Camp Wimbledon

Wednesday, July 2, 2008

The overnight queue is as much a tradition at Wimbledon as playing on grass or wearing white. In previous years, the campers lined up on the sidewalk along Church Road. It was a great party atmosphere with people coming from as far away as Australia to join in the fun. They set up tents, barbeque, and of course there were always large coolers full of beverages, often alcoholic. I always enjoyed the walk back to my house, after the matches, stopping to chat, share a drink, a story, a laugh with the fans.

However, this year they have moved the campers to Wimbledon Park which is across the street from the All England Club. This is large park adjacent to Church Road where they used to pitch their tents. Apparently the residents of this upscale suburb didn’t like the idea of people camping out on their sidewalk. Too bad, this was such a fun part of the Championships.I talked to a lot of the fans, and they seem to have mixed feelings about the move, while the sidewalk was a tradition and seemed more spontaneous, it was nicer to camp on the grass(unless it rained, then the grass got pretty muddy) rather than the pavement.

The park was already sea of tents, and it was only PM and the fans would keep arriving until late in the evening. One of the stewards told me that they expected 800 to 1,000 people hoping to get tickets for Andy Murray’s quarter final match.

Fans start arriving as early as 6PM so they can get one of the first numbered cards given out when you join the queue. This was started in 2003, because they were having so much trouble with people jumping the queue. Nice British people jumping the queue? Impossible! It must have been the Aussie’s! At least this was the opinion of some of the English campers I spoke to. After all everyone knows that the British have a tradition of queuing, and they know and respect the rules. (smile).

Once they have their numbers, and a designated space, they set to work getting organized. Most of them have small tents, but there are a few who brave it with just sleeping bags, or a blanket. If haven’t brought your own supplies, there is a catering truck selling burgers, fries, hot dogs and drinks. Need a little entertainment? Well, you can play football in the field next to the tent area, or you can watch TV on your portable, play board games, maybe get a little work done on your laptop. There is lots of socializing, and meeting new and old friends. One group told me that this was the 22nd time they have camped here. Twice for each championship for 11 years. They met in the queue, got to be friends, and now make it a tradition to camp together. Another fan dressed up in the British flag with a great home designed told me that this is his nineteenth year, and each year he makes a special hat for the occasion

The party goes on late into the night, and those that manage to get a few ZZZ’s are awakened by the stewards at 6AM so they have time to pack up and form the queue. At 7:30 Am the Stewards hand out 1500 court specific wristbands starting at the front of the queue. Those lucky enough to be among the first 300 will have their choice of any court they want. The others will have to take what ever is available, but everyone is happy and excited just to be experiencing the Wimbledon Championships.

This is a hearty and dedicated group. They are young, old, cool, conservative. I’ve seen them camping in some pretty nasty weather, but they are not deterred. They are here to party, have some fun, meet new friends, and watch great tennis.