At 8 AM on July 13, 2025, we arrived at Brooklyn Bridge Park with one burning question: Can you really recreate the magic of Wimbledon 3,500 miles away from SW19? By the time Jannik Sinner lifted his first Wimbledon trophy twelve hours later, we had our answer – and it’s completely changed how we think about sports travel.
The Wimbledon Experience, Transported
Walking into The Hill in New York feels like stepping through a portal. Under the massive green canopy emblazoned with “THE HILL in NEW YORK” and the iconic Wimbledon logo, Brooklyn Bridge Park has been transformed into a convincing replica of the famous grassy hill outside Court No. 1. The attention to detail is remarkable – from the pristine white picket fencing that creates intimate viewing areas to the lush green artificial turf that mimics Wimbledon’s legendary grass courts.
The stage setup is impressive, with massive screens flanked by beautiful purple floral displays that mirror Wimbledon’s signature colors. During the matches, you could watch the action unfold on Centre Court while the Manhattan skyline provided a distinctly New York backdrop – creating a surreal but magical viewing experience that somehow felt both authentically British and uniquely American.
But it’s the smaller details that really sell the illusion. The traditional wooden deck chairs with their cream-colored canvas are scattered throughout the viewing areas, complete with side tables perfect for the essential Wimbledon experience. And yes, they nailed the strawberries and cream – served in proper white bowls with the berries artfully arranged just like you’d find at the All England Club.
A Day of Championship Tennis
The women’s doubles final opened our viewing experience with pure drama. Veronika Kudermetova and Elise Mertens defeated Hsieh Su-wei and Jeļena Ostapenko 3-6, 6-2, 6-4 in a match that perfectly embodied the unpredictable nature of grass-court tennis. For Kudermetova, this victory carried profound personal significance – four years earlier, she had failed to convert two championship points in the 2021 Wimbledon doubles final, ironically against Mertens and Hsieh, who denied her the title.
The main event delivered everything we’d hoped for. Jannik Sinner became the first Italian to win a Wimbledon singles title, defeating Carlos Alcaraz 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4 in a match that showcased both players’ extraordinary talent. The victory carried multiple layers of historical significance, as Sinner snapped a five-match losing streak against Alcaraz while handing the Spaniard his first Grand Slam final defeat after five previous victories.
The Food, The Drinks, The Atmosphere
This isn’t just about watching tennis – it’s about experiencing Wimbledon culture. The full bar setup impressed us with its selection of premium spirits and, most importantly, proper Pimm’s served in branded Wimbledon cups. Sipping a perfectly mixed Pimm’s while watching Centre Court action felt authentically British, even with the Brooklyn Bridge looming in the background.
The food offerings went beyond typical event fare. Alongside traditional strawberries and cream, we sampled elegant British-style canapés including perfectly prepared beef on artisanal bread – the kind of elevated finger food that wouldn’t be out of place in the Members’ Enclosure at the All England Club. The presentation was impeccable, served on proper white china that elevated the entire experience.
A Crowd United by Tennis
The event created an intimate community of tennis enthusiasts. Throughout the day, we encountered fans who’d never been to Wimbledon mixing with seasoned travelers who’d made the pilgrimage multiple times. The diversity was striking – families with young children learning tennis scoring, serious tennis fans analyzing every shot, and casual sports enthusiasts drawn by the unique atmosphere.
The venue’s layout encouraged mingling. The white picket fencing created natural conversation areas, while the mixture of traditional deck chairs and modern seating accommodated different viewing preferences. During changeovers, you’d see people moving between sections, sharing reactions to incredible shots, and debating strategy – exactly the kind of community atmosphere that makes Wimbledon special.
The Travel Revelation
Here’s what struck us most: this event doesn’t replace the Wimbledon experience – it enhances your appreciation for it. Watching Sinner’s historic victory while surrounded by proper Wimbledon traditions made us realize what we’d been missing by only watching Grand Slams on our couch at home.
The Hill in New York serves as the perfect preview of what awaits at the All England Club. You get to experience the strawberries and cream tradition, understand the importance of proper tennis attire (the all-white dress code was definitely represented), and appreciate the social aspect that makes Wimbledon more than just a tennis tournament.
But it also highlighted the unique magic that only comes from being at SW19. The roar of the crowd, the intimacy of the courts, the history embedded in every blade of grass – these elements can’t be replicated, no matter how impressive the production value.
The Blue Phone Box Moment
One of the most Instagram-worthy installations was the brilliant blue British phone box decorated with “Wimbledon Calling” and sponsored by American Express. Complete with floral arrangements and tennis balls, it perfectly captured the blend of British tradition and American accessibility that The Hill represents. Standing inside while surrounded by purple and white flowers, it felt like calling across the Atlantic to SW19 itself.
The Sports Tourism Evolution
Events like The Hill in New York represent the future of sports tourism. They’re not trying to replace the authentic experience – they’re creating a bridge to it. For tennis fans who can’t afford the time or expense of a London trip, this provides a taste of what makes Wimbledon special. For those already planning their SW19 pilgrimage, it’s perfect preparation.
The crowd we observed included both categories. Some were using this as their annual tennis celebration, while others were clearly inspired to start planning their London adventure. Overheard conversations ranged from “I need to get to the real thing next year” to “This is exactly what I needed to convince my partner to do a Wimbledon trip.”
The Verdict: A Gateway to Greater Adventures
As we packed up our equipment after Sinner’s victory speech, one thing was crystal clear: The Hill in New York succeeded in ways we hadn’t expected. It didn’t diminish our desire to experience Wimbledon – it intensified it. Seeing the passion of the crowd, tasting the traditions, and feeling the excitement of championship tennis made the prospect of traveling to London feel less like a luxury and more like a necessity.
For sports travelers, this event represents something new: a high-quality preview experience that actually enhances rather than replaces the authentic destination. It’s like getting a perfectly prepared appetizer that makes you even more excited for the main course.
The bottom line? The Hill in New York proved that while you can’t recreate Wimbledon, you can certainly create something special that honors its traditions while inspiring future travel. As we watched the sun set over Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pimm’s in hand and strawberries finished, we were already planning our 2026 trip to SW19.
Sometimes the best travel experiences are the ones that make you realize where you need to go next. The Hill in New York did exactly that – and we couldn’t be more grateful for the inspiration.
The Hill in New York runs annually during Wimbledon finals weekend. For sports travelers looking to experience a taste of SW19 without crossing the Atlantic, this event delivers an impressive preview of what makes Wimbledon special. But fair warning: you’ll leave planning your London trip.