Been lucky with Wimbledon Ballot - first time - is there any advice please

[soyamocha3]

I have managed to scoop two men's quarter final tickets from the ballot. I have not been before although have watched it every year on TV. We will be in Court 1 and I just wondered whether anyone knew whether you actually get given a ticket with a seat number beforehand/upon arrival or whether you are allocated a seat upon arrival and get to choose where you sit. Does anyone who has been before have any tips for getting a good seat, i.e. arriving early or some other little trick. Any other advice would be appreciated. Thanks

[Loz]

I haven't been for a few years, but you will be allocated a specific seat on Court 1. You will also have ground access and so be able to wander around and see the action on the non-show courts.

Take a cushion - it's a long day on hard seats.

[giggirl]

I don't think arriving early will make any difference at all as your seat is pre-allocated.

Security is extremely tight. They will probably ask you to bring photo ID on the day so that they can ensure that the person using the ticket is the person who won it in the ballot. You should take this ID check very seriously. Security at Wimbledon is run by the armed forces/police force so security checks are not just a cursory glance.

Once you've made it inside then you will have a wonderful time (weather permitting). It's a friendly atmosphere and the staff are polite and helpful. The stewards are mostly armed forced / police / fire brigade who use their annual leave to police Wimbledon. They can't do enough for you if you ask for help with anything.

Take your own picnic as it's lovely to have a picnic on the hill. The food at Wimbledon is over-priced anyway. Pimms is extortionate too. They will let you take your own alcohol into the grounds but not your own bottled water (because of the Evian sponsorship).

It's a great day out so lucky you.

[Chippy Minton]

Loz is right, but the entire court is rarely full - you can often move to "better" seats at certain times of the day because people have vacated theirs. I found the stewards were pretty reasonable in allowing you to move as long as it isn't too busy and you're willing to move when people return.

[nashoi]

I second the advice about taking a cushion, the ones they sell in there are a silly price.

[soyamocha3]

Thank you all so much for that helpful advice. It is so useful - fingers crossed now for some decent weather. Really handy to know about the ID, cushions and my favourite, a good picnic. Thanks again