Wimbledon has two show courts that define the Championships experience: Centre Court and No.1 Court. Both deliver world‑class tennis in comfort, with roofs that keep play moving when the weather turns. The right choice depends on what you want from the day—history and the biggest moments, or modern design and superb value for top‑tier matches. This guide sets out the practical differences so you can book with confidence.

Key facts at a glance

• Courts compared: Centre Court and No.1 Court at The Championships, Wimbledon.
• Capacities: Centre Court 14,979; No.1 Court 12,345.
• Roof technology: Retractable roofs on both; Centre Court (2009), No.1 Court (2019).
• Match prestige: Centre Court stages the men’s and women’s singles finals; No.1 Court hosts other major matches across the fortnight.
• History: Centre Court opened in 1922; No.1 Court opened in 1997 (replacing the original adjoining No.1).
• Court space: Centre Court has notably generous backcourt run‑offs (c. 27 feet).
• Location on site: No.1 Court sits to the north of Centre Court.
• Seating policy: Reserved seating—walk‑ups are not permitted on show courts.
• Ticket routes: Public Ballot, Second Ballot, The Queue (typically 500 same‑day tickets per show court except the last four days), and debenture seats.
• Best for: Centre Court for the sport’s defining moments and heritage; No.1 Court for elite tennis with strong availability and modern amenities.

What sets each court apart

Centre Court: the sport’s most storied stage

Centre Court is Wimbledon’s beating heart. Opened in 1922 and painstakingly restored after wartime damage, it has been continually modernised while retaining its character. The 2009 retractable roof transformed the global broadcast look of Wimbledon and ensures continuity of play when rain arrives. It is also physically expansive, with generous run‑off areas that add to the theatre of rallies and the sense of occasion.

Centre Court hosts the men’s and women’s singles finals every year, along with a daily schedule of headline matches. If you want the moment that decides a champion, this is the only place to be.

No.1 Court: contemporary comfort and marquee matches

No.1 Court opened in 1997 as a purpose‑built modern show court and had its own retractable roof added in 2019. Seating was increased to 12,345 as part of that project, and the arena is known for excellent sight lines and spectator comfort. Although it does not stage the singles finals, it carries many of the tournament’s biggest matches through the first week and beyond, including high‑profile singles rounds and selected later‑stage matches in other events.

Spectator experience and views

Both courts are designed to deliver clear views from virtually all seats. On Centre Court, the ambience is distinctly theatrical; the arena’s history shapes the atmosphere as much as the tennis. Terraced bars within Centre Court also provide vantage points across outside courts between sessions. No.1 Court, being newer, benefits from a bowl design optimised for comfort and visibility from its inception, producing an intimate feel for a show court of its size.

Scheduling: what you’re likely to see

Centre Court carries the highest‑profile singles matches each day and, crucially, the men’s and women’s finals. No.1 Court is the premier alternative for elite tennis: top seeds often appear here in the early rounds, and it commonly features headline matches across singles, doubles and mixed events as the tournament develops. The precise daily schedule is determined by the AELTC and varies year to year, so consider the day you plan to attend and your priorities—guaranteed finals vs. a broader spread of marquee matches.

Weather resilience and the retractable roofs

Both Centre Court and No.1 Court have retractable roofs that allow play to continue during rain and manage light conditions later in the day. Centre Court’s roof arrived in 2009; No.1 Court’s in 2019. In practice, this levels the experience between the two venues in poor weather and improves scheduling predictability, which is helpful if you are hosting guests or coordinating travel.

Ticketing and premium access explained

All show‑court seats are reserved. Public access routes include the Wimbledon Public Ballot and Second Ballot. On most days of the Championships, The Queue releases around 500 same‑day tickets per show court; the last four days are an exception. For assured locations and amenities, debenture seats are the most exclusive option—these are positioned at prime vantage points, on the same level as the Royal Box on Centre Court. If you are planning ahead for a landmark year or key client hosting, explore Wimbledon 2026 debenture tickets and VIP packages early to secure the best positions.

Availability, pricing and allocations can change; always check current guidance before booking.

When to choose each court

Choose Centre Court if:

• You want the defining moments: The men’s and women’s singles finals are exclusive to Centre Court.
• Heritage matters: You value the history, ambience and ceremony associated with tennis’s most iconic arena.
• Prime vantage points are a priority: Larger capacity and premium seating tiers, including debentures, offer exceptional central views.

Choose No.1 Court if:

• You want elite tennis with flexibility: Expect top seeds and headline matches, particularly in the first week, with strong sight lines throughout.
• You prefer a modern arena feel: Purpose‑built design contributes to comfort and excellent visibility from a wide range of seats.
• You’re balancing availability and value: No.1 Court often provides broader access without sacrificing match quality.

Planning by occasion

• First Wimbledon visit: Centre Court delivers the quintessential experience; No.1 Court gives you a superb introduction with potentially more matches featuring stars across the draw.
• Client hosting: Centre Court for maximum prestige; No.1 Court for a modern environment that can offer outstanding value and logistics.
• Family day out: No.1 Court’s comfort and mix of matches can be ideal, especially early in the fortnight when the schedule is varied.
• Weather‑proofing plans: Both courts are equally protected by their roofs—helpful for guests flying in or for tightly timed itineraries.

FAQs: Centre Court vs No.1 Court: When to Choose Each