A Slice of London at Wollman Rink: Bringing the Wimbledon Grass Court to New York

For four days this June, the All England Club’s legendary turf finds a temporary home in the heart of Manhattan.

The transformation of New York’s Wollman Rink from an ice-skating destination into a pristine, manicured grass tennis court marks a peculiar and ambitious crossover in international sports branding. From Friday, June 26, through Monday, June 29, 2026, the All England Club is deploying its own specialized groundstaff—the same experts who maintain the hallowed grounds in London—to construct a fully functional Wimbledon-standard surface in the middle of Central Park.

The NYC Exhibition

The event serves as the fifth year of Wimbledon’s summer programming in New York, though it represents a significant escalation in scale. The proceedings kick off on Friday with "The Wimbledon Court Invitational," a high-profile exhibition doubles match featuring legends Andre Agassi and Genie Bouchard squaring off against James Blake and Caroline Wozniacki. While this opening ceremony requires a ticket—distributed via a pre-allocated public ballot that closed earlier this month—the venue effectively pivots to a public-access model immediately afterward.

Public Access and Atmosphere

For the remainder of the weekend, the court operates as an open-invitation space. Visitors can walk in without a ticket, subject only to gate capacity. Beyond the tennis itself, the organizers are leaning heavily into the British pageantry that defines the Grand Slam. Attendees can expect traditional fare, including strawberries and cream, Pimm's, and Champagne Lanson, alongside official merchandise. The pop-up concludes on Monday with a live broadcast of the opening day of The Championships from London, played out on giant screens overlooking the grass.

Why it matters

The move to install a temporary grass court in a major metropolitan park is a masterclass in experiential marketing. By physically transporting the aesthetic and "feel" of SW19 to a public space like Wollman Rink, the All England Club is moving beyond passive broadcasting. It turns a niche, high-entry-barrier sport into a communal urban event. If successful, this hybrid model of "sporting diplomacy"—blending elite exhibitions with free public clinics—could signal a shift in how legacy sporting bodies engage with global audiences in non-traditional markets, prioritizing brand immersion over pure gate receipts.

Practical Details for Visitors

The venue is located at 830 5th Avenue, with the main entrance situated on the east side of the rink. There is no onsite parking, and officials are strongly encouraging the use of public transit or rideshare services, which should drop passengers at the 59th Street park entry points. The event is set to run rain or shine, and because it is a walk-up affair after Friday, arriving early is recommended to ensure entry as capacity limits are strictly enforced.