Indian Wells Open

The Indian Wells Open, also known as the BNP Paribas Open, is a major annual tennis tournament held every March at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California, USA. As part of both the ATP and WTA tours, it draws top players and huge crowds, making it the most-attended tennis event outside the four Grand Slams.

• Held every March at Indian Wells Tennis Garden in California
• Second-largest tennis stadium in the world hosts the event
• Part of both ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tours
• Over 490,000 fans attended in 2024
• Features singles, doubles, and mixed doubles competitions

What it is

The Indian Wells Open is a premier professional tennis tournament that brings together the world’s top men’s and women’s players for nearly two weeks of competition in the California desert. Played on outdoor hardcourts at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, the event is renowned for its scale and atmosphere, attracting hundreds of thousands of fans each year. For many, it is considered the most significant tennis event in the Americas outside the Grand Slams, earning it the nickname 'the fifth Grand Slam.' The tournament is a highlight of the tennis calendar, offering a unique blend of elite sport and a festive, sun-soaked setting.

Where it comes from

Founded in 1974 by former tennis professionals Charlie Pasarell and Raymond Moore, the Indian Wells Open has grown from a small event into one of the largest tournaments on both the ATP and WTA tours. Initially held in Tucson, Arizona, the tournament moved through several California locations before settling in Indian Wells in 1987. Over the years, it has changed names and sponsors, with BNP Paribas acquiring naming rights in 2009. The event became fully combined for men and women in 1996, and since then, it has expanded its draw and facilities, cementing its place as a major fixture in the tennis world.

How it is celebrated

During the Indian Wells Open, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden buzzes with excitement as fans watch matches across 29 courts, including the impressive 16,100-seat main stadium. The tournament features men’s and women’s singles and doubles, and since 2024, mixed doubles as well. The grounds offer more than just tennis: visitors enjoy food stalls, shaded lounges, and opportunities to see players up close during practice sessions. The Eisenhower Cup, an exhibition mixed doubles event, kicks off the festivities with fast-paced tie-break matches. The event’s signature 'Pro Purple' courts and the desert backdrop create a distinctive visual experience, while the warm, dry climate and lively crowds add to the festival-like atmosphere.

Joining in

Visitors to the Indian Wells Open can expect a vibrant, welcoming environment with matches running from morning until night throughout March. The main action takes place at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, just outside Palm Springs. Tickets range from grounds passes to reserved stadium seating, and the venue is designed for easy access to matches, practice courts, and amenities. Whether you’re a dedicated tennis fan or a newcomer, it’s easy to soak up the excitement, explore the grounds, and perhaps catch a glimpse of your favorite players in action or at practice.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Indian Wells Open, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Indian Wells Open on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.