American Express will give you the most lavish, VIP Wimbledon experience of your dreams -- Here's everything that's included

It’s no secret that Wimbledon is one of — if not the number one — most prestigious sporting events in the world.

Also referred to as simply just ‘The Championships,' the premiere tennis tournament oozes with exclusivity, athletic talent and high-brow crowds that all spell out one hard-to-swallow truth for most of us — you’re probably not getting a seat at the tournament.

And if by chance you do manage, it probably won’t be a good one.

But it turns out that your shot at one of the best seats in the house (or in this case, on the court) during Wimbledon might already be in your back pocket — We’re talking about your American Express card.

Known to offer discounted or pre-sale tickets to highly coveted concerts and events (like Coachella, for example) alongside exclusive pop-ups and activations on the grounds of each respective venue, American Express does not shy away when it comes to giving its customers some of the most coveted and unique experiences at the most major happenings in the world.

This year, AmEx kicked off a new partnership with Wimbledon by teaming up with the All England Lawn Tennis Club for The Championships.

From luxury accommodations to delectable meals to VIP services and activations (both on-site at Wimbledon beyond in the city of London) you can use your AmEx card to experience Wimbledon like a true champion.

Here's our advice on how to make your Wimbledon trip a game, set, match using your AmEx card:

Where to eat

Why settle for one Michelin star when you can have two? When you book your post-Wimbledon meals through the Platinum Concierge you’ll get a seat at the metaphorical head of every table inside the restaurants featured in American Express’ Global Dining Collection.

Come with your stomach and calendar (this meal will take you a couple of indulgent hours) empty as you sit for a curated, multi-course tasting menu prepared by esteemed chef Marcus Wareing at the two-Michelin-star Marcus Restaurant inside The Berkeley.

Treat yourself to custom wine pairings, complimentary champagne and special privileges that make you feel like a true VIP, whether it be meeting the chef, getting a kitchen tour or scoring an off-menu dish that’s as delicious as it is aesthetically pleasing.

Platinum Card and Centurion Card members are also given special access to reservations alongside these perks at Marcus and the rest of the Global Dining Collection restaurants -- and yes, that even means the chance to sling back a song-inspired cocktail at one of the top-rated bars in the world, the American Bar adjacent to Kaspar’s at the Savoy in London (We hear the ‘Don’t Panic’ named after David Bowie’s ‘Space Oddity’ is a standout.)

And if you have a chance, don’t be shy about hitting the famed ‘Press for champagne’ button inside London’s Bob Bob Ricard before you dig into your giant Beef Wellington allegedly intended for two but don’t worry, no one will notice if you eat the entire thing yourself.

Where to stay

Imagine a carefully selected, vetted list of the finest five-star hotels around the world. Now imagine the best perks at all of those hotels, included guaranteed late check-out at 4 pm, complimentary breakfast for every day of your stay, early-check in — the list goes on.

Platinum Card and Centurion Members that book through American Express Travel have access to all of these benefits and more — but with all that London has to offer in the luxury accommodation market, it can be hard to settle on just one.

The trusted list of properties in the American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts program are all standouts, but the London EDITION (the original location in the EDITION Hotels portfolio) goes the extra mile in making sure guests have a Wimbledon-centric stay.

Enjoy whimsical surprises like tennis ball-shaped truffles and nightcaps (with cookies) delivered to your room as well as a stellar breakfast in bed selection from the property’s restaurant, Berner’s Tavern, to get fueled up for the day’s matches.

Don’t forget to pop by the secret Punch Room off of the lobby for a little bit of an old English history lesson and a gin-based punch cocktail that will have you ready to keep the day’s victories going.

If Wimbledon is characterized by class, tradition and the feeling of being at the center of the world (even if just for a day) then where you stay during the tournament should reflect those sentiments — the London EDITION far exceeds those standards with the staff's hospitable attention to detail towards each individual guest, making every traveler that walks through the property’s double glass doors feel like a Wimbledon Champion.

What to do

Watch the day’s matches from the stands

Let’s state the obvious — you’re going to watch some tennis.

If you’re an esteemed Platinum Card or Centurion Member, you may be offered the By Invitation Only VIP Centre Court Package, which will offer two premium seats at the 100-level of Centre Court (prime viewing location for both the day’s biggest matches AND the Royals in the Royal Box across the stands!)

The package will also grant you access to the American Express Gold Suite, a private suite inside Wimbledon’s Court No. 1 which offers gourmet food, cocktails (For Americans that are big fans of roadies, the suite also offers Pimm’s Cups and Rosé in take away cups), air-conditioning, high-tea in the afternoon — a true ambiance of British class and glamour that will have you requesting a fan, seat cushion and buttered scone at every sporting match in your foreseeable future.

But whether you find yourself at Centre Court, Court No. 1, Court No. 2 or one of the common side courts (Like Court 14 where Kate Middleton was spotted on Day Two of the tournament this year), AmEx has the hook up for all of your pre and post match needs.

Cool off in a members-only viewing lounge

American Express card members will probably be familiar with Card Member Lounges that are often set up as places to refuel, relax and unwind at major events where crowds and high temps can get to be a bit overwhelming in hard-to-navigate venues.

Card members can enjoy a private bar, complimentary in-ear radios with live commentary of the matches and receive discounts for on-site Wimbledon purchases made with their American Express cards — plus, did we mention the countless Instagram-able photo opps? Nothing like inducing a little social media envy while throw back a cold one on the grounds of the most prestigious tennis tournament in the world. Now that is goals!

Hit balls with Andy Murray

For those looking to get a little more interactive during their down time on the grounds, American Express unveiled its on-ground Fan Experience appropriately themed ‘Tennis in an English Garden’ which features a virtual reality challenge called ‘Champion’s Rally’ where you can step right up and take on two-time Wimbledon champ and American Express ambassador Andy Murray.

You can also charge your phone, clean your sunglasses (or rather, have them cleaned for you) and have a full relaxation moment by listening to tennis legend John McEnroe talk in a soft, meditative manner (much like his signature game-playing style on the courts) through headsets via meditation app Calm.

So if your Mid-Wimbledon FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) has reached an all-time high, fear not -- American Express Card members will have the option to purchase pre-sale ticket packages for Wimbledon 2020 from July 15 to August 2019.

Time to start practicing your serves -- we'll see you in 2020!