Planning to visit the BNP Paribas Open? This ATP Masters 1000 tournament is a 2-week-long event hosted at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and features some of the best players in the world.Â
We can also add that Indian Wells is a fantastic location to visit, beautifully located between desert and mountains. So let’s provide you with some tips to make the most out of your trip.
More About the Tournament
The BNP Paribas Open is part of the ATP Masters 1000 tour and held in the sunny city of Indian Wells over 2 weeks in March 2024. To be more precise, from March 3rd – 17th, 2024.
As always we can expect sunny and warm “Californian” weather and this event is often referred to as Tennis Paradise.
This is one of the most prestigious events in tennis, possibly the biggest tournament outside of the four Grand Slams. It’s a mandatory tournament for both WTA 1000 and ATP Masters 1000. This means that the players includes the top 75 (ATP and WTA) players in the world, plus of course wild cards and qualifying players.
Indian Wells Location and Travel Tips
Getting to Indian Wells is a breeze, especially if you’re flying into Palm Springs International Airport which is just 15 miles from the event. From the airport, it’s just a short drive to the tournament venue.
Another option is to fly into any of the Los Angeles airports, for example LAX, and drive for about two hours towards the desert. If you’re going to rent a car, think about this long before the event start as this time of the year it’s also Spring Break holidays and it might be hard to find cars for decent prices.
There are several companies offering transports, accommodation, special ticketing or complete package for anyone interested.
Where to stay during BNP Paribas Open?
Well, this depends a lot on your preferences. In general we can say that if you plan to be around the courts most of the time and want to be near the action, stay in Indian Wells, Indio or Rancho Mirage. Other nice areas include Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City and La Quinta.
There are really nice rental houses available in these areas, to hang out in before and after the matches. Some of the nearby hotels include; Indian Wells Resort Hotel, Miramonte Indian Wells Resort & Spa, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa but it’s better you do a proper search for any hotel or house that suit your needs.
Ticket Info
Tickets for Indian Wells typically go on sale several months before the event, so be sure to get them early to secure the best seats. From single-day ground passes to full tournament- or luxury packages, there’s an option for every budget.
Tickets can be bought from the official site or via ticketing sites such as Ticketmaster, or Vivid Seats.
Here are the main days in March to choose when buying single tickets or packages.
What to Bring
Sunprotection is a must – the sun can be very hot here in March. Comfortable shoes and a cap or hat are also essential, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking between matches. And don’t forget to stay hydrated and bring water wherever you’re going around the event.
Note that the organizers usually have a “Clear Bag Policy” which means this:
- Each fan may carry one bag that is clear plastic, vinyl, or EVA no larger than 12’’ x 6’’ x 12’’ or
- A one-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar)
Almost everything around the event area is “cashless” and as you might be using your mobile for this as well as the official app, make sure your phone is properly charged each day.
Court Areas and Other Attractions in the Area
There are very decent food options in and around the courts, however the lines can be long at times. There are also many possibilities to buy cold beers or other alcoholic drinks.
While you’re in town for the tournament, there are of course other things to explore around Indian Wells. World-class golf courses and luxurious spas are just two nice options to relax or have some fun.
And why not take a day trip to nearby Joshua Tree National Park or hop on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway (image) for stunning views of the Coachella Valley.
Is it Worth it Visiting Indian Wells ATP Masters?
Definitely, even if it can be quite an expensive trip. This is one of our favourite tennis events of the year and it’s quite suited that it’s called Tennis Paradise.
Some more links to check out:
1 comment
I don’t know if it is often called “Tennis Paradise” so much as it is always calling itself “tennis paradise” – and trying to make the “Fifth Slam” a thing. In other words, it is always calling itself tennis paradise.
This kind of self-praise is acceptable and normal here in the US!
It’s a great tournament, one of my favorites, but the relentless branding and self-marketing is pretty obtrusive when you’re there and something that really stands out compared to other tournaments.
Personally, I also don’t think you can call something paradise in the midst of a region where everything is dead and brown and nothing grows because they get so little precipitation. Obviously, a little bit grows in the immediate area from irrigation – but still.