‘THE STAGE AWAITS’WIMBLEDON RELEASES POWERFUL ANIMATION TO CELEBRATETHE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022 AND 100

London, UK, Monday 6 June 2022:2022 marks a significant milestone in Wimbledon’s history as The All England Lawn Tennis Club celebrates 100 years since the opening of the iconic Centre Court at Church Road. To highlight this landmark moment and look ahead to the next 100 years, Wimbledon has today commenced the countdown to The Championships 2022 with the release ofan animated trail, the flagship element of this year’s campaign, ‘The Stage Awaits’.

Featuring three young Wimbledon fans who are inspired by the wonder of Centre Court, the short animation brings together the thrill of tennis, the celebration of style, and the awe of the Club’s Grounds – all of which contribute to the unique magic of Wimbledon. As the viewer follows each of the characters on their imaginative journey, we witness the excitement of The Championships through their eyes as we pay tribute to the many legends of the sport, past and present, who have celebrated success at SW19.

Alongside the hero animation, created by McCann London, ‘The Stage Awaits’ campaign includes a series of social, digital, and print executions, including the Official Poster, all designed to celebrate the centenary of this historic stadium and envisage what the next century might bring. All Wimbledon fans around the world are encouraged to share their memories of Centre Court, whether they be from a past visit, an epic match, or a special moment – using #CC100 – and a fan vote to select the top 10 all-time Centre Court moments will be launched in the coming weeks.

Also included in these executions is a series of digital artworks, reimagining some of Centre Court’s most notable moments as cinematic-style posters from different eras, ranging from the iconic Borg vs McEnroe encounter to Martina Navratilova’s record ninth title.

Alexandra Willis, Communications and Marketing Director at Wimbledon, commented: “Our aspiration in proudly celebrating the centenary of this iconic sporting arena was not just to look back at all the champions Centre Court has crowned, but to look forward to the future, driving excitement and anticipation for this year’s Championships in particular. ‘The Stage Awaits’, brought to life through this fun and energetic animation, aims to position Centre Court as a source of inspiration, not just for tennis players, but for fans around the world, a true cathedral of dreams. And how exciting it is to imagine what the next 100 years might bring in realising those dreams. With more to come to celebrate Centre Court in the coming weeks, we are delighted and excited to be officially counting down to Wimbledon 2022.”

Rob Webster and Alexei Berwitz, Creative Directors at McCann London, commented: “For one of the biggest sporting events in the calendar, Wimbledon has always been about much more than just tennis. This film is packed fuller than a strawberry punnet with all the things that make Wimbledon so special, from history and architecture to spectacular floral and fashion displays and of course Serena’s epic forehands.”

While Centre Court will be celebrated throughout the Wimbledon Fortnight, the focal point for the tributes will be Sunday 3 July – as Wimbledon begins a new tradition of playing on the Middle Sunday. The day’s play on Centre Court will begin at 1.30pm with a celebration presented by Sue Barker, John McEnroe and Clare Balding. The feature will look back on epic matches and classic moments with the help of some past Wimbledon Champions, before concluding with a performance from British singer songwriter Freya Ridings. It will also be a day for the local community with tickets distributed to local residents, schools, charities and community groups.