The Queue: queuing for Wimbledon (a practical guide)
The Queue is one of the most famous traditions in sport. At Wimbledon, a limited number of tickets goes on sale each day to those who physically queue, including — rarely — for the show courts early in the tournament. It's the route that rewards patience rather than luck or budget: you settle in the neighbouring park, sometimes the night before with a tent, you get a position card in the queue, then you buy your ticket at the box office on the day. This practical guide describes how it works and gives concrete tips, based on public facts. The exact hours and rules are published each year by the organiser.
How The Queue works
The principle rests on order of arrival. Spectators settle in the dedicated queue near the grounds; the keenest camp overnight the night before. On arrival, you receive a numbered card or ticket (the famous "Queue Card") that sets your position and can't be transferred. In the morning, the queue moves towards the box offices and you buy your ticket at the official price, subject to availability. A quota of show-court tickets is reserved for the Queue each day early in the fortnight; for the rest, it's mainly tickets giving access to the outside courts and the grounds (a grounds pass).
Queuing, step by step
- 1
Prepare your kit
If you're aiming for the front, plan to come the night before: tent, sleeping bag, warm clothes, food and drink. Rules govern camping (tent size, behaviour): check the official Queue guide before you go.
- 2
Join the queue and collect your Queue Card
On arrival in the dedicated park, you're placed at the back of the queue and receive a numbered Queue Card showing your rank. It's personal and non-transferable: don't lose it, it determines your access.
- 3
Wait and follow the rules
You must stay on site: your position is only valid if you actually occupy your spot. In the morning, stewards organise the queue's progress to the entrance. Follow their instructions and the posted times.
- 4
Buy your ticket at the box office
Once at the box offices, you buy your ticket at the official price subject to the day's availability: a show court if the quota isn't exhausted, otherwise a grounds pass. Payment is on site by that year's accepted methods.
What to know before trying the Queue
- The Queue rewards order of arrival, not luck: the earlier you come, the better your chances.
- The Queue Card is numbered, personal and non-transferable.
- A limited quota of show-court tickets is reserved for the Queue early in the tournament.
- For the latter stages, show-court tickets are generally no longer sold via the Queue.
- You must physically occupy your spot: you can't "reserve" a place in your absence.
- The hours, camping rules and payment methods are specified each year: see the official site.
Is the Queue right for you?
The Queue is ideal if you're willing to invest time and a little comfort in exchange for an official ticket at a reasonable price, without relying on the draw. It's also an experience in itself, now part of the tournament's culture. On the other hand, if you can't afford a long wait or a night on site, the Ballot or the Debentures will suit you better. Many spectators combine the two: they try the draw and keep the Queue as a plan B.
FAQ
- Can you really get show-court tickets via The Queue?
- Yes, early in the tournament: a limited quota of show-court tickets is reserved for the Queue each day. But you have to arrive very early, often camping the night before. For the latter stages, these tickets are generally no longer sold via the Queue.
- Do you have to camp to do the Queue?
- Not always, but to aim for a show court or the best seats, many arrive the night before with a tent. For a simple grounds pass, coming early in the morning can be enough depending on the crowd. The camping rules are specified in the official Queue guide.
- Can the Queue Card be resold or passed on?
- No. The Queue Card is numbered, personal and non-transferable: it only has value if you physically occupy your spot in the queue. No position or ticket obtained via the Queue can be resold.
- How much do tickets bought via the Queue cost?
- They're sold at the official price, like other tickets — that's one of the Queue's appeals. The amount depends on the court and the day. Check the official site for that year's exact prices.