind of tent do people pitch on the pavement? Are there sufficient railings to tie the guy ropes to? Thanks!

posted by hoverboards don't work on water to Sports, Hobbies, & Recreation (3 answers total)

I don't have any specific advice to give, but the Queuing leaflet says 'Queuers may occupy reasonably generous space on the pavement; however, early in the morning (approximately 6.00am) you will be woken by the Stewards, asked to dismantle 'camping' equipment, move cars to the car parks and then close up into tighter formation so as to create space for those joining the queue on the day.'

I believe there are railings to tie ropes to, but don't rely on me. You'll have to leave your tent at the Left Luggage facility which you'll pass on the way in.

Other tips: bring your own food and drink; unsurprisingly, you'll get ripped off inside. While queueing, you'll be doing a lot of standing. At least four hours. If you don't like that, bring a foldable chair.

Bring a portable radio with headphones - that means you'll be able to listen to commentary. Don't bother getting a cushion, the seats are fine. And soak in the atmosphere - it's fun! I queued up from 6am on Monday and had a great time. Even with the rain I managed to see 3 hours of play, and I was about 530th in line - this meant I missed out on Centre Court tickets but got great seats at Court 1.
posted by adrianhon at 3:34 PM on June 28, 2007

Personally I'd use a bivvy bag rather than a full tent, but I realise that not everyone has one. I don't have any specific advice, but remember that everything in life is more enjoyable accompanied by strawberries and Pimm's.
posted by Aloysius Bear at 3:53 PM on June 28, 2007

Response by poster: I thought I'd mention that I'm off to Wimbledon again this year, and relate a few of my experiences from last year.

1. We drove and managed to find a parking space on the street right outside the queue. This took more than an hour and we were astonishingly lucky to sneak in at the right moment. Finding a parking space is a billion-to-one shot and we pulled it off, but I wouldn't like to try it again. We're going on the train this time.

2. A pop-up tent doesn't need to be pegged down at all. As long as you have a sleeping bag and are camped on the grass, it's quite comfortable.

3. If your tent requires poles, pegs and ropes, you probably won't manage to keep it up if camped on the pavement.

4. We arrived at the queue at 10pm on the Friday night and got Court 1 tickets the next morning.

5. It rained all day and we saw 1 hour of tennis :(

6. The girl I went with last year was my best friend. We're now engaged. We put it down to me forgetting a sleeping bag.

7. Come on Tim Andy!
posted by hoverboards don't work on water at 7:49 AM on June 27, 2008 [1 favorite]