ATP Masters 1000 | BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells: Tennis in the Desert

The BNP Paribas Open, held annually in Indian Wells, California, is one of the most prestigious tournaments on the professional tennis calendar. Often referred to as the “fifth Grand Slam,” this event brings together the world’s top ATP and WTA players for two weeks of elite competition beneath the desert sun. With its striking mountain backdrop, world-class facilities, and fan-friendly experience, Indian Wells has become a crown jewel of the tennis season.

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A Tournament with Deep Roots

The Indian Wells tournament traces its origins back to 1974, when it was first held as the American Airlines Tennis Games in Tucson, Arizona. It moved to California in 1976 and eventually settled in Indian Wells in 1987. The event grew significantly in stature during the 1990s and early 2000s, particularly under the leadership of former player and entrepreneur Charlie Pasarell.

In 2009, billionaire Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle Corporation, purchased the tournament and invested heavily in transforming Indian Wells Tennis Garden into a state-of-the-art venue. Under Ellison’s stewardship, the BNP Paribas Open grew into the largest combined men’s and women’s tournament outside of the four majors.

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Indian Wells Tennis Garden: A Venue Like No Other

Located in the Coachella Valley, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is a facility designed to celebrate the sport on a grand scale. The main stadium, Stadium 1, seats over 16,000 spectators and is the second-largest tennis-specific stadium in the world. It features luxury suites, shaded seating, and open concourses, ensuring an accessible and elevated experience for every fan.

In addition to Stadium 1, the grounds include Stadium 2—with a capacity of 8,000—and over 20 practice and match courts, many of which are open to the public for viewing. The venue is known for its wide walkways, palm-lined plazas, art installations, and desert landscaping, making it as picturesque as it is functional.

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A Crucial Stop on the ATP and WTA Tours

As a Masters 1000 event on the ATP Tour and a WTA 1000 tournament, the BNP Paribas Open is mandatory for top players and features some of the largest prize pools and ranking points available outside the Grand Slams. Held each March, it is the first stop of the popular “Sunshine Double,” followed by the Miami Open.

The tournament hosts 96-player singles draws for both the men’s and women’s tours and features 32-team doubles draws. With a full two-week schedule, the BNP Paribas Open mirrors the duration and intensity of a major, giving players and fans the sense of a mini–Grand Slam in the desert.

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Moments That Shaped the Tournament

Indian Wells has been the site of numerous unforgettable tennis moments. Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic have both won multiple titles here, often facing each other in classic finals. Serena and Venus Williams made emotional returns to Indian Wells in the 2010s after a long absence, cementing the event’s evolution into a more inclusive and welcoming space.

Rafael Nadal’s battles with younger stars like Carlos Alcaraz have drawn record crowds, while Iga Świątek and Elena Rybakina have showcased the strength of the new generation in the women’s game. Indian Wells has also been a launching pad for young talent—Cameron Norrie and Paula Badosa both won their first Masters-level titles here in 2021.

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Hospitality and Luxury Experiences

The BNP Paribas Open offers a diverse array of hospitality options designed to elevate the fan experience. Guests can enjoy luxury suites, private boxes, and club seating that includes exclusive access to indoor lounges, gourmet dining, premium beverages, and shaded viewing areas.

• BNP Paribas Suite: A premium indoor suite located within Stadium 1, offering catering, drinks, and a climate-controlled viewing environment.
• Courtside Box Seats: Positioned just a few feet from the baseline with access to exclusive club areas.
• The Champions Club: A stylish hospitality venue that includes lounge seating, upscale buffet options, and meet-and-greets with tennis legends.

The grounds also feature local cuisine, retail pop-ups, wine gardens, and art exhibits, creating a rich cultural environment around the sport.

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Getting There and Venue Navigation

Indian Wells Tennis Garden is located in the town of Indian Wells, in the greater Palm Springs area. Visitors can fly into Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), which is about 30 minutes away, or drive in from Los Angeles or San Diego.

Once inside the venue, signage is plentiful and paths are wide, allowing guests to move easily between courts, food areas, and shaded rest zones. Shuttles and VIP parking options are available for those with premium tickets. The site is ADA-compliant, with dedicated entrances, elevators, and viewing platforms for accessible seating.

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Sustainability and Innovation

The BNP Paribas Open has also invested in becoming one of the most sustainable events on tour. The Indian Wells Tennis Garden uses solar energy, recycled water for landscaping, and waste reduction programs to minimize its environmental footprint. Ellison’s vision for the venue was not just architectural but also ecological—positioning Indian Wells as a model for how sports events can lead in sustainability.

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A Celebration of Sport and Setting

The BNP Paribas Open is more than just a tennis tournament; it’s a celebration of sport, hospitality, and Southern California’s natural beauty. With a combination of competitive excellence, resort-like amenities, and a scenic desert setting, it continues to draw fans from around the world.

Whether you’re sitting courtside at Stadium 1, exploring a tasting garden in between matches, or watching a practice session as the sun sets behind the mountains, Indian Wells delivers an experience that’s immersive, elegant, and uniquely its own.