To give you info about the queuing experience, intrepid queuer Catherine is sharing updates live from the queue which I’m publishing here on the blog.
Catherine arrived in the queue on Friday night with the aim of getting show court tickets for Monday. Follow Catherine on Twitter @scattydove
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to spend a whole weekend in the Wimbledon queue, read on.
This article starts from Sunday.
Also read Diary of a Wimbledon Queuer: Part 1 (Friday and Saturday).
Sunday 30 June
Woke up at 7.15am. There’s barely a sound outside and the sun is beating down. Perfect Middle Sunday morning!
Just seen Monday’s order of play…Serena, Andy and Novak on CC. THAT is why I queue. True, it would be good if tickets were more freely available on the internet but with net/ballot tickets i’ve always been up in the gods. Courtside everytime with the queue in the action!
Comment from GSG: I hadn’t realised how good the seats are that are reserved for queuers.
On how queuers get a shower:
So hot and sticky this weekend. A shower is needed at Wimbledon leisure centre. Pay for a swim and use the showers. The leisure centre about 10 mins from Wimby town centre. Take district line from Southfields or Wimby Park to Wimbledon then walk.
A building near the lake in the park also offers showers between 5-8am for queuers for £5. Not done that but can imagine it gets v busy.
Cafe Tip provided by @TheBoiledEgg:
There is a cafe open from 4am-11pm on the camp site. It’s on the furthest side away from where u join in.
Sunday Afternoon Update
Some pics below from the local area.
Southfields Tube Station all decked out for the tennis
This greets you as you leave Wimbledon Station
Centre Court Shopping Centre in Wimbledon town centre. No players in sight!
Morrisons in Wimbledon town centre has become MURRISONS
Big screen and deck chairs set up for tennis in the piazza, Wimbledon town centre
Just love how much the town embraces the tournament. Makes all the waiting around much more bearable.
All the tennis fans normally want is sun but it’s been blazing down so hard that they’ve all retreated to the shade.
A man’s just come along handing out tennis facts. A few Bible facts on the back.
Al fresco dining as only the Brits can
The sun sets over another day in The Queue
As of 9.35pm Sunday evening, there are already a few people queuing for Wednesday
Monday 1 July
5am sunrise. Woke up at 4.30am, all systems go.
5am Sunrise
All stuff in left luggage by 5.30am. Huts open from 5am. £5 charge for bags (£4 to charity) w/ camping equipment. All other bags £1.
Left Luggage
We went to buy a paper. There are different freebies daily. We got a union flag, big bar of galaxy choc and canvas bag.
Porridge for Breakfast
Lots of different breakfast items on offer. We bought porridge – healthy, filling and a reasonable £2.
6.30am…and now the waiting begins. We should start bunching up and ready to move in half an hour or so.
7am… everybody’s bunched up and waiting to start the long walk in.
The Queue at 7am
7.30am… Fast work this morning. We started the walk down through the golf course to security and had our wristband by 07.30! Over an hour’s wait until we go through the airport style security (08.45). Time to settle down and read.
Centre Court Wristband
8.45am… We’re in!!! Through security and turnstiles.
9.15am…. Tickets bought. Seats opposite the umpire 11 rows back.
Hoorah – the Centre Court ticket that will be worth the wait
In holding area just milling around until 10.30am when access to courts becomes available. Been browsing the shop.
Browsing merchandise while waiting to access the courts
10.30am… Security starts marching the crowd forward to enter the grounds.
Entering the grounds
Starting on Court 12 for Janowicz v Melzer.
Court 12
Laura Robson on the big screen
What a day! Watched a good first set between Melzer/Janowicz then watched Robson on the hill. Saw Lisicki gain an amazing 4th round win over Serena followed by Murray who cruised to victory over Youzhney. Djokovic was up two sets by the time we left.
Serena in her match against Lisicki on Centre Court
Murray in his match against Youzhny on Centre Court
Now we’re back in queue 350th in line for tomorrow so we’re DEFINITELY good for centre court on Wed! Woooooo!!
As always i’ve had the best time here in The Queue. I’m incredibly sleep deprived, sunburnt and was a little bored at times but I also got to see world class tennis in a world-renowned arena. The good definitely trumps the bad.
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Note from GSG: Huge thanks to Catherine for sharing her updates from the queue. I learned loads about how it all works. Hope everyone reading enjoyed it too.
I did the queue today. Got there around 5.30am, was 2112 in the queue, 20pounds for ground pass and was in the front row for Hewitt’s match. Stayed on court 3 for Watson and the first half of Isner’s match then walked around the grounds watching various matches before Robredo on court 17. Centre court tix for Friday already sorted through the Tennis Australia ballot.
Not going to do all four slams like GSG but have now made the first 3 in 2014!!