Can you buy ground tickets for Wimbledon in advance? The short answer is yes, Wimbledon ground tickets can be purchased in advance through the Wimbledon ticket ballot or resale platforms. However, it is important to understand the ticket categories, when and how they are sold to get your hands on the coveted grounds passes to the oldest tennis tournament in the world.
Wimbledon Ticket Categories
Wimbledon has several main ticket categories:
- Centre Court – This is the main show court where the finals and most high-profile matches take place. Centre Court tickets are the hardest to obtain but provide access to the premier matches.
- No.1 Court – The second largest stadium and hosts major matches throughout the tournament. Tickets provide excellent views of top players.
- No.2 Court – The third largest court, hosting major matches in the early rounds and some quarterfinals. Still features top players.
- No.3 Court – A larger capacity show court that hosts exciting early round matches.
- Grounds Passes – Provide access to wander around the outside courts and grounds to watch matches on smaller courts. These provide the most affordable way to soak up the Wimbledon atmosphere.
The above passes get you access to the grounds to then find available seating and standing room spots at the outside courts. There are also premium hospitality packages.
When Can You Purchase
There is a specific timeline for obtaining tickets in the Wimbledon ticket ballot:
- June – The year before next year’s tournament, ticket registration opens in June for the public ballot.
- August/September – Ballot closed and applicants are notified if successful in securing tickets.
- December – Deadline for accepted applicants to pay for the tickets.
- February/March – Any tickets not paid for are put back into a second chance ticket ballot.
- April/May – Ticket resale platform opens ahead of the tournament for those looking to buy or sell.
- June/July – The Wimbledon tournament takes place.
As you can see, to buy from the official Wimbledon ballot requires planning almost a year in advance. Otherwise, your options are the resale platforms or ticket packages.
Purchasing Ballot Tickets
The public Wimbledon ticket ballot provides the opportunity to purchase tickets directly from the All England Club at face value prices. Here is how it works:
- Register online on the Wimbledon website during the registration period, usually June of the previous year.
- Applicants can request up to 4 tickets per day for up to 6 days of the tournament.
- The ballot closes and applicants are notified in late August or September if they have been accepted.
- Successful applicants must pay for the tickets before the December deadline or tickets will be forfeited.
- Tickets will be delivered in Spring of the tournament year.
The ballot provides equal opportunity for the public to obtain tickets. However, the competition is fierce, with over 1 million people registering compared to around 300,000 tickets available. So some luck is required!
Ticket Resale Platform
If unsuccessful in the ballot, the Wimbledon ticket resale platform provides a safe way to buy from other fans:
- The resale platform is sanctioned by Wimbledon for fans to sell extra tickets at face value prices.
- Buyers can browse available tickets leading up to and during the tournament.
- Tickets can no longer be resold after the first Monday of the tournament.
- Transactions are conducted online with eTickets delivered digitally to the buyer.
- The resale platform avoids the risks of using unauthorized third party sellers.
While more expensive than the ballot, resale tickets provide a legit way to buy tickets closer to tournament time.
Other Options
If you missed out on both the ballot and resale, there are still a couple options to purchase ground tickets:
- Ticket Packages – Travel groups and hospitality providers sell ticket packages that combine accommodation and guaranteed grounds passes.
- Queuing – Limited tickets are available each morning in the famous overnight queue for grounds passes, but requires significant commitment.
- Middle Sunday – Tickets usually go on sale online the morning of Middle Sunday, the only day with no play scheduled.
While pricier, the packages provide peace of mind. Queuing and Middle Sunday tickets require luck and dedication.
Conclusion
Yes, Wimbledon ground tickets can be purchased in advance through the Wimbledon ticket ballot or sanctioned resale platforms, avoiding unauthorized sellers. Planning a year ahead is needed for the best chance at face value tickets. Otherwise ticket packages, queuing or Middle Sunday provide alternative ways to get onto the prestigious grass courts of Wimbledon. While not easy, there are ways for tennis fans to experience Wimbledon live by purchasing ground tickets in advance.