wimbledon courts explained
Wimbledon Courts Explained – Centre Court, No.1 Court & Outside Courts Guide
If you’re researching Wimbledon courts, you’re likely trying to understand the difference between Centre Court, No.1 Court, and the famous outside courts — and which one offers the best experience.
The Wimbledon Championships is played across a beautifully maintained collection of grass courts at the All England Club in London. Each court offers a unique atmosphere, viewing experience, and ticket price point. Understanding how Wimbledon courts are structured will help you decide which ticket to buy and what kind of day you want to have.
Below, we explain how many courts there are, what makes each show court special, and which Wimbledon court might be right for you.
How Many Courts Are at Wimbledon?
There are 18 Championship grass courts used during the tournament, plus several additional practice courts.
All matches take place at the grounds of the All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) in southwest London.
The key Wimbledon courts include:
- Centre Court
- No.1 Court
- No.2 Court
- No.3 Court
- Courts 4–18 (outside courts)
While Centre Court and No.1 Court are the most famous, many seasoned fans will tell you the outside courts offer some of the most exciting action, especially during the first week.
Centre Court Wimbledon
Centre Court is the heart of Wimbledon.
Opened in 1922 and extensively modernised, it is the most prestigious tennis court in the world. Every Wimbledon final — including the Gentlemen’s and Ladies’ Singles Finals — is played here.
Key Facts About Centre Court:
- Capacity: Approximately 15,000 spectators
- Retractable roof (ensures play continues during rain)
- Hosts the biggest matches daily
- Royal Box located on the south side
Centre Court tickets are the most expensive and hardest to secure. If you want guaranteed access to the tournament’s biggest names and the highest-profile matches, this is the court to choose.
Because of its roof and protected schedule, Centre Court offers the most reliable full day of play regardless of weather conditions.
No.1 Court Wimbledon
No.1 Court is the second-largest show court and offers a slightly more intimate — but still premium — experience.
Key Facts About No.1 Court:
- Capacity: Around 12,000
- Retractable roof (added in 2019)
- Hosts major singles matches
- Often features top-10 players
Many fans consider No.1 Court to offer excellent value compared to Centre Court. You still see elite players, often in competitive matches, but typically at lower ticket prices.
If Centre Court represents prestige, No.1 Court represents balance — strong match quality, good viewing angles, and often slightly easier ticket availability.
No.2 Court – “The Graveyard of Champions”
No.2 Court has earned a famous nickname: “The Graveyard of Champions.”
Over the years, numerous top seeds have suffered shock defeats here, adding to its mythology.
Key Facts:
- Capacity: Around 4,000
- No roof
- Hosts high-quality early-round matches
- Close-up viewing experience
No.2 Court is popular with experienced Wimbledon visitors who want proximity to the action without the premium pricing of Centre Court.
Outside Courts (Courts 3–18)
The outside Wimbledon courts are where much of the tournament’s magic happens — particularly during the first week.
These courts host:
- Early-round singles matches
- Doubles competitions
- Mixed doubles
- Junior events
Because seating is closer to the grass and capacities are smaller, the atmosphere can feel more intense and personal.
Many fans with a Grounds Pass spend their entire day moving between these courts.
Why Outside Courts Are Special
- You can see top players up close
- You experience Wimbledon’s traditional atmosphere
- Ticket prices are significantly lower
- Less formality than Centre Court
If you’re attending during the first week, outside courts often deliver exceptional value.
What Surface Are Wimbledon Courts?
All Wimbledon courts are played on natural grass — making it the only Grand Slam still contested on this surface.
The grass is carefully prepared to a precise specification:
- 100% perennial ryegrass
- Cut to exactly 8mm during the Championships
- Maintained daily by specialist groundskeepers
Grass courts produce:
- Faster ball speeds
- Lower bounce
- Shorter rallies
- Emphasis on serve and net play
This surface creates a unique playing style compared to the hard courts of the US Open and Australian Open, or the clay courts of the French Open.
Which Is the Best Court at Wimbledon?
The “best” Wimbledon court depends on what kind of experience you want.
Choose Centre Court if you want:
- The biggest matches
- Finals weekend
- Guaranteed headline players
- Prestige and tradition
Choose No.1 Court if you want:
- Top-level tennis
- Slightly better value
- A more relaxed show court atmosphere
Choose Outside Courts if you want:
- Closer viewing
- Early-round value
- Variety of matches
- A traditional Wimbledon feel
There isn’t a single “best” court — just the right one for your expectations and budget.
Which Wimbledon Court Should You Buy Tickets For?
If you’re deciding which ticket to purchase, here’s a simple guide:
- First-time visitors often prefer Centre Court for the full iconic experience.
- Budget-conscious visitors may prefer No.1 Court or a Grounds Pass.
- Tennis purists often enjoy roaming the outside courts during week one.
- Corporate guests frequently choose premium Centre Court or debenture seating.
Ticket prices vary significantly depending on the court and stage of the tournament. Centre Court finals will always command the highest prices, while early-week outside court access offers the most affordable entry.
If you’ve identified which court suits your visit, comparing available tickets by court type is the next step.
Wimbledon Courts – the final verdict
Understanding Wimbledon courts helps you make smarter ticket decisions and set realistic expectations for your visit.
Centre Court delivers global prestige.
No.1 Court offers elite competition with slightly more accessibility.
Outside courts provide intimacy and classic Wimbledon charm.
Each court plays a role in creating the atmosphere that makes The Championships so special.
If you’re planning to attend, deciding which Wimbledon court experience you want is the first step toward securing the right ticket.