The BNP Paribas Open, also referred to as the Indian Wells Open,
is one of the best tennis tournaments in the world. It is held
annually at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, at Indian Wells, Ca.
The event will take place from March 9 through Mar. 20.
This 36 year old tournament is now touted as the fifth major.
Partners Charlie Pasarell and Raymond Moore envisioned, then built this super tennis complex on 54 acres opening in 2000.
It includes the second-largest tennis stadium court (16,100 capacity) in the world, the highest attended (339,657 fans - 2010) venue outside of the top four majors, with a relaxed atmosphere in which the players love to compete.
This dual-gender event with prize money of $9 million, will this year offer Hawkeye (instant replay) on all eight match-courts and better viewing for spectators on the 16 practice courts, making it easier to get close to the action.
Steve Simon, tournament director had this to say about the Hawkeye improvements, "Our event will be the most accurately officiated tournament in the history of tennis."
A separate men's and women's draw of 96 players each in singles, and another of 32 doubles teams each represent the premier athletes in what the game of tennis has to offer on a professional level.
This does not include an additional 96 players involved in the men's and women's qualifying tournament vying for 12 spots in each of the main singles draws two days prior to the main tournament commencing-where no admission is charged to view.
The women's qualifying is March 7 and 8, while the men's is March 8 and 9.
Last year this ATP World Tour Masters 1000 Event had Ivan Ljubicic defeat Andy Roddick in a tight 7-6, 7-6 finals, while Jelena Jankovic took down Caroline Wozniacki 6-2, 6-4 to win the Sonic Ericcson WTA Tour Premier title.
This year's list of players is a who's who of the current tennis world.
There's Rafael Nadal, Caroline Wozniacki, Roger Federer, Vera Zvonareva, Novak Djokovic, Kim Clijsters, the Bryan Brothers, Andy Roddick, Andy Murray, Na Li, Francesca Schiavone, Jelena Jankovic, Juan Martin Del Potro, Samantha Stosur...if they're ranked in the top 84 or so in the world and healthy, most likely they'll be in attendance.
To purchase tickets, visit
Tennis Ticket News for all dates and times.
