Indian Wells announces new renovations

A tournament beloved by players, fans, and media alike, Indian Wells, once again voted the player’s favorite ATP and WTA tournament, has announced its newest upgrades for 2017.

Led by tournament director Tommy Haas and owner Larry Ellison, the BNP Paribas Open will add 62 new palm trees around the tournament site, build two new fountains and continue adding green space and floral installations. The efforts match with their slogan for this year’s tournament, “In Full Bloom.”

“Additional floral installations, pavers, plants and greenery throughout the Tennis Garden will bring color and vibrancy to the venue, reminiscent of a garden blooming to life in the springtime,” says the press release.

Additionally, video boards on Stadium 1, the main court at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, will be replaced with screens double the size of previous ones, further enhancing the fan experience at a tournament dubbed “Tennis Paradise” by so many.

Last year the tournament undertook a full renovation of Stadium 1, re-doing and expanding all suites and the lower level concourse as well as adding concourse areas to the upper level of the tournament’s main court.

Twenty-one new restaurants were added including Wolfgang Puck’s Spago, inside Stadium 1. Three years earlier the very popular Stadium 2 was built, featuring three fine dining restaurants overlooking the court as well as a unique and intimate design, all contributing to the atmosphere of Tennis Paradise.

Haas showed his excitement for next year’s event and the renovations to the site.

“Year after year, we strive to continually improve and enhance the overall fan experience at the tournament,"Haas said. "This year, we are focusing on what makes our event unique – the unparalleled beauty and scenery of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden."