BNP Paribas Open Volunteer FAQs

You receive an automated response once your application is submitted. In the Fall, you will receive an email asking for your committee preferences. Be sure to check your spam/junk email folders as sometimes mass emails land there.

Not all committees need new volunteers each year, but there are many excellent options for new volunteers. These are indicated as such on the committee menu. Selecting one of these committees increases your chances of being accepted to volunteer.

Once you have been accepted as a volunteer and placed on a committee, you will receive an email explaining next steps such as additional forms to complete, how to submit a photo for your credential and register for an on-site, pre-tournament orientation and training session. Please contact [email protected] or call 760-200-8400 and ask for the Volunteer Office if you do not receive a confirmation email by November 15th, regarding committee placement.

ALL VOLUNTEERS are required to attend a brief orientation and training session prior to the first day of the tournament. The Chairs of your volunteer committee will communicate the dates/times for these sessions. You will collect your uniform and credential after attending an orientation and training session. Tours of the venue will be provided to all new volunteers.

The length of each shift depends on the committee to which you have been assigned. Most committees’ shifts last from 6-7 hours. Delays due to weather may affect some shifts. We expect our volunteers to stay until the end of play or when their committee’s responsibilities are completed rather than a set time.

All volunteers must arrange their own accommodation and travel. The tournament does not reimburse expenses.

Volunteers at the BNP Paribas Open must be 18 by March 1, 2025, no age ceiling.  We ask our volunteers to pay careful attention to the physical requirements for the position they are interested in, as some tasks will require lifting, standing for long periods of time, being in the sun, having specific experience with technology. We ask our volunteers to pay careful attention to the physical requirements for the position they are interested in, as some tasks will require lifting, standing for long periods of time, being in the sun, having specific experience with technology. We rely on our volunteers to select the volunteer position that will be a good fit for them and are ready to answer questions you may have.

Ball Crew volunteers must be between the ages of 13 and 35 as of March 1, 2025.

All BNP Paribas Open volunteers receive Fila tournament polo shirt(s), a cap/visor/shade hat, and jacket. The balance of the uniform is the responsibility of the volunteer. Solid navy or white pants/capris, golf length shorts & skorts are acceptable. You may wear a solid white or navy long sleeve shirt under your Fila shirt. No denim, cargo pants/shorts or tennis skirts. Shoes need to be closed toe and comfortable for standing/walking many hours.

If noted on an application, every effort is made to coordinate your schedule with family and friends, but we cannot guarantee such. All parties should select similar availability on their application and make a note in the comment section with whom they would like to be assigned. There is always a chance that shifts may change to accommodate health and weather challenges. Volunteers need to be flexible so that we can take care of patrons and one another.

You must download the AXS app to your smartphone prior to arriving for a shift. The Indian Wells Tennis Garden is an all-digital venue. All tickets and parking passes are distributed digitally. We will assist you as needed when you arrive for orientation/training/uniform and credential collection. Be sure to know/bring passwords for the email you use to set up your AXS account.

Volunteers are welcome to watch tennis before and after their shifts and on days when they are not scheduled. Volunteers have access to all courts, including a lower bowl section in Stadium 1. Volunteers must relinquish the seat immediately if a ticket holder arrives. Volunteers will NOT have access to ticketed seats in Stadium 1 and 2 beginning Thursday, March 13-Sunday, March 16.

Some volunteer committees involve interaction with players. It is important that while in uniform, on-duty and in restricted areas requiring credentials for access, volunteers respect the privacy of the players and do not ask for autographs or photos. Volunteers that violate this code will lose their credentials and forfeit an invitation to volunteer in the future. Volunteers are welcome to join the public at scheduled player interviews and autograph sessions while in uniform, but no preferential treatment is given. These opportunities can be found on the BNP Paribas app and website.

Yes, we have many volunteer shifts that take place in the evenings and on the  weekends of the tournament. However, these are often the most frequently requested shifts. Those who have more flexibility in their schedule and are willing to cover weekday shifts will more easily get placed on a committee. Shift assignments vary by committee.

You may carry one clear bag no larger than 12”x6”x12” or a 1-gallon clear zip lock bag into the venue. In addition, you may carry in a small clutch bag or purse no larger than 4.5”x6.5”. Exceptions may be made for medically necessary items after proper inspection by management and security.

Clear bags are not provided. We advise that you purchase a clear bag before arriving for your first shift. Amazon has many acceptable options. Additionally, some retail merchants inside the tennis garden sell them.

No one may bring alcohol onto the tournament grounds or into the volunteer support services tent. Absolutely NO alcohol consumption is permitted while on duty and in uniform.

Mobile phone use while volunteering is limited to assisting patrons or one another. Phones must be silenced on all courts, including the player practice courts. Use of flashes is prohibited.  No photos may be taken with players while in your volunteer uniform and wearing credentials.

The fence along the players’ lawn, at the practice courts, is a popular spot to take pictures of players, ask for autographs and selfies. Volunteers are permitted to participate in this with the public. However, once a volunteer passes through security into the credentials only restricted area, players are not to be approached by volunteers.