Wimbledon looks ahead as Centre Court celebrates centenary

With only a month to go, The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) has revealed plans for the 135th staging of The Championships, including the celebration of the centenary of Centre Court in its current home, and looking ahead to the next 100 years of the event.

Ian Hewitt, Chairman of the All England Club, commented:

Following two pandemic-affected years, we are pleased to be planning for a special Wimbledon, as we celebrate the centenary of our move from Worple Road to our present location at Church Road, and the opening of Centre Court here.

This stadium has witnessed not just epic matches, but many changes in the world around us and in society. This year provides an opportunity for reflection on the past, but also to envisage what is to come in the next 100 years.

Middle Sunday (Sunday 3 July) will not only feature as a permanent part of the tournament schedule for the first time, but will also be the focal point for the Centre Court Centenary celebrations, with a special moment planned between the second and third matches. It will also be a day for the local community, with tickets distributed to local residents, schools, charities and community groups.

In addition, the All England Club will be marking two other special occasions at The Championships: Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, for which the Club is working with the World Platinum Investment Council to create two bespoke platinum coins to be used for the Finals Weekend coin tosses; and 100 years of the BBC, with whom their relationship began 95 years ago.

The 2022 edition of ALSD International is being hosted at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this September 19-20, and will focus on optimising revenue through New Builds, Renovations & Service Expansions, with Architecture & Design, Fan Experience, Hospitality & Interiors, Premium Seating, Rebuilding & Recovery, Sales & Service, Sustainability and Technology some of the key pillars.

Grand entrance

Award-winning architecture, interior and graphic design practice, KSS is once again working with Wimbledon, with their new designs to be revealed at The Championships 2022 as Centre Court celebrates its centenary at Church Road.

To coincide with the milestone, the Centre Court bowl has received a refresh, with a new central entrance for the players walking on court.

The umpire’s chair has also been redesigned and will be in situ on Centre Court and No. 1 Court this year, before expanding to all courts in 2023.

Sports Venue Business (SVB) also conducted an interview with Patrick Williams, Senior Project Manager for The All England Lawn Tennis Club (AELTC) on the No.1 Court redevelopment back in July 2019.

Source & imagery, courtesy: KSS / Wimbledon

Main image (top): Computer generated image of an aerial view of the roof on No.1 Court at The All England Lawn Tennis Club, Wimbledon. Credit: AELTC/KSS 

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