Saturday, January 20, 2024

ENGLAND:SCOTLAND (5)

17-12-2023 .. Sunday .. LONDON

( WIMBLEDON tour … )

Players' Entrance, Players' Lawn, Members' Tea Lawn …


The Tour Hostess shown the above and explained.


The grounds of Wimbledon are vast and it can take time to get from one end of the site to the other.  The Players get the privilege of using the underground tunnel network, a route which will take them via the back of the club and through a long tunnel to the building where the lockers rooms are.


The Lawn is a spacious facility as a 5-Star hotel.  Here the Champions' Dinner is being hosted. 


Then she briefed on all-White Dress Code.  It dates back to the 1800s, when tennis was played in full-length pants and visible perspiration was considered improper.  White ensembles apparently hide sweat stains best, so the Wimbledon dress code called for all-white outfits.

Please visit this link for the Players’ Clothing.

https://www.wimbledon.com/en_GB/about_wimbledon/clothing_and_equipment.html


Please visit this link for an in-depth study on Wimbledon Courts.

https://www.wimbledon.com/pdf/Wimbledon_Master_Plan-Prospectus-April2013.pdf

Please visit this link to know how the Wimbledon Club Management  conducts the annual Championships tournament.

https://jobs.wimbledon.com/work-at-the-championships?source=google.co.in

Please visit this link for Ticket Holders Handbook.

https://www.wimbledon.com/pdf/The%20Championships%202023%20Ticket%20Holders%20Handbook.pdf


Then the Tour Hostess shown Referee's Office & BBG Room (Ball Boys/Girls).


CENTRE COURT


At last, the final moment.  The Tour Hostess took us to the Centre Court.  She lead us to the Northern Side of the Court.  I took a seat in Box 108.  On sitting there, looked around the full Court.  Exact opposite to my seat is the Royal Box.  


Royal Box .. a premier box for use by the British Royal Family for the entertainment of their friends and distinguished guests .. has 80 dark green Lloyd Loom wicker chairs .. Queen Elizabeth II visited The Championships in 1957, 1962, 1977, 2010.

Was informed that Box 201 & 212, adjacent to Royal Box, is for dignitaries and prominent figures.  Also told that Box 111 112 113 114 for Players’ families.


The Seating Diagram is hereunder.

Courtesy:  WIMBLEDON WEBSITE


It is the main court used in the Championships at Wimbledon.  Ladies & Gentlemen Finals are played here.  The world's most famous Tennis court.  It is the 6th largest tennis-specific stadium in the world by capacity.  Every Player feels so proud to play in this Centre Court but only the Champions get the chances.  A retractable roof is installed here.  To understand the said roof, please visit this link.

https://www.worldconstructionnetwork.com/projects/wimbeldon-roof/?cf-view


Then she explained about the Balls.  55,000 balls used during The Championships period. New balls after first seven games (to allow for warm-up), then after every nine games. At start of day 46 tins are taken on to Centre and No.1 Courts and 21 on all outside courts.  Subject to availability used balls are sold daily.  Proceeds go to the Wimbledon Foundation.  Slazenger has been the Official Supplier of tennis balls to The Championships since 1902.


The experience at Wimbledon is second to none.  Had a few moments of fame by posing for photos.


Standing at the entrance of North East Hall of Centre Court

standing in the Box 108 of Centre Court with the backdrop of Royal Box

Standing near the Name-Board of the Gentlemen Champions from 1877 to 2023

Standing near the huge billboard by holding the replica of Gentleman Championship Trophy

What an unforgettable life long cherish able pleasant moments.

 

My 50 years Wish is fulfilled.  From the age of 21, longing for to be at Centre Court.  That wait was over.  I am very fortunate to have a son who helped his father to fulfil his Wish.  I find no words to express my Thanks to him.  God bless him.


A video clip on Centre Court taken by me ..

Please visit this link for a detailed explanation on CENTRE COURT.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centre_Court


WIMBLEDON TOUR continues ..

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