29 April 2008

• The All England Club, Wimbledon, confirmed today that the second phase of its three-year plan to transform the Centre Court is on schedule 
  
  
• After going roofless in 2007, Centre Court will assume a more traditional look following the installation of the permanent non-moveable new roof.  The seating capacity will increase by 1200 to 15,000 from 13,800, while the East and North stands have been fitted out with new public and debenture restaurants and lounges.
  
  
• Tim Phillips, Chairman of the All England Club, said: “Through the new Centre Court facilities and the increased use of digital technology, we want to ensure that Wimbledon remains the tournament the players want to win and that, internationally, everyone wants to watch.”

For 2009, the remaining phase of the Centre Court project includes:

• Installation of retractable roof.
  
  
• Installation of new wider, padded and more comfortable seats throughout Centre Court.

Centre Court by numbers

No.2 Court
The new No.2 Court is structurally complete and on schedule to come into use in 2009.

Court 11
Court 11 replaces Court 13 (demolished) as a show court.

Centre Court Hospitality and Dining
These superb new facilities are for the enjoyment of the public and Centre Court debenture holders.  Offering the finest standard of food, hospitality and customer service and set amidst a stylish and contemporary environment, the new facilities draw upon Championships’ history for their inspiration.

Ground floor (Level 1 - public))

• The Tea Lawn:  This area has been re-lit and re-modelled and has nearly 50% more counter capacity with 11 catering counters instead of the original seven.   
• The Long Bar:  Has an improved pouring system to increase service speed and features a fascinating image wall depicting 'Behind the Scenes at Wimbledon' – composed of pictures of all those apart from the players who make The Championships happen.

• Wimbledon Shop:  Much improved retail and shopping facilities with a 4000 sq ft Wimbledon Shop on the South East corner of the new building, containing a Polo Ralph Lauren shop in shop as well as a selection of the best sellers from the Wimbledon Collection.
• Small Wimbledon Shop at the Debenture entrance behind Court 16 exclusively for use by Debenture holders.

• New public lavatories.

Level 2 (public)

• The Wingfield Restaurant:  seating 450 guests and for the first time the Wingfield is within the Centre Court.  25% larger than the old version, the restaurant has 40% dining alfresco, with screens and covers for weather protection. 
• Decorated in the style of an English Summer Garden Party with graphics, colours, and images of English garden parties through the years up to today. 
• Features a scrolling projected Honours Board showing all the Men’s and Ladies’ Singles Champions.

Level 3 (debentures)

• Debenture Holders Entrance:  An impressive space for meeting and greeting and featuring a stunning wire mesh sculpture by David Begbie of four players approximately 3m per figure suspended in the space.

• Features a display which encapsulates the history of The Championships as portrayed through four fascinating showcases of Wimbledon history - Dining at Wimbledon, 20's/30's era, Equipment and the Modern Era

• Champagne Bar:  Beyond and adjacent to the Courtside Restaurant is the original Champagne Bar which has been beautifully refurbished using large scale glass panels to give it a light and airy feel.
• Serving an exceptional selection of seafood as an alternative offer to the Courtside Restaurant and The Terrace. 
• The Champagne Bar is set amidst images, statistics, facts, figures about the original Stanley Peach 1922 Centre Court building and the new Centre Court.

Level 4 (debentures)

• The Skyview Suites (8 Private Dining Suites comprising 5 suites of 20 and 3 suites of 10 guests) offer unrivalled refinement, luxury and service. 
• Fully air-conditioned with dedicated butler, experienced waiting and hostess staff and personal usher service to reserved Centre Court seats, all the suites have balconies with panoramic views of either the golf course or the southern courts. 
• Each suite is named after one of the greatest players to grace the Wimbledon grass courts – Bjorn Borg, Pete Sampras, Rod Laver, Roger Federer, Steffi Graf, Martina Navratilova, Billie Jean King.

Level 5 (public and debentures)

• Public catering facility: Situated off the corridor behind the commentary boxes.