Editor’s Note: The following has been prepared for us by one of our partners, Sport Surfaces, and was created by Paul Gold.
Who hasn’t heard of Wimbledon – the tournament that entices a worldwide audiences of hundreds of millions? Nearly every fan has the tournament on their bucket list, yet only a fraction of fans are privileged enough to ever make it there. With the popularity of tennis on the rise in many countries, tickets are selling, and for those how have already secured their Wimbledon package, you are sure to feel the thrilling atmosphere and witness the world’s greatest players at their best. It is these fans who will enjoy the performances of their heroes – every thundering serve and nail-biting match point or tense tie break. Of course we will all still bare witness to one of sports’ greatest prizes, and all from the comfort of our own homes.
Wimbledon is more than just a tennis tournament.
Since the first tournament was played in 1877, the competition has grown into a global sporting event attended by many thousands every year and watched by many millions on television. John McEnroe, the three-time Wimbledon winner describes Wimbledon as the “hallowed ground” of the sport – a warranted, fitting description. When looking at the long history of the tournament, it is tough to pinpoint an exact moment where the sport was first played, but many experts believe that the modern game has its origins in a courtyard ball game which was played by the French monks in the 11th century.
Nevertheless, the game has certainly changed over the years. And it isn’t only the athletes or the occasional rule that has chaned. Wimbledon 2014 stands alone with its manicured court, pressed tennis white, with unparalleled grace and achievement. The conditions between then and now are more noticeable with each passing year. And with Wimbledon being the only grand slam tournament and is the only game that is played on grass court, the manicuring of the grounds is down to a science. Nineteen courts are used at Wimbledon and since 2001 these courts have been sown with 100% perennial rye-grass. The grass is hand-weeded and scythed to a height of 8mm every day at the championship.
The tournament has become a very global game when once it was almost exclusively dominated by Europeans and Americans. Players from South America, Africa, Asia, Australia and Canada are all turning heads. Both during and after the tournament, the social results are amazing. Wimbledon is the time when we can all embrace the positive power of sports and share as a collective love and passion for the game regardless of who you are, or where you come from. It is solely the spirit of Wimbledon that has ensured its success and has inspired the next generation of athletes. The sport showcases for young people what can be achieved if they work hard with the goal in their mind.
This year’s tournament will continue over two weeks from June 23 through July 6, 2014.
After the striking success of Andy Murray at Wimbledon the demand for tournament’s ticket is likely to be higher than ever. Fans should also note that tickets cannot be requested for specific days or courts as these are chosen random. Here is a review of ticket distribution among player’s media, officials and general public:
Total sales-53%
Debenture- 17%
Hospitality package- 9%
Others-21%
The ticket queue for this year’s Wimbledon officials open at 8am on Sunday, June 23. Around 500 tickets will be available at the Gate 3 turnstile for centre court along with thousands of ground tickets. However, if you are planning to turn up to the Championship after work, the late entry queue will be open at 5 am daily. Public ballot is the right way to buy tickets for Wimbledon 2014 and there is a right application process.
