Wimbledon Rematch 1980

The immersive event will conjure up evocative moments from the 1980 Fortnight, including Bjorn Borg’s titanic battle with John McEnroe, widely regarded as one of the finest and most engrossing Grand Slam Singles finals in history, Evonne Goolagong’s surprise win over Chris Evert – the first mother to win a Grand Slam singles title – and a multitude of other intricate details such as the debut of ‘Cyclops’, the grandfather of electronic line-calling. Incorporating a mix of film, live actors, projection and period props, the multisensory experience will thrust guests into the heart of the action as they are taken through the stages of the tournament from start to finish. Vintage 1980s living rooms – replete with operating VHS players, period upholstery, and lively patterned wallpaper – will sit alongside a retro video games arcade and vintage jukebox areas. Guests will be encouraged to dress in clothing of the era, and will have their taste buds tickled by vintage volau-vents and timeworn tipples at the 1980 Wimbledon bar, where they’ll rub shoulders with roving TV reporters, players and paparazzi. This world-first experience is a collaboration between AELTC and sports event producers Rematch, proving that the combination of sport, theatre and cinema is a winning one.