LONDON (AP) – It might be one of the best-kept secrets in professional sports: At Wimbledon, you can land a seat at Centre Court — the sport’s most iconic grass stage — for as little as £15 (about $20 USD).

Yes, that’s right. While premium seats at Wimbledon can soar to $220 on opening weekend and peak near $370 during finals, savvy fans are scoring the same access for pocket change. The trick? Wimbledon’s official ticket resale program, which gives on-site visitors a chance to scoop up returned tickets to the tournament’s top courts — including Centre Court, No. 1 Court, and No. 2 Court — at dramatically reduced prices.

Wimbledon’s Resale System: Big Tennis, Small Price

The Wimbledon ticket resale program isn’t new — it’s been around since 1954 — but recent updates have made it easier, faster, and more accessible than ever.

Now managed through the Wimbledon mobile app, the system allows ticket holders who leave early to return their seats, which are then re-sold at cut-rate prices to fans already on the grounds.

Ticket Resale Prices (Approximate in USD):

• Centre Court: $20

• No. 1 Court: $13

• No. 2 Court: $13

“You’re not stuck waiting in a long line anymore,” said Henry Thompson, a 38-year-old high school teacher from Missouri. “This is much more efficient — took 30 seconds.”

He snagged a resale seat for No. 2 Court to watch American star Ben Shelton for just $13 — a steep drop from the usual $115.

How to Get Cheap Wimbledon Tickets via the App

Here’s how the Wimbledon ticket resale process works in 2025:

1. Get on-site: You must already have a ticket or grounds pass to enter the venue.

2. Download the Wimbledon app and opt into the resale lottery.

3. Scan your phone at designated kiosks before 2:30 p.m. (near Centre Court or by the famous Wimbledon Queue).

4. Wait for a text notification between 3:00 and 9:00 p.m. to see if you’ve been selected.

5. If chosen, you’ll have 10 minutes to confirm your interest, and 20 minutes to get to the resale booth behind No. 1 Court to complete the purchase using your QR code.

“It’s recycling at its best — sharing the joy,” said Ed Hogan, a 69-year-old fan from Reading. “It’s an elite tournament, but it’s not elite to get in. That’s part of the charm.”

Accessibility, Affordability, and Charity

Wimbledon’s resale system isn’t just about savings — it also serves a purpose. All resale proceeds go to charity through the Wimbledon Foundation. In just the first three days of the 2025 tournament, the program raised nearly $80,000, contributing to a total of $300,000 in 2024.

“It’s about making tennis more accessible,” said Wimbledon operations manager Michelle Dite. “We’re literally selling the same ticket twice — but to benefit fans and the community.”

Real Fans, Real Deals

Chen Pinjung, fresh out of medical school in Taiwan, waited in line for six hours, paid £30 ($40) for a grounds pass, and later scored a seat on No. 1 Court to see 2022 champion Elena Rybakina for just £10 ($13) — instead of the regular $150.

“If everyone knew how this worked, everyone would try it,” said Rafael Garcia, a fan who attended with his girlfriend and her brother. “Last year, we saw the resale booth but didn’t know how it worked. Now we’ll be ready.”

Final Thoughts: The Best Deal in Tennis?

With Wimbledon making it easier than ever to watch world-class tennis at a fraction of the price, the message is clear: You don’t have to break the bank to enjoy the best of the sport.

Whether you’re dreaming of seeing Carlos Alcaraz, Elena Rybakina, or the next big star on Centre Court, the resale program offers an unforgettable experience — without the sky-high price tag.

Source: AP News  – Want to see tennis stars like Carlos Alcaraz at Wimbledon’s Centre Court for $20? Here’s how

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