If you are a tennis fan, you have probably heard of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. This is the home of the BNP Paribas Open and is one of the most prestigious and popular tournaments in the world. But do you know the history and the features of this amazing venue? Let’s explore some interesting facts and trivia about the Indian Wells Tennis Garden that will make you appreciate it even more.
The origin of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden
The Indian Wells Tennis Garden was the brainchild of American tennis legend and owner of the BNP Paribas Open, Charlie Pasarell, who joined forces with former tennis player Raymond Moore and the late Mark McCormack to privately fund the awe-inspiring development of the venue at the start of the new millennium. Pasarell had a vision of creating a world-class tennis facility in the desert resort community of Indian Wells, near Palm Springs, California. He wanted to attract more fans and players to the tournament, which was previously held at various locations in Southern California. He also wanted to provide a year-round tennis club that is open to the public and offers a variety of programs and services.
The Indian Wells Tennis Garden was built in March 2000, at a cost of $77 million, and was designed by Rossetti Associates Architects. It was financed by IMG, led by Bob Kain. The venue opened with a 16,100-seat Stadium, which is still the largest stadium at the tennis complex, and the second largest outdoor tennis stadium in the world (after the Arthur Ashe Stadium at the US Open). The venue also featured 9 match courts and 6 practice courts.
The expansion and improvement of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden
In December 2009, Larry Ellison, co-founder and CEO of Oracle Corporation, became the owner of both the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and the BNP Paribas Open. A long-term tennis enthusiast, Ellison has continually invested in upgrading and expanding the facility, making it one of the most modern and innovative venues in tennis.
In 2014, Ellison added a new, permanent Stadium 2 with 8,000 seats, two 19,000-square-foot shade structures, 29 world-class courts (including 23 lighted courts), upgraded locker rooms and fitness areas, a 108-seat press room and 18 broadcast booths, eight acres of outdoor exposition space and 54 acres of outdoor parking. He also introduced Hawk-Eye electronic line calling system on all match courts, making it the first tournament to do so.
In 2017, Ellison unveiled a new state-of-the-art Stadium Plaza that connects Stadiums 1 and 2. The plaza features a giant video wall, a shade structure with misters and fans, a food court with diverse cuisines, a retail store with official merchandise, and interactive exhibits for fans to enjoy.
In 2019, Ellison announced plans to build a new 5,000-seat Stadium 3 that will replace two existing courts. The new stadium will have luxury suites, broadcast booths, restrooms and concessions. It will also have a sunken court design that will allow fans to have an intimate view of the action.
The Events and Attractions at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden
The Indian Wells Tennis Garden is best known for hosting the BNP Paribas Open, a joint event of both the men’s ATP Tour and the women’s WTA Tour. The tournament is held each year in March and is considered one of the biggest and most prestigious events in tennis. It is part of the Masters 1000 series on the men’s tour and the Premier Mandatory series on the women’s tour. It attracts some of the best players in the world and offers a total prize money of over $17 million. The tournament has been voted by players as their favorite event several times and has won numerous awards for its excellence.
Junior and Adult United States Tennis Association
The Indian Wells Tennis Garden also hosts junior and adult United States Tennis Association events year-round. It offers various programs and clinics for players of all levels and ages. It also has a membership option that allows access to its facilities and services. The venue also plays host to incredible live music performances and diverse sporting events throughout the year.
Cultural and Entertainment Destination
The Indian Wells Tennis Garden is not only a tennis paradise but also a cultural and entertainment destination. is a museum that showcases memorabilia from past champions and legends of the game. It has a garden that displays sculptures from renowned artists. It has a restaurant that serves delicious food and drinks with a view of the courts. There is a spa that offers relaxing treatments and massages. It has everything you need to have an unforgettable experience in Tennis Paradise.
Conclusion
The Indian Wells Tennis Garden is one of the most impressive and spectacular venues in tennis. The garden has a rich history and a bright future. The venue dazzles with its elegant design and scenic surroundings. It also boasts of a top-notch facility and a hospitable staff. It hosts an exciting tournament and a vibrant atmosphere. It offers something for every tennis lover and beyond. If you have not visited the Indian Wells Tennis Garden yet, you should definitely plan to do so soon. You will not regret it.