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 are asked to commit to 8 shifts throughout the two week tournament. For security purposes, volunteers need to be photographed for identification as well as sign a waiver and release.
Ambassadors are often the first personal contact patrons have at the BNPPO. They are active and move throughout the venue with information related to the tournament, such as ticket sales, seating, schedule of play and general help navigating the venue. Ambassadors wear big “ASK ME” buttons and bright hats to distinguish themselves from the crowd. Must be outgoing, enjoy helping people, comfortable walking and being on their feet for lengthy stretches of time. Strong knowledge of tournament and venue information is required, extensive training provided. Must be able to volunteer the first full weekend, Friday-Sunday, of the tournament as this is when attendance is highest. Sun exposure is high.
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. Sun exposure is high.
Club Suites volunteers act as host/hostess in Stadium 1 club suites. If you hospitable by nature and enjoy interacting with people, you will enjoy being on this committee. Sun exposure is low.
These volunteers advance the mission of The Champions Volunteer Foundation, which supplies all volunteers for the BNP Paribas Open tournament. In addition to being an advocate for volunteering, you will be involved with a silent auction in the Foundation tent on the grounds. Proceeds from the silent auction are distributed to local charities in the Coachella Valley through a grant application process. If you are passionate about volunteering and want to help local charities achieve their missions, this is the place for you. Sun exposure is low.
Volunteers organize and distribute all of the official tournament credentials and scan these credentials at public entrances to the grounds. This committee starts a full week before the tournament begins. This area is the first stop for tournament sponsors, VIP guests, media, vendors and players. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment and have excellent people skills, you’ll thrive on this committee. Sun exposure is low.
This committee oversees access to the grounds at three different gates, collaborating with box office and security staff. These volunteers often make the first and last impression patrons have of the tournament. They check and answer questions about tickets. Box offices are located close to all gates. Training is provided to ensure success. This is a great way to see and assist patrons, sponsors, etc. from all over the world and welcome them to Tennis Paradise. Sun exposure is moderate to high.
*Great opportunity for new volunteers
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.
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. Sun exposure is low.
These volunteers assist fellow volunteers by providing shuttle transportation on the grounds during the tournament, primarily to and from volunteer parking to the volunteer tent, following a detailed shuttle route. All shuttle volunteers must have golf cart driving experience. Volunteers on this committee are needed very early in the morning and again late into the night when matches run long. They are key in getting people to their staring places on time, and back to the cars safely at night. Sun exposure is moderate to high during day shifts.
*Great opportunity for new volunteers
This group of volunteers assist the events promotions department who oversee all special events, promotion, gifts, decorating and more. Being creative is especially appreciated. Sun exposure is moderate to high depending on the event.
Volunteers assist all players and personnel authorized in the Players’ area with various requests including player tickets. Volunteers work closely with Will Call and assist in maintaining records.
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. Sun exposure is low to moderate.
*Great opportunity for new volunteers
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 9 shifts over the two-week tournament. 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.
*Great opportunity for new volunteers
This committee supports their fellow volunteers, must be able to multi-task and be very personable. Tasks include distributing and collecting radios used by volunteers during their shifts, provide necessary information to volunteers and oversee the Volunteer Tent/Lounge, keeping entire area and tables clean, and distribute 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, acting as a liaison to the Director of Volunteer Development. 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.
*Great opportunity for new volunteers
This NEW volunteer committee is designed to help patrons enter the Indian Wells Tennis Garden faster and happier! The tournament moved to all digital ticketing in October of 2021, and many patrons have missed steps or struggled to navigate the AXS app for entry. Volunteers on this committee will assist patrons as they arrive by answering questions related to downloading, transferring, and buying additional tickets. Comfort with smartphone technology, patience and excellent people skills are a must. Training will be provided. The greatest need for these volunteers will be during the first week and middle weekend. Shade areas will be present at each entry gate to assist patrons in comfort. Sun exposure will be moderate to high depending on the time of day and location.
*Great opportunity for new volunteers
Interested in volunteering for the BNP Paribas Open, but have some questions? We have the answer!