Despite concerns over potential fan distractions due to England's success in the European Championship, the primary factor affecting attendance at Wimbledon this year has been the unpredictable and inclement weather.
During the first week of the prestigious grass-court Grand Slam tournament, attendance was down by 3.7% compared to the previous year. The rainy conditions disrupted play on multiple days, leading to a decrease in the number of spectators. The lowest attendance recorded for a first Friday, excluding the pandemic-affected 2021 event, was observed this year since 1998.
On a particularly rainy Friday, only 36,630 fans attended Wimbledon, marking a significant drop from the previous year's figures. The weather delays not only affected the start of play but also prevented matches from being held on the outside courts in the evening.
Despite the potential for Wimbledon to sell out in advance, tickets are reserved for day-of sales to accommodate fans in the renowned Queue. This practice, aimed at maintaining accessibility, introduces some uncertainty regarding the total number of attendees on any given day.
As the tournament entered its second week, the All England Club's chief executive highlighted the impact of the adverse weather conditions on attendance figures. Contingency plans, such as moving junior matches indoors and adjusting the format of early rounds in mixed doubles, have been considered to mitigate the effects of ongoing rain disruptions.
While England's advancement to the semifinals of the Euro 2024 soccer tournament has raised concerns about potential fan engagement, the primary focus remains on the weather forecast for the upcoming days. The All England Club is closely monitoring the situation and remains hopeful for improved conditions to enhance the Wimbledon experience for players and spectators alike.
