BNP Paribas Open in the Middle of Final Preparations

The BNP Paribas Open is officially back in the Coachella Valley, and final preparations are in full swing at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

With opening tennis action set to begin Sunday, it’s all hands on deck across the sprawling venue. From landscapers and grounds crews to food and beverage teams and marketing staff, hundreds of workers are putting the finishing touches on what organizers hope will be a record-breaking year.

Often dubbed “Tennis Paradise,” the tournament is known not only for the desert’s iconic sunshine but for attracting many of the top players in the world. Last year, the event welcomed more than 500,000 fans — setting an attendance record. Now, organizers say expectations are even higher.

“It’s going to be a great year,” tournament representatives said. “We’ve added fun experiences, new food and beverage offerings, new entertainment, and even a brand-new 5K run. We just keep improving year after year.”

The new 5K run, scheduled ahead of the main draw, is one of several additions aimed at broadening the event’s appeal. Marketing efforts have also focused on creating new fan viewing areas throughout the grounds, giving returning spectators a fresh look and feel while maintaining the venue’s classic stadium atmosphere.

Fans say the evolution is part of what keeps them coming back.

“It’s always nice to see something new,” one attendee said. “It’s such a classic stadium, but if it brings in more tennis fans and draws a new crowd, that’s great.”

With strong ticket demand, growing crowds each year, and favorable desert weather in the forecast, excitement is building. The tournament will also host a free Family Day event, giving the community a chance to experience Tennis Paradise up close.

As the courts are polished and the final banners go up, all signs point to another massive turnout in the desert — and possibly a new attendance milestone for one of the sport’s premier stops.