Wimbledon 2026 — 14 days
There is no other opening day in tennis quite like it. The defending champion's first-match tradition. The Royal Box filling for the first time. The smell of freshly cut grass on courts 1 through 19. If you want one day at Wimbledon, this is the most ceremonious.
Day 1 at Wimbledon is steeped in ritual. Following a centuries-old tradition, the defending Men's Singles champion opens proceedings on Centre Court at 13:00 — a ceremonial moment watched by tennis fans worldwide. The opening day features first-round matches across all show courts, with marquee fixtures scheduled to maximise the global broadcast. The atmosphere is unmistakable: bunting along Wimbledon Park Road, queues forming from dawn, strawberries and Pimms flowing across the grounds. Whether you want the polish of Centre Court or the roaming freedom of a Ground Pass to discover rising stars, Day 1 sets the tone for the entire fortnight.
Highlights
- Defending Men's Singles champion opens Centre Court — 130+ years of tradition
- First-round marquee matches across all show courts
- Royal Box typically attended by senior royals
- Quietest day for crowd density — easiest to roam outer courts
Choose your seat
Ticket prices
£240—£1,650pp
Day schedule
- 10:30
Grounds open
Gates open to ticket holders. Picnics, queue refreshments, big-screen Henman Hill viewing.
- 11:00
Play begins on outer courts
Courts 2 through 18 open with Round matches. Walk between courts freely with a Ground Pass.
- 12:00
Centre Court & Court 1 play begins
Show court matches start. Reserved seat ticket holders take their seats.
- 13:00
Strawberries & cream service
Iconic Wimbledon snack — over 38 tonnes consumed each Championships.
- 17:00
Late afternoon session
Marquee matches typically scheduled for prime time on Centre Court.
- 21:30
Play concludes
Final match wraps up. Roof closes if active. Last Underground to Wimbledon station at 23:30.
Venue & location
What past guests say
Frequently asked
What time should I arrive?
The grounds open at 10:30. We recommend arriving by 11:30 to enjoy the atmosphere, get refreshments, and find your court before play starts. On final days, arrive earlier for security and ceremony viewing.
What is the dress code?
Smart casual for the grounds. The Royal Box and Debenture areas require jackets for gentlemen (no jeans or sportswear). Players wear all-white — a tradition strictly enforced for competitors but not for spectators.
Can I bring food and drink?
Yes, you may bring your own food and one bottle of wine or champagne, or two cans of beer per person. Glassware over 250ml is not permitted. Strawberries and cream from the on-site stands are a must-try.
What if it rains?
Centre Court and Court 1 both have retractable roofs — play continues. Outer courts pause and resume after rain stops; if your reserved match is cancelled, you may be entitled to a refund per AELTC's published rain policy.
Is there transport to the venue?
Closest tube: Southfields (District Line, 15-min walk) or Wimbledon (10-min walk + free shuttle). London Underground runs frequently. Taxis and Uber are available; pre-booked transfers are included in our packages.
Can I move between courts?
With a Ground Pass you have access to all outer courts (Court 2 onwards) on a first-come, first-served basis. Reserved Centre Court / Court 1 tickets give you that specific court only.
What's included in my package?
Match tickets at your chosen tier, hand-picked hotel close to Wimbledon or Central London, breakfast options at most properties, dedicated FanVoyage concierge, and a printed information pack on arrival.
Can I get a refund if a specific player is eliminated early?
Tickets are for the match scheduled on your court, not a specific player. Players are seeded into matches based on the previous day's results. Refunds are not available for changes in line-up.