Am I crazy?

Stew_B · Intermediate Club Player

Am I crazy?

Stew_B · Intermediate Club Player

Well, I just had rather an interesting experience, a guy from Routers [the second time I've spoken to a man from routers on my birthday on the eve of a Murray/Nadal match!] approached me about an hour ago, to ask me some questions, well, a lot of questions, with some others from random newspapers journalists (another 3) turning up about 15 minutes later, anyway, I ended up telling the initial guy it was my birthday when he asked how old I was, and I also told him about my previous trips here when asked if I'd been here before. I probably said too much, and with everything I've said, depending on which quotes (if it gets published) they use, I fear I could come across as a total nutter. I even had to explain to them that even though I'm first in the queue, I'm not guarenteed to be on Centre, I'll need to to queue for a resale ticket tomorrow to have any chance. I even gave away my mobile number as one of them may want to phone me after the match...

What's worse is that despite initailly refusing what must have been close to 10 times, I eventually agreed (reluctantly) to having "a few" pictures taken, even though I'm wearing old clothes, am camera shy, and short of sleep, and probably looking a total mess (although I've not looked at meself in a mirror recently). They ended up having me in over half a dozen ridiculous poses with my tent, with the queuing sign post, etc. with well over 100 pictured taken between them. I had them promise me that if I look really bad then they won't use them... but can I really trust a journo?

Oh well, I'm kind of hoping none of it gets used, but the fact that the first guy was with me for well over half an hour, and the other 3 over 20 minutes, I'll be a little disappointed if I don't at least get a mention in the press.

Finally, there's now a second tent pitched!

indiana · Tennis legend

Went for "quite crazy" smile

But there's a little craziness in many of us and when it's to do with tennis and Muzza related it's allowed. Men in white coats definitely not needed.

All the best, and I really hope you somehow come by a Centre Ticket from some kindly soul with one to spare who sees / hears about you and saves you from some of your prolongued queue / resale queue palava.

Be looking out for your picture

Stew_B · Intermediate Club Player

There's a lot I want to say, but I'm going to keep this short to preserve battery by just asking: do you think I should prioritise getting a good spot on the hill, or getting to the front of the resale queue?

Right now for me it depends on the OOP, if Murray's first, probably just hill, if the Djoker is first, probably queue.

Although hopefully there'll be a kind soul like indiana suggested and I won't need to choose...

ForeverDelayed · Grand Slam Champion

Djokovic vs. Berdych is on first - Murray vs. Nadal is on second. Confirmed on the Wimbledon website.

Madeline · Admin:Moderator + Tennis Legend

Muzza is on second match, Stew, the first starting at 1pm.

Edit - beaten by 5 seconds!

-- Edited by Madeline on Thursday 1st of July 2010 04:19:53 PM

Stew_B · Intermediate Club Player

Thanks for letting me know guys, so 4 and 1/2 (at least) in the resale queue tomorrow! Anyway, I've just had a photographer and reporter from The Times come chat and take yet more photographs of me. Again, I'm looking a bit of a mess, I had sorted my hair earlier this afternoon, but it's not now quite how it was then. At least I was wearing different clothes, but I was persuaded again into several stupid poses...

Thankfully, during the 20 minutes or so talking to the reporter, I don't think I said anything which I may regret!

Stew_B · Intermediate Club Player

Update: after more that 12 hours since arriving, I now have my Queue Card displaying number 00001.

Stew_B · Intermediate Club Player

Okay, I've just switched my phone on, and I had a text from my mum saying the bbc had phoned my home, and I also had a voicemail from a producer at bbc breakfast saying they'd be at the campsite tomorrow morning, and that Richard Westcott will be there to interview me!

I'm generally quite a shy person, and I hate the sound of my own voice, but would I be crazy to turn this down?!

steven · Tennis legend

If you're crazy enough to be there anyway, why not go for it - the video of it will be a good memento of your day at the semis!

I got lucky with a back row ticket on Ticketmaster tonight - I'll pm you my mobile number and perhaps we can say hi if we get the chance, though I won't be there long before the match.

daisy · County player

Hi Stew.
It sounds as though you'll deffo be into the grounds tomorrow if you're 00001.

Regarding the Re-Sales ....... I think they're £8 each but only available as people leaving Centre court hand in their tickets fo resale.

If, at 10.30am when you are let into the grounds, you go straight to the top of Henman Hill you'll probably be one of the first in the queue for a return ticket for Centre Court. It's a flat area right at the top of the hill and from that vantage point you'll be able to see the big screen and there are picnic benches/tables up there too so you can park your butt whilst watching. Most people just leave their ruckie on the floor in the 'queue'.

The ticket sales office only opens when there is something available ........
Last time I was up there they'd got an ice-cream/drinks/snack bar set up and if you talk nicely to the folks around your queue place would be safe if you need a bathroom break.

Good Luck!!!

-- Edited by daisy on Friday 2nd of July 2010 12:34:26 AM

Josh · Challenger level

I haven't gone this year in protest of the lack of British WCs, but in previous years it's been £5 for a re-sale ticket. You should get in before the start or very near the beginning of the Murray match if you head to the queue straight away and don't get tempted by Laura or Oli on court 12.

Stew_B · Intermediate Club Player

I found myself in the resale queue twice last year, and it is £5, also, they don't go on sale until 3:00pm even if people do leave earlier.

Anyway, I agreed to let bbc tv film me getting out of my tent, but I didn't want to be interviewed, but later in the morning, the guy stuck a microphone in my face, started talking to me, with the camera on! Obviously, I wasn't expecting it, and my mouth was totally dry, I could barely speak... I also spoke to bbc radio, but at least I was expecting that!

steven · Tennis legend

You get a few mentions today!

http://news.scotsman.com/news/Britain-expects---Murray.6396598.jp

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/murray-seeks-inspiration-from-hip-hop-ahead-of-judgment-day-1.1038729

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/184358/Wimbledon-2010-Britain-gripped-by-Andy-Murray

& pics: http://www.aapimage.com.au/Search.aspx?search=%22Tennis+-+2010+Wimbledon+Championships+-+Day+Ten+-+Queue+for+Murray+match%22&section=newsroom&viewtype=Grid

The pic makes you look perfectly normal and what they report you saying comes across fine, so don't worry. It is pretty hilarious just seeing a single tent there with all the flags to mark out the queue behind you

LadyTigress · County player

Dang - £22,000 per ticket if Andy gets to the final?!