Indian Wells Tennis Garden unveils expansion plans
Raymond Moore, CEO of the BNP Paribas Open, today unveiled expansion plans for the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. The annual event is the most-attended ATP World Tour and WTA tennis tournament in the world. The plans are targeted for the 2014 tournament.
The City of Indian Wells approved the plans, which include a permanent Stadium 2 that will feature 8,000 seats and two restaurants, a marquee site entrance on Washington Street with a new box office, a new 19,000 square foot shade structure identical to the one built in 2012, four additional practice courts, expansion of the current Miles Street entrance, an upgraded valet and accessible parking area on the north side, an additional grass parking space for up to 2,000 vehicles and expansion and relocation of the TV Production compound.
The tournament is no stranger to improvement. The plans build upon changes the tournament has made over the past few years. They have recently become the only tournament in the world to have the Hawkeye Challenge System on all match courts. They have also increased the total prize money to more than $11 Million, installed a 19,000 sq. ft.shade structure to the Tennis Garden Village, added additional seating to outer courts and practice courts, and placed numerous video walls and information towers throughout the site. All enhancements have been designed to create a venue that compare to no other. A venue where spectators can watch world-class tennis while also enjoying a relaxing atmosphere between matches.
“We are extremely excited about our expansion, and thrilled that the City of Indian Wells has approved our plans,” said Moore. “Larry Ellison’s vision for this tournament has been nothing short of incredible, and the innovations and enhancements he has put forth havebenefitedfans and players alike. These tournament-specific changes will continue to put this facility on par with the best in the world, deliver an unparalleled experience for fans and ultimately make the BNP Paribas Open better than ever before.”
