July Press Release: Wimbledon
The Championships, more commonly known as Wimbledon, is the oldest tennis tournament in the world. First held in 1877, Wimbledon has become a British summertime staple, attracting thousands of visitors from across the globe each year, and is once again set to take place within its iconic London ground between 1-14 July 2024.
Dan Whittaker, a personal finance expert at Vivamoney.co.uk, shares top tips to make your money go further when visiting Wimbledon this year.
1. Be ticket savvy
‘If you didn’t strike lucky in the ballot, there are other options available, including hospitality, and The Queue, which enables people to gain access to either Grounds Passes or Show Court tickets on the day of the event. Please be aware that it is not possible to select a specific date or court when entering the ballot.
‘Ticket prices vary depending on the day and seating. On select days, Grounds Passes are priced at £20, whereas Centre Court seats on the last weekend of the competition cost £275.
‘Before you buy, ask yourself what you really want from the outing, and plan your tickets accordingly. If you’re an avid tennis fan, you might go for a hospitality option for the full experience. On the other hand, if you’re not too fussed about the game but are keen to soak up the atmosphere, you may benefit from attempting to get hold of a Grounds Pass instead.
2. Travelling to Wimbledon
‘Public transport could prove to be more cost effective than driving. Southfields and Wimbledon Stations are around a 15–20-minute walk away from the ground. A bus service will run between Wimbledon Station and the ground, with fares priced at £4 for a single ticket and £6 for a return.
‘As of 2024, car parking spaces must be booked prior to the event via the AA website. Aside from the Park & Ride facility, which costs £15 per day, there will be no on-the-day spaces available. Reserved parking costs £40 for petrol, diesel, and hybrid cars, £20 for electric vehicles, and £10 for motorcycles. Those with blue badges only need to pay a £3 admin fee to reserve their space.
‘You can find out more about event travel and create your own personalised journey planner on the Wimbledon website.’
3. Frugal feasting
‘Buying refreshments while out and about at events could deplete your budget, and Wimbledon is no exception. In 2023, it was reported that a Cornish pasty would set ticket holders back by £6.30, while a bag of Skittles required an eyewatering payment of £4.20. Spectators can combat costs and avoid forking out on food by taking their own; however, there are some restrictions to what you can bring, including the prohibition of picnic hampers, cool boxes, and flasks.’
4. The sweetest savings
‘Strawberries and cream are a traditional treat at Wimbledon, with over 200,000 portions consumed at The Championships every year. Did you know that the price of this sweet treat has remained the same since 2010? You can bag a serving for just £2.50.’
5. Take up tennis for free
Viva Money has shared tips on how to make the most of your money at Wimbledon.
-ENDS-
About Viva Money
Viva Money is not a lender but is a fully regulated and authorised credit broker. Viva Money is a registered Trading Name of Digitonomy Limited, Registered in England and Wales (Company number 08385135), Registered Office; Steam Mill Business Centre, Steam Mill Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 5AN. Digitonomy Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the Financial Services Register under reference number: 690249. Licenced by the Information Commissioners Office, (registration number ZA007309)
Website: https://vivamoney.co.uk/
Dan Whittaker - Personal Finance Expert at Viva Money
Dan has strong market and product knowledge across a range of consumer finance products including, but not limited to, credit cards, savings, loans, and mortgages.