Etiquette During Wimbledon

Wimbledon is the most famous and prestigious tennis tournament in the world, attracting tennis fans, celebrities, and well-known icons from all over the world each year. Sitting in South London, posh and class are big in the British culture, with no exception for Wimbledon itself. Those of you who are lucky enough to land tickets to the iconic lawn tennis championship should perk up your manners, and redefine your etiquette for the best overall Wimbledon experience and full immersion into the world-famous tennis tournament.

Whether it be written or unwritten, there are certain rules and specific etiquette styles that should be followed while attending Wimbledon. Players are required to dress in all white, queue cannot be skipped, and strawberries and cream are almost a requirement. While there is technically not a written dress code or a list of do’ and don’t’s in the Wimbledon guidebook, it’s expected and taken very seriously.

If you want to make the most out of your experience and avoid being embarrassed or ejected here are 5 simple etiquette rules to follow when attending Wimbledon.

There is technically no written dress code for Wimbledon spectators, such as the “all white” dress code for players, but there is a favorable etiquette that is expected to be followed. Guidelines advise against the wearing of ripped jeans, dirty shoes, sports attire, big hats, and shirts with political slogans or personal brands. If you are one of the lucky few who get to experience the tournament from the Royal Box, there IS a dress code including jackets and ties for men and formal day dress for women.

Sporting events tend to come paired with a lot of clapping, cheering and excitement, however, you must contain your excitement when attending Wimbledon. Once the point has been played, claps and cheering are permitted, but not before serves or in the middle of rallies, so as to not break the focus or concentration of the players. With regards to movement, moving around the courts is strictly monitored, and you must remain in your seat, or out of the stands, until after the third game of the set.

It’s no secret that the British take queues very seriously, and there is no exception for Wimbledon. Queue lines at the tournament seem never-ending and ever-lasting, from the strawberries and cream stands, to the on-the-day ticket boxes, filled with tennis fans itching for a last-minute seat. Wimbledon has its own “queuing code of conduct,” stating that overnighters must be in a maximum 2 person tents, with no fires or bbq’s. All tennis fans are given a number when joining any queue at Wimbledon, and line jumpers risk the chance of being seen out of the stadium indefinitely. Just remember, never go anywhere without your queue card!

Etiquette Wimbledon has to do a lot with respect to yourself and those around you, including spectators, players, and staff. Stewardesses are there to help guide your experience, so be sure not to be rude or impolite when stressed or aggravated, things take time. Be sure all mobile phones are switched on silent before matches begin, so as not to disrupt players and referees, and most importantly, leave the selfies sticks at home. They are not permitted, nor is the perfect photo opt needed when attending a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The go-to food to enjoy at Wimbledon is the traditional Strawberries & Cream, and that is typically all that most people eat. Guests are able to bring in their own picnic lunch if desired, which is a great option for those on a budget, food, and drinks aren’t cheap within the tournament. Guests may also bring in their own alcoholic beverages, to an extent. Liquids must be equivalent to either 2 beers or aperitifs, or 1 bottle of wine or champagne that is opened before reaching the stadium. Glass gasses are not permitted, and neither are flasks, mugs, or opaque bottles.

If you can dress with class and remember all the written and unwritten rules of Wimbledon etiquette, you are sure to enjoy your time at the most famous tennis tournament on earth.