Wimbledon Centre Court

A Centre Court is a British English term which is used for the main court of any tennis complex. But, it is mostly used to identify the main court for the All England Lawn Tennis Club in Wimbledon, England where the Wimbledon Championship is held. It was opened in the year 1922, after the All England Lawn Tennis Club relocated to Church-road, which has remained its location ever since. It was earlier located at the Worple Road.

The Centre Court at Wimbledon has a capacity of 13,810 visitors. It is majorly used only for two weeks during the whole year when the Wimbledon Championship takes place. It is considered as one of the most famous tennis venue in the whole world. For the Royal Family of England as well as other special guests, there is the premier box from where the various dignitaries can watch the proceedings. The Centre Court of Wimbledon will also be used for the 2012 Summer Olympics.

After the 2006 Wimbledon Championship was over, the roof of the stadium was removed and a plan to put a retractable roof was put into place. For the first time since its inception in 1922, the Centre Court did not have any roof during the 2007 Championship. However, for the 2008 Championship, the Centre Court will use a temporary roof. The fully functional retractable roof will be in place for the 2009 Wimbledon Championship while the capacity of the court will be increased from the present 13,.810 to 15,000 spectators. This will be done by adding six rows of seats to the upper side of the court; towards the eastern, northern and western side of the court. There are also plans to build new media and commentary boxes which will replace the present ones.

It is interesting to note that Wimbledon also has its own shopping mall by the name Centre Court and it is situated at the heart of the Wimbledon town.