Ultimate Guide to the BNP Paribas Open

A Complete Travel, Fan, and Tennis Experience Guide

Held at the magnificent Indian Wells Tennis Garden in Indian Wells, California, this tournament has become one of the most beloved stops on the professional tennis calendar. Players and fans alike often refer to it as “Tennis Paradise.”

With incredible weather, world-class facilities, and the best players in the world competing, the BNP Paribas Open is widely considered the “Fifth Grand Slam.”

This guide will help you experience the tournament like a pro.

Tournament Overview

The BNP Paribas Open is one of the most important tournaments in professional tennis, featuring both the ATP and WTA tours.

Event Details

Location: Indian Wells Tennis Garden, California
Surface: Outdoor Hard Court
Tournament Level: ATP Masters 1000 & WTA 1000
Duration: Two weeks in March

Top stars from around the world compete for one of the most prestigious titles in tennis.

Past champions include legends such as:

• Roger Federer

• Novak Djokovic

• Rafael Nadal

• Serena Williams

• Naomi Osaka

Winning Indian Wells is considered one of the biggest achievements outside the four Grand Slam tournaments.

Why Indian Wells Is Special

Incredible Venue

The Indian Wells Tennis Garden is widely regarded as one of the best tennis facilities in the world.

Highlights include:

• Stadium 1 (16,000 seats — second largest tennis stadium globally)
• Stadium 2 and Stadium 3 show courts
• 29 world-class courts
• Extensive practice courts where fans can watch players train

The venue is spacious and beautifully designed, making it easy for fans to explore multiple courts and matches throughout the day.

Perfect Tennis Weather

Indian Wells offers ideal playing conditions.

March temperatures typically range between:

70–85°F (21–29°C)

Dry desert air and clear skies create perfect conditions for tennis, contributing to the event’s nickname “Tennis Paradise.”

A Two-Week Tennis Festival

Unlike many tournaments that last only a week, the BNP Paribas Open runs for nearly two weeks.

Fans can enjoy:

• early-round matches on smaller courts
• practice sessions with top players
• multiple matches throughout the day
• exciting night matches under the lights

It truly becomes a tennis festival.

Best Time to Attend

Different parts of the tournament offer different experiences.

First Week (Early Rounds)

Best for:

• seeing many matches
• watching players practice
• exploring outer courts

Fans can get extremely close to the action.

Second Week (Final Rounds)

Best for:

• seeing the biggest matches
• experiencing packed stadium atmospheres
• watching semifinal and championship battles

The energy in Stadium 1 becomes electric.

Watching Players Practice

One of the most unique aspects of Indian Wells is access to practice courts.

Fans often see stars like:

• Carlos Alcaraz

• Iga Świątek

• Daniil Medvedev

practicing just a few feet away.

For true tennis fans, this is one of the highlights of the tournament.

Best Seats at Indian Wells

Stadium 1

Best for marquee matches and night sessions.

Seats high in the stadium still provide excellent views due to the steep seating design.

Stadium 2

Often called the “best tennis stadium in the world.”

Fans sit incredibly close to the court, creating an amazing atmosphere.

Outer Courts

Perfect for hardcore tennis fans.

You can see:

• rising stars
• doubles matches
• intense early-round battles

Sometimes you’ll watch a future champion on these courts.

What to Do Around the Tournament

The surrounding desert area offers plenty of activities.

Nearby destinations include:

• Palm Springs

• Palm Desert

• La Quinta

Visitors enjoy:

• luxury resorts
• world-class golf courses
• desert hiking
• spas and fine dining

Many fans turn the tournament into a full vacation experience.

Best Hotels for the BNP Paribas Open

Top choices include:

Luxury:

• La Quinta Resort & Club
• JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Mid-range:

• Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa

Budget options are also available throughout Palm Desert and Palm Springs.

Booking early is highly recommended.

Food and Dining at the Tournament

Indian Wells offers excellent dining options compared to most sporting events.

Popular choices include:

• Nobu Indian Wells
• gourmet food courts
• local California cuisine
• premium lounge dining

Many fans say the tournament has some of the best food in tennis.

The Vision Behind Indian Wells

The transformation of the tournament into a world-class event is largely credited to Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle Corporation.

Since acquiring the tournament in 2009, Ellison has invested heavily in improving facilities, expanding stadiums, and elevating the fan experience.

Today the event attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators every year.

Why Fans Love Indian Wells

Fans consistently rank the BNP Paribas Open as their favorite tournament because of:

• beautiful desert setting
• incredible venue
• relaxed atmosphere
• close access to players
• world-class tennis

For many tennis lovers, attending Indian Wells becomes an annual tradition.

Experience Tennis Paradise

Few sporting events combine elite competition, luxury travel, and breathtaking scenery like the BNP Paribas Open.

Whether you’re watching from Stadium 1, exploring outer courts, or enjoying the desert sunset between matches, Indian Wells delivers one of the best experiences in the sport.

For tennis fans, it truly is a paradise.