Davin O'Dwyerrounds up the ebst deals for tennis fans
Tennis
For sports fans, 2008 was a vintage year, with the Beijing Olympics, Euro 2008 and the Champions League, but the epic men's Wimbledon final between Rafael Nadal (below) and Roger Federer, in July, will probably go down as the year's highlight. The greatest match ever?
For most people Wimbledon is a cherished television event, but a few operators have tempting packages to attend in person.
Keith Prowse (www.keithprowse.com/ie, 01-8783500) has a variety of offers. Its Experience Tour begins at €443 per person sharing, including a return flight from
Dublin to London, a reserved seat for one day on No 2 Court for your choice of date from June 22nd and 30th, and a night's accommodation at the Ibis London Earls Court Hotel, as well as plenty of perks. A similar package for Centre Court, which will be boasting a roof for the first time next summer, costs from €848.
Prices rise dramatically if you want to see the business end of the tournament. For entry to the semifinals, on July 2nd and 3rd, and two days' VIP hospitality at the exclusive Gatsby Club, expect to pay from €3,658.
Entry for the finals, on Saturday and Sunday, July 4th and 5th, will set you back an eye-watering €4,957. The price includes flights, three nights' accommodation, entry to the Gatsby Club for two days, lunch, complimentary bar and a host of luxury extras.
UK sports travel and corporate hospitality company Sportsworld (www.sportsworld.co.uk, 00-44-123-5555844) is the official Wimbledon hospitality provider, with access to the luxury Fairway Village facility, along with the best seats in the house, which might be just the thing if you want a bit more flexibility. Its prices range from £899 (€950) for the first day's play to £2,980 (€3,150) for the final Sunday. We'll bring you details of other providers as their packages are finalised.