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BNP Paribas Open Volunteer

Help to facilitate an incredible experience for everyone in Tennis Paradise by becoming one of our friendly and warm Volunteers!

Volunteer your time and be a part of the BNP Paribas Open, the largest combined ATP Tour and WTA Tour tennis tournament in the world. Each year the Champions Volunteer Foundation recruits more than 1,200 individuals, from both our local community and beyond, to volunteer and support the event. With a variety of committee positions available, there is an opportunity for every kind of volunteer. Make new friends, watch incredible tennis and be a part of the most exciting two weeks in Tennis Paradise!

Volunteers must commit to 8 shifts throughout the two week tournament, including shifts over the middle weekend when attendance is at its peak, and attend an on-site orientation and training session prior to the start of the tournament. For security purposes, volunteers need to be photographed for identification as well as sign a waiver and release.

All new volunteers must complete the online application, please click on the SAVE button to submit. No need for returning volunteers to submit an application as you are already in our database.

APPLY TODAY

Volunteer Requirements
  • NEW volunteers must submit an application online
  • Commit to a minimum of 8 shifts, at least 2 over the middle weekend
  • Sign a waiver and release form
  • Must be 18 years of age by March 1, 2026 (exceptions for ball crew)
  • Obtain the required training to learn the responsibilities of your position prior to the tournament
  • Adhere to all tournament policies and volunteer guidelines
  • Dedication to the success of the BNPPO tournament, commitment to excellence and teamwork.
Volunteers Receive
  • Volunteer photo credential which allows access to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden throughout the tournament
  • FILA uniform package; a hat/visor/shade hat, tournament shirt(s), jacket, souvenir tournament pin
  • Free parking in a designated area with shuttle service to/from the West Entry Gate, where on-shift volunteers enter the venue.
  • Access to the Volunteer Support Services Tent and lounge, which provides light snacks and hot and cold beverages, a lounge area with closed circuit TVs to watch tennis, day-use lockers, changing rooms, and a phone battery charging station.
  • Meal allowance loaded daily on credential for each scheduled shift. Must be used the day/night of a shift, does not roll over, and cannot be transferred to another volunteer.
  • Daily digital grounds pass to transfer to a friend/family member. This pass grants access to all courts except Stadium 1 where a ticketed seat is required for entry.
  • An invitation to attend an appreciation banquet on Thursday night following the close of the tournament at the Indian Wells Hyatt Regency. Two drink coupons are given to volunteers, you may pay to bring a plus 1 for dinner. Only volunteers are entered into a raffle for some amazing prizes including a trip to the US Open!

Learn more about volunteer positions for
2026 BNP Paribas Open:

*Ambassadors

Ambassadors are active and move throughout the venue, often the first personal interaction patrons have once they pass through the entry gates. Ambassadors wear bright yellow hats and big “ASK ME” buttons. They are trained and equipped to provide information related to the tournament such as court locations, schedule of play, player practice schedule, special event details, food & beverage options, ticket sales, and more. Additionally, Ambassadors are trained to assist patrons to download and navigate the BNP Paribas Open app for more in-depth information.

Ambassadors must be outgoing, friendly, comfortable walking and being on their feet for lengthy stretches of time, communicate well and enjoy helping people.

Covering shifts over the tournament’s middle weekend is required when patron attendance is highest. Any new volunteer interested will be interviewed by the Chairs of the Ambassador committee. A flexible schedule and being open to shift changes is appreciated.

Sun exposure is high.

*Ball Crew Coordinators

Ball Crew Coordinators are responsible for training, scheduling and supervising more than 300 ball crew members ages 13-35.  Must be available to assist during tryouts and training prior to the start of the tournament as well as throughout the two-week tournament. Pre-tournament training and orientation sessions are mandatory. Knowledge of tennis is not required but highly preferred. All new volunteers interested will need to complete a pre-screening questionnaire.
Sun exposure is high.

Club Suites

Volunteers act as host/hostess in a Stadium 1 suite.  Must be outgoing, enjoy interacting with people and knowledgeable about the tournament. This is a small committee and full for 2025 with returning volunteers, not an option for new volunteers.

Sun exposure is low.

*The Champions Volunteer Foundation ACES (formerly known as the Silent Auction committee)

Volunteers advance the mission of The Champions Volunteer Foundation (TCVF), by interacting with patrons in a designated space inside the tennis garden. Volunteers on this committee must be friendly, good communicators and knowledgeable about the work of TCVF. They promote volunteering for the next BNP Paribas Open tournament and run a silent auction which includes items such as coin tosses for matches in stadium 1 and souvenir tennis balls. All proceeds from the silent auction support TCVF grants distributed to charities throughout the Coachella Valley.

If you are passionate about volunteering and have an interest in expanding the reach of TCVF beyond the tournament, this is a good committee choice.  New volunteers welcome. Sun exposure is low.

Credentials

Volunteers assist Desert Champions staff with organizing and distributing official tournament credentials to all volunteers, VIP guests, media, vendors, players and more. Shifts on this committee begin before the tournament starts, when credentials are required to access the grounds.

Credentials volunteers also cover shifts at all entry gates, monitoring the credentials-only lanes.

This committee is full for 2025 with returning volunteers.  Not an option for new volunteers.

Sun exposure is low.

*Gates

Volunteers assist and collaborate with Security and Box Office staff at the East, North and South entry gates, operating digital ticket scanners and welcoming patrons to the venue. Volunteers will be trained to use the scanners, and where to direct patrons for help with ticketing issues. Box offices are located close to all gates.

Gates volunteers are often the first face patrons see when arriving full of energy and excitement. If welcoming visitors from all over the world is appealing to you, this is your committee. Gates is an excellent choice for new volunteers.

Must be able to stand for long stretches of time and open to covering shifts at South, North and East gates.
Sun exposure is low to high, depending on the time of day and gate.

*Guest Services

These volunteers are, in essence, our patron focused information office, providing details about the tournament, Indian Wells Tennis Garden and local surroundings.Guest Services kiosks are located near the entry gates and provide a wide range of services to patrons. Good people and communication skills are a must, as well as being a good problem solver. All Guest Services volunteers will receive training and be provided with resources to help patrons have an excellent tournament experience. Sun exposure is moderate.

Media Services

Volunteers support the Desert Champions Marketing/Media Director and Media staff, compiling event information and filing electronically.  Volunteers maintain a professional work environment. Computer and digital expertise is required. This is a small committee and full for 2025 with returning volunteers. Not an option for new volunteers.
Sun exposure is low.

Special Events

These volunteers assist the Desert Champions Marketing Department

with special events such as Family Day, patron giveaways on sponsor days and help engage patrons with Stadium 1 celebrations.

Sun exposure is moderate to high depending on the location of each event. 

This committee is full for 2025 with returning volunteers. Not an option for new volunteers.

*Transportation

Volunteers drive tournament vehicles (vans, large SUVs, and cars) to transport players, tournament officials, media, guests, and sponsors from the airport to the tennis garden, private housing, and more. A driver’s license and a safe driving record are mandatory. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age. Volunteers must be comfortable with driving large vehicles equipped with all the latest technology, and have good knowledge of the Coachella Valley, routes to airports, and other venues. Drivers must know how to use smartphone technology. Great committee for new volunteers.
Sun exposure is low to moderate.

*Ushers

Volunteers are utilized on all courts throughout the venue thus the largest committee. In the stadiums where reserved seats are sold, they check tickets and direct ticket holders to their seats. They also control when people may or may not be seated during the course of a match. This is a demanding, on your feet position. Ushers are also responsible for checking credentials, granting, and denying access in certain areas such as player/coach boxes. Ushers are required to commit to 8 shifts over the two-week tournament which must include a shift each day of the middle weekend, Friday-Sunday. The greatest need is the first full week of the tournament when all courts are in action. If you want to be able to watch some tennis while you volunteer, this is the committee for you! Sun exposure is low to high depending on the time of day. Shade hats are provided.
Sun exposure is low to moderate.

*Volunteer Support Services

This committee supports their fellow volunteers and must be able to multi-task and be very personable. Tasks include distributing and collecting radios used by volunteers during their shifts, providing necessary information to volunteers and overseeing the Volunteer Tent/Lounge, keeping the entire area and tables clean, and distributing snacks and beverages. Being open and able to respond to last-minute requests for assistance from other committees is a plus. This committee also assists with volunteer uniform distribution and solicits comments, suggestions, and complaints about volunteering. If you care about providing volunteers a place to relax, be informed, and have a fun experience while volunteering, this is the committee for you.

*Committees open to accepting volunteers

Interested in volunteering for the BNP Paribas Open, but have some questions? We have the answer!

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