By Richard Pagliaro | Tuesday, April 26, 2016
A majestic view of what Wimbledon's Court 1 will look like with a retractable roof. Construction begins in July with the new Court 1 scheduled to open in 2019.
Photo credit: AELTC/Wimbledon/KSS Design Group
Seven-time champion Pete Sampras once called Centre Court Wimbledon a "tennis cathedral."
The All England Club issued its vision for a higher calling today.
More: Nadal Sues Former French Minister For Doping Allegation
Wimbledon officials unveiled majestic images of what the new Court 1 will look like with its new retractable roof at the tournament's spring press conference.
Construction on the $100 million project begins in July with the new Court 1 scheduled to open in 2019. The completed Court 1 will feature a new retractable roof, an extra 900 seats, a new public plaza in the place of Court 19 and new hospitality facilities.
Raising a retractable roof over Court 1 has Wimbledon fans, like visitors to the Sistine Chapel, absorbed by the overhead view.
The All England Club issued this video showing a view of the completed Court 1 as part of its Wimbledon Master Plan. Note the home-court touch with a brief glimpse of Andy Murray on the video screen.
Before Court 1 is fully capped it will operate without a lid for one year. When the 2016 Wimbledon concludes in July, construction will begin with the removal of the existing fixed roof. The 2017 Championships will be played without a roof over Court 1 creating completely different sightline.
Sir Robert McAlpine, which built London's Olympic Stadium, has been hired as the main contractor.