Plan Ahead: Wimbledon 1994

THOUGH seat prices on the Centre Court for the 1994 All England Tennis Championships have increased by pounds 1, it is time to think of applying to Wimbledon for tickets through the annual ballot.

Demand for Wimbledon seats has for many years exceeded supply because of the special atmosphere and prestige of the occasion. Thus, in 1974 to ensure an equitable distribution, the All England Club introduced a public ballot, whereby a large number of Centre Court and Court No 1 tickets are sold in advance. Anyone wishing to enter should send a stamped addressed envelope for an application form to the All England Club before the end of December, returning it no later than 31 January. One application per household is permitted.

The All England Club continues to serve the genuine supporter by selling tickets through the Lawn Tennis Association to affiliated tennis clubs, schools, registered members and overseas associations. Only the 375 members of the Club and the 2,100 debenture holders have a right to seats. However, a substantial proportion of the total number of tickets is retained for the ballot. The Centre Court has 13,118 seats and No 1 Court has 6,508 with standing room for 820.

Sportsworld Hospitality, of Abingdon, and Keith Prowse, a division of Wembley plc, are Wimbledon's official hospitality providers, though the All England Club provide their own service to companies. Centre Court debentures or No 1 Court tickets are included in the luxury package. They do not provide tickets only.

The Championships, 20 June-3 July 1994.

All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, PO Box 98, Wimbledon, London SW19 5AE. (Tel: 081-944 1066).

Sportsworld Hospitality, New Abbey Court, Stert Street, Abingdon, Oxon OX14 3JZ (Tel: 0235-555844).

Keith Prowse Hospitality, Wembley Conference Centre, Empire Way, Wembley, London HA9 0DT (Tel: 081-795 2220).