How Much Does It Cost To Close The Roof At Wimbledon: Unveiling The Expenses

Novak Djokovic secured victory in the initial set of his Wimbledon match, but an unexpected interruption lasting over an hour ensued. The cause for this delay was the court’s condition being deemed too wet and slippery for safe play. Surprisingly, Wimbledon’s Centre Court boasts a state-of-the-art retractable roof, which was a substantial investment of approximately $150 million. Fans were left puzzled, wondering why tournament officials didn’t activate the roof earlier to prevent such weather-related disruptions. This incident occurred on July 3, 2023.

Wimbledon, known for its prestigious tennis matches, has addressed the challenge of rain interruptions by installing retractable roofs on two of its courts. The first of these innovative roofs was introduced at Centre Court in 2009, in response to a match delay caused by rain during the Dinara Safina and Amelie Mauresmo encounter. A year later, in 2009, a similar retractable roof was implemented over No. 1 Court. These roofs have since become vital features, allowing Wimbledon to continue its matches despite inclement weather. As of July 7, 2023, these roofing systems continue to play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth progression of matches at the tournament.

The construction of the roof for Centre Court at Wimbledon was budgeted at a substantial £71 million, with the project’s target completion date set in anticipation of the 2019 tournament. This significant expenditure was disclosed in the financial records of the All England Club, available through Companies House. In addition to the roof, the club’s financial documents also detail various other enhancements scheduled for the Wimbledon site. These improvements encompass the installation of new clay and covered hard courts, although it’s worth noting that these courts won’t be utilized during the championships. This information was made public on August 22, 2017, shedding light on the comprehensive upgrades planned for Wimbledon’s iconic Centre Court and its surrounding facilities.