The BNP Paribas Indian Wells Open is the closest you can get to attending one of the major Grand Slams of the tennis world. A huge number of the highest-ranked players attend so you are almost guaranteed to catch a few great matches, possibly all in one day.
To make sure you don’t miss out the best matches or get caught off guard by the weather, here are my top recommendations to make the most of your day (or days) at the BNP Paribas Indian Wells Tennis Open.
WHEN TO GO
The tournament days you want to go will obviously depend on your schedule. My recommendation is to go in the middle of the tournament. You are likely to see a higher number of players and matches.
The ending of the tournament definitely means you get to see the semi-finals, finals, etc. but I found it was a little more fun to cram in as many matches as I could.
While I was bummed that Nadal dropped out days before the tournament started, I still got to see a good number of players, including:
- Coco Gauff
- Aryna Sabalenka
- Jannik Sinner
- Carlos Alcaraz
- Holger Rune
- Novak Djokavic
- Taylor Fritz
- Iga Swiatek
- Ugo Humbert
- Sebastian Korda
- Casper Ruud
- Blake Shelton
- Stefanos Tsistipas
- Alexander Zverev
- Alex de Minaur
Not bad for only two days of the open!
While you might not get to see all your favorite players in official matches, there is a good chance you can still catch them on a practice court or warming up on the grassy corridor. Watching Coco Gauff throw a football around with her trainers was almost just as fun as watching her play tennis!
On that note, the practice courts or warm-up corridor is a good place to get autographs. You will likely see plenty of kids with their oversized tennis balls and Sharpies waiting on the edge of the fence.
WHEN TO BUY TICKETS
The Indian Wells tennis open occurs from beginning to mid-March.
Various open tickets and packages will go on sale a few months before the tournament. Typically the more expensive packages come out first, sometimes by October. January is a good time to catch more of the single sessions and affordable grounds passes.
Grounds passes get you into any of the stadiums besides Stadium 1. As of 2024, grounds passes allow you to sit in the upper levels of Stadium 2. However, I overheard an event volunteer state that Stadium 2 might not be part of the grounds pass next year, so check before you book your 2025 tickets.
Sign up for email notifications from BNP Paribas so that you will be notified of ticket release dates and other information to prepare for the open.
PREPARE FOR THE WEATHER
Indian Wells temps can range anywhere from sweltering sun during the day to chilly desert nights. I was melting in the sun while watching Fritz vs. Baez, but started shivering while watching Medvedev vs. Korda.
If you’re a tennis fan, you know that evidently means roasting in the sun sometimes. Plan on plenty of sunscreen and a hat (umbrellas are not allowed). Even the majority of the lower bowls of Stadium 1 and 2 don’t have a lot of shade until later in the day, so the more expensive tickets don’t mean you’ll have less sun.
Make sure to check the weather before you head out for the tournament. It’s always good to plan on layers.
One concept many attendees don’t consider are the desert winds. Desert winds equal desert dust. I was grateful that I had some tissues in my bag to wipe down the seats. Much of the seating, especially the ones on the practice courts, usually wake up to a nice layer of desert dust. I saw a lot of women in white pants get their trousers dirty from the arena seating. Bring some wipes in your bag to wipe down your seat if you prefer.
DO YOUR RESEARCH
Tennis, or any sport for that matter, isn’t as fun if you don’t know who’s playing. Do your research ahead of time to check out who’s playing.
On the BNP Paribas Open app, select your favorite players to watch. Also, turn on your notifications. You will be notified the days prior if your favorite players win, lose or have to drop out.
Another big reason to do your research is so you have a game plan once you arrive. You might have two of your favorites playing at the same time! Is one match going to be bigger than another?
On my second day at the tournament, a lower-ranked women’s singles match was in Stadium 1, while Tsitsipas and Lehecka played in Stadium 2. Since all passes can watch from the upper bowl in Stadium 2, seats completely filled 30 minutes before the match. I was left standing by a gate entrance where I could watch with a good view fortunately. As people began to leave the match halfway through, ushers coordinated to have those waiting in line take the empty seats group by group.
WHAT TO BRING
Like many major events, big bags are not allowed and anything bigger than a clutch or fanny pack will need to be clear. If you want to bring a backpack, make sure it is clear and no bigger than 12” x 6” x 12”.
I brought this bag and it easily fit everything for me and my brother.
Bring snacks. The website says no outside food, but I never found this to be enforced. I saw everything from baggies of apple slices to full blown sandwiches. Empty water bottles are enforced, however. You are welcome to bring your Hydroflask or Stanley, but make sure it is empty when you go through security. There are plenty of drinking fountains around the grounds to fill up later.
Packing List
- Portable phone charger
- Sunscreen
- Water Bottle
- Snacks
- Hand sanitizer
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Sharpie (if you want the players’ signatures)
- Fan (electric fans might get confiscated)
- Jacket or Sweatshirt
- Hand wipes (also good for wiping down your seat!)
*Note – these items are NOT ALLOWED in the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
- Alcohol
- Umbrellas
- Tablets/Laptops
- Cameras with detachable or professional lenses (I didn’t always see this enforced!)
- Open beverage containers
Check the BNP Paribas Open website for a complete list of prohibited items.
FOOD OPTIONS
The garden grounds have plenty food options, albeit expensive. Expect long lines at lunchtime. I found it was easier to snack during lunch so I didn’t get stuck in a line and risk missing a match. Getting food after 4pm is much quicker. By then, most attendees have gotten their meals and I only ever waited less than five minutes for my food. Not to mention I saved money only paying for one meal!
Download the BNP Paribas Open to check out the food options before you go. While the menus aren’t necessarily included, you can check out the cuisine types and dietary options at least.
For quicker service food, expect your typical American event food like hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza and sandwiches. Additionally, you’ll find Asian bowls, boba, Mexican food, BBQ, and vegan options.
Fine dining and sit-down restaurants are available but require reservations. Check out the BNP Paribas Open app for more information.
Transportation
Parking is free for the tournament. There are plenty of signs and event coordinators to help direct you where to go, but check the website beforehand for any changes. Because people leave after various matches, I never felt like I had to fight traffic at the end of the day.
If you are driving from anywhere in Southern California, always plan for traffic. However, I left Orange County at 6:45am and hit very little traffic at that time of day. I arrived just before the gates opened and had plenty of time to explore the grounds before matches started. My brother and I stayed for one night in Indian Wells and drove back to Orange County after enjoying some great tennis on our second day. For us, it was worth saving another night on a hotel.
Hotels and resorts can be expensive in the Palm Springs area, especially around the tennis open dates. It might be worth the splurge if you want to tag on a relaxing day or two after watching some good tennis though. After all, Palm Springs is famous for their resorts and spas!
If you plan on flying, the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is about a 30 minute drive from the venue.
As someone who’s been to a Major Grand Slam and Indian Wells, I can honestly say Indian Wells (aka Tennis Paradise) is definitely less chaotic than the big tournaments with the same amount of great tennis. Go prepared with a game plan and you will want to go year after year.
For more information on tickets, hotel packages, player bios and schedules, check out the BNP Paribas Open website.
