How to See Wimbledon Morning Matches Before Main Court Play

Play starts on the Outside Courts 2 hours before the Show Courts. If you have a ticket to a Show Court, you can also watch these earlier matches in the morning.

When does play start?

The start of play is staggered across the various courts as follows:

There is, therefore, up to a 2 1/2 hour window for Centre Court and No.1 Court ticket holders to watch the action on the Outside Courts before play on the Show Courts begins.

Note that access to the outside courts is on a first come, first served basis.

Which outside courts can I access?

No.2 Court and No.3 Court are ticketed, so you won’t be able to access those courts. All other Outside Courts can be accessed with any ticket, or with a Ground Pass.

If you want to make the absolute most of your ticket, you can watch around 2 1/2 hours of play on the Outside Courts before taking your seat on either Centre Court or No.1 Court.

No.12 Court and No.18 Court have the largest capacity, and tend to show the the higher profile Outside Court matches.

In the first week of the Tournament, both Singles and Doubles matches are played on the Outside Courts.

See also:

Buy Wimbledon debenture tickets

When would I be most likely to see great tennis on the Outside Courts?

On the first 2 days, First Round Men’s and Ladies’ Singles are played on all courts. These days are a great opportunity to squeeze in some high-quality Singles action before play starts on the Show Courts.

In the second week, you can catch a few Singles and Doubles matches, including the Junior events. You could also see the Invitational Doubles, featuring legends of the game, such as Martina Navratilova.

Can I move from Court to Court?

There is also no obligation to arrive at your seat before play starts. You are free to spend as little or as long as you want on your preferred court. If you arrive at your Show Court after play has started, you will have to wait until the next change of ends (which almost always occurs every two games).

How is seating allocated on the Outside Courts?

One thing to bear in mind is that seating on the Outside Courts is available on a first come, first serve basis.

Seating on most of these Courts is taken up very soon after the gates open at 10:30am, so you will have to arrive promptly if you want to get a seat or standing space with a good view.

See also:

How are specific seats allocated at the Wimbledon Championships?

Henman Hill

Another way to watch some tennis before play starts on the Show Courts, is to head to Henman Hill, where play from No.2 Court or No.3 Court on the big screen. The big screen is right next to No.1 Court, so very convenient if you have a ticket for it.

Get the ball rolling...

For an unforgettable day at The Championships 2025, find your perfect tickets here: Buy Wimbledon tickets

If you would like to sell your debenture tickets, sell your tickets here.

Need help?

If you need help at any stage, you can refer to our detailed FAQs or you can contact us:

• Call: +44(0)203 883 5010
• US Toll-free: +1 888 763 7220
• Email: service@greenandpurple.com
• Or arrange a callback

It was an easy process

"I thought I'd send you a short note to thank you for dealing so efficiently with my Wimbledon debentures in 2021. It was an easy process to sell the days I didn't want to Green and Purple and payment was made promptly. I look forward to dealing with you again in the future."

Robert MacKenzie

More testimonials