Indian Wells Tennis Garden to Welcome Fans with New Look, Free Events

Oracle Challenger Series Event Begins February 24 with Free Tennis

Annual Kids Day Scheduled for Saturday, March 3

Fans at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden will notice that the picturesque venue feels even more vibrant and Garden-like as the festivities surrounding the 2018 BNP Paribas Open get underway in the coming days and weeks. After a full-scale site beautification project that added an impressive 62 palm trees to the venue, as well as numerous floral installations, fountains, and additional greenery, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is truly in “Full Bloom” ahead of the main event – to be held March 5-18 – and ready to welcome fans to Tennis Paradise. Prior to this year’s event, the tournament rolled out a brand-new Full Bloom integrated marketing highlighting the world-class tennis players that participate in the event woven into the natural beauty of the desert landscape; as well as the physical attributes of the Tennis Garden.

For fans who can’t wait for March 5 to get their fill of tennis action, the second event in the inaugural Oracle Challenger Series comes to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden on February 24 – March 4, 2018. With the top two male and female American finishers in the series awarded a wild card into the main draw of the BNP Paribas Open, the event will offer fans a sneak-peek of the competitive and exciting action that they can expect over the next fortnight at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The Oracle Challenger Series is free and open to the public.

On Saturday, March 3, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden welcomes families with children of all ages out to the venue for the annual popular Kids Day, a free event with a host of on- and off-court activities to enjoy. The event will include on-court clinics sponsored by HEAD and the USTA’s Net Generation; special appearances by ATP World Tour and WTA professional players; The Living Desert’s Wildlife on Wheels; a climbing wall; music; Harper for Kids and more! Kids Day festivities run from 1:00-4:00 pm.

Fans can take advantage of free admission days on Monday, March 5 and Tuesday, March 6 to take in some exciting Qualifying Round action by both Tours, and even participate in the Making of the Main Draw Ceremonies for the WTA (Monday, March 5) and ATP World Tour (Tuesday, March 6) alongside star players. Draw Ceremonies begin at 3:00 pm both days at Stadium Plaza – and fans can arrive early to dine in one of the many world-class restaurants or concessions on-site at the Tennis Garden, including local favorite Wally’s Desert Turtle, new in Stadium 2 for 2018. Additionally, as is tradition at the BNP Paribas Open, mural unveilings for defending champions Roger Federer and Elena Vesnina will take place during the first week of the tournament.

Beginning Wednesday, March 7, join host Wayne Bryan and special guests at the Tennis Garden Village Stage for the daily edition of Tennis Talk. Special guests include current Tour players; legends such as Chris Evert; and a few surprises!

Evening Entertainment kicks off with the fan-favorite Bryan Bros. Band on Thursday, March 8, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. The Tennis Garden Village will come alive as the greatest doubles team in the history of the game and two-time BNP Paribas Open Doubles Champions Bob and Mike Bryan and their band hold an exclusive performance featuring Dan Deshara on vocals, Jim Bogios from Counting Crows and Southern Californian singer/songwriter George Holdcroft. This night session is also Champions Night, where a percentage of all purchased evening session single tickets is donated to The Champions Volunteer Foundation. Other evening entertainers include Rock for Vets, The Killer Dueling Pianos, The Trebles and more through March 16.

Friday, March 9 will feature the annual Salute to Heroes Ceremony, recognizing veterans, military personnel, police and firemen on Stadium 1 following the first evening session match.

Throughout the second week of the tournament, fans can enjoy a number of special activations and giveaways courtesy of our generous partners, including Emirates Day (Saturday, March 10); Bank of the West Day (Tuesday, March 13); Audi Day (Wednesday, March 14); Steve Furgal’s International Tennis Tours Day (Thursday, March 15); and BNP Paribas Championship Weekend (Saturday, March 17 and Sunday, March 18).

For fans who can’t get enough tennis action, be sure to check out the stars of tomorrow in the annual BNP Paribas Open Collegiate Tennis Challenge presented by Oracle (Friday, March 16 – Sunday, March 18). Admission is free with a valid BNP Paribas Open ticket or event credential.

Check back often, as more exciting events and activities throughout the tournament are continually being added – including daily autograph sessions with star players.