Introduction to Indian Wells Tennis
The Indian Wells Masters, also known as the BNP Paribas Open, is an annual tennis tournament held in Indian Wells, California. It is the fifth-largest tournament on the ATP (Association of Tennis Professionals) and WTA (Women’s Tennis Association) tours, after the Grand Slams and the three Masters 1000s. The tournament takes place in Indian Wells Tennis Garden, one of the largest tennis complexes in the world, set against the backdrop of the Santa Rosa Mountains.
The tournament was first held in 1976 and is now held annually in March. It features singles and doubles competitions for both men and women, with a total prize money of over $12 million. Many of the world’s top tennis players, including Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Serena Williams, have competed in the tournament over the years.
Where Do You Fly Into for Indian Wells Tennis?
The most convenient airport for Indian Wells Tennis is Palm Springs International Airport. It is located approximately 20 minutes from Indian Wells Tennis Garden and is serviced by several major airlines, including Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, JetBlue, and United Airlines.
Alternatively, you can also fly into Ontario International Airport, which is located an hour and a half away. It is serviced by Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, and United Airlines.
Ground Transportation at Palm Springs International Airport
Once you have arrived at Palm Springs International Airport, you have a few options for getting to Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The first is to take a taxi or ride-share service such as Uber or Lyft. This will take approximately 25 minutes and cost around $40.
The second option is to take a shuttle service. There are several shuttle companies that offer services from Palm Springs to Indian Wells, including SunLine Transit Agency, Desert Express Shuttle, and Valley Airporter. These shuttles cost around $20 and take approximately 45 minutes.
Ground Transportation at Ontario International Airport
From Ontario International Airport, you can take a taxi or ride-share service to Indian Wells, which will take approximately 1 ½ hours and cost around $90.
Alternatively, you can take a shuttle service. The two most popular companies are Shuttle2LAX and SuperShuttle. These shuttles cost around $60 and take approximately 1 ½ hours.
Accommodation in Indian Wells
Indian Wells is home to several hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals. The most popular accommodation options are the Indian Wells Resort, the Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa, and the Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa.
The Indian Wells Resort is conveniently located close to Indian Wells Tennis Garden and offers luxurious amenities such as a spa and fitness center. The Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa is a family-friendly resort with an outdoor pool and several dining options. The Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa is a luxurious hotel with stunning poolside views and an on-site spa.
Things to Do in Indian Wells
Aside from attending the Indian Wells Tennis tournament, there are several other things to do in Indian Wells.
Outdoor Activities
Indian Wells is home to some of the best hiking trails in the area. Popular trails include the Indian Canyons, the Santa Rosa Mountains, and the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed activity, you can also enjoy a round of golf at one of the many golf courses in the area. The Indian Wells Golf Resort, Heritage Palms Golf Club, and Bighorn Golf Club are some of the most popular courses.
Shopping and Dining
Indian Wells is home to several shopping and dining options. El Paseo, a popular shopping district, is home to designer boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. You can also visit the River at Rancho Mirage, which is home to a variety of stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Spas and Wellness Centers
Indian Wells is known for its many spas and wellness centers. Popular spas include The Spa at Indian Wells, Spa La Quinta, and The Spa at La Quinta Resort. These spas offer a variety of services, from massage therapy to skin care treatments.
Tips for Attending Indian Wells Tennis
Attending Indian Wells Tennis can be an amazing experience, but there are a few tips you should keep in mind.
Book Accommodation in Advance
As the tournament gets closer, accommodations in Indian Wells tend to fill up quickly. To ensure you have a place to stay during your visit, it’s best to book your accommodation in advance.
Arrive Early
As the tournament gets underway, the queues for tickets and entry to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden can become long. To avoid the lines, it’s best to arrive early.
Bring Sunscreen
Indian Wells can get quite hot during the tournament, so it’s a good idea to bring sunscreen.
Bring Earplugs
The crowds at Indian Wells can get quite loud, so it’s a good idea to bring earplugs to block out the noise.
Check the Schedule
Check the tournament schedule in advance so you know when the matches you want to see will be taking place.
Conclusion
Attending Indian Wells Tennis can be an amazing experience. The tournament takes place at Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which is located near Palm Springs International Airport and Ontario International Airport. To get to Indian Wells, you can take a taxi, ride-share service, or shuttle service. Indian Wells is home to several hotels, resorts, and vacation rentals, as well as outdoor activities, shopping, and dining options. Finally, there are several tips to keep in mind when attending Indian Wells Tennis, such as booking accommodation in advance, arriving early, bringing sunscreen, bringing earplugs, and checking the schedule.