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Volunteer Handbook

Welcome to the 2023 BNP Paribas Open – and welcome to Tennis Paradise! We are so grateful that you will spend the next two weeks working as an extension of the BNP Paribas Open team as this tournament would not be possible without all of your incredible dedication and commitment. Our event is known
for the unparalleled customer service we offer fans and visitors at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, so please accept my sincere gratitude for all the time, effort, and passion you bring to your role.
Cheers to a successful and memorable 2023 BNP Paribas Open!

Tommy Haas
BNP Paribas Open – Tournament Director

2023 Improvements

Year after year, our goal is to enhance the experience for fans, players, media, and sponsors. We strive to make the BNP Paribas Open and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden a true Tennis Paradise. With a new creative campaign, new food offerings, new retail experience, new sponsors, and a era of players, 2023 is sure to be the best one yet!

Evacuation Plan

All employees, staff, and volunteers need to be aware of their surroundings at all times and notify security personnel if you see suspicious activities at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. When reporting, be sure to include a description of the person(s), activity, and location. If it is necessary to evacuate the site
for any reason: listen for evacuation announcement, follow instructions of evacuation personnel, exit all stadiums and structures, and proceed to designated areas, and wait for official confirmation that it is safe to return to the grounds.

Tournament Information

What is the BNP Paribas Open?

The BNP Paribas Open is the largest combined ATP Tour Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tennis event in the world. Hosted annually at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden near Palm Springs in the city of Indian Wells, California.

Where is the event?

The BNP Paribas Open is located at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden:
78-200 Miles Avenue, Indian Wells, CA 92210.

Can I watch the tournament on television?

Yes, there are both national and international broadcast schedules of the event. Consult your local listings for air times for Tennis Channel.

How does the draw work and when is it being created?

The 32 seeded players (highest ranked players per the WTA or ATP Tour ranking system) are placed in the draw: No. 1 seed is put on the first line, No. 2 on the last line and then the other seeds in alternating order on pre-determined lines. Once the seeds are in place, other players are drawn at random and placed on the empty lines starting at the top and going down the draw until it is filled. The public is welcome to watch the WTA Tour Singles Draw and ATP Tour Singles Draw on Monday, March 6 at 3:00pm at the Stadium Plaza.

What are the match times?

The scheduled times are below, note that all times and schedules are subject to change.

Day Session
– Monday, March 6 – Saturday, March 18, 11am
– Sunday, March 19, – 1pm
Night Session
– Wednesday, March 8 – Friday, March 17, 6pm

When is the competition determined and where can I find it?

The next day’s schedule is determined by the tournament referee, WTA and ATP Tour supervisors, broadcasters, and the Tournament Director each day late in the afternoon. At approximately 7pm each evening, the schedule and match times are posted on the BNP Paribas Open website.

What is the rain/wind policy?

All tickets are purchased based on a no rain/wind policy basis. Every attempt will be made to play all scheduled matches in the event of inclement weather. In the event of rain or high winds that result in the cancellation of scheduled matches during a session, we will attempt to accommodate the ticket holder with a Grounds Pass ticket for a subsequent session, based on availability. There is no guarantee that
ticket holders will be accommodated for future sessions. For more information, please contact our Box Office at 800-999-1585

Where can I purchase BNP Paribas Open merchandise?

Official BNP Paribas Open merchandise can be purchased at the Tennis Paradise Shop in the Retail Courtyard.

Where can I find a list of all activities on-site?

Visit the official event mobile app or bnpparibasopen.com for a full list of daily activities.

What will I find if I visit the Demo Court?

BNP Paribas Open Demo Court, located at Practice Court 15, will feature programming from Universal Tennis and Tennis Warehouse. Fans can play tennis and try on the latest racquet’s and shows. The Demo Court will be open every day from 10am-6pm except for Monday, March 13 and Tuesday, March 14.

What is the Village Stage schedule?

March 6th – 17th only
– Daily Tennis Talk – 12:30pm
– Demos/Sampling – 2pm
– Evening Entertainment – 4pm to 6pm

What is the Tennis Paradise Daily and where can I find it?

Visit the event mobile app or bnpparibasopen.com to view the Tennis Paradise Daily which includes featured matches, daily activities, and more!

What can be found in the event mobile app?

For the ultimate companion for your visit to Tennis Paradise, download the official BNP Paribas Open mobile app for dining options, interactive map, practice court schedule, live streaming from all courts, and up-to-date scores and more!

Food & Beverage

Stadium 1

  • Wetzel’s Pretzel
  • Lionel’s Fountain
  • Corona Taphouse
  • Corona Oasis
  • Serv
  • Margarita’s
  • FiredUp!
  • Dragon Lili Boba Bar
  • Handle’s Ice Cream
  • Pink’s
  • Melissa’s Fresh
  • Sherman’s Deli

Stadium 2

  • Nobu Indian Wells
  • Fresh Agave Bar & Grill
  • Ristorante Mamma Gina
  • Fuku
  • Pachamama
  • Sear
  • Agave Bar

The Village

  • Mostly Roasted
  • Melissa’s Market
  • Baja Mex
  • John’s
  • Chef Tanya’s
  • Kitchen
  • The Que
  • Fish Market
  • Corona Premier Pavilion & Bar
  • Maestro Dobel Tequila Pavilion

Stadium Plaza

  • Moët & Chandon Circle of Palms
  • FanFare
  • 15Love
  • Grab n Go

Attendee Information

Do I need a reserved seat to watch matches in Stadiums 1, 2, and 3?

You need a reserved seat in order to enter Stadium 1. Stadiums 2 and 3 offer both reserved and non-reserved seating.

How do I find a seat in the shade for both Stadium 1 and 2?

All match courts are situated on a North/ South plan, depending on the time of day, there may be shaded seats located on the south, west, northwest, and southwest sides.

Where can I get player autographs?

The Player Lawn is recommend but please check the electronic information towers and the Tennis Paradise Daily for more information.

Where is lost and found?

Lost and Found/Security is in Stadium 2 at Entry G. The Indian Wells Tennis Garden, its owner, and its affiliates, agents and employees are not responsible for lost or stolen articles.

What discounts are offered?

USTA Members receive 30% off regular Prime Loge tickets on USTA Member Appreciation Day, Tuesday, March 14. Seniors, Students, Military Personnel receive 30% off daily Prime Loge tickets for all sessions March 8 to March 16

Are there wheelchair and ADA accessible seating located at the stadiums?

Yes, wheelchair seating sections can be found in all of the stadiums. Seating for disabled patrons who do not use a wheelchair are also available. For more information, please contact the Box Office at 800-999-1585.

General Information

Can I bring alcohol to the venue?

No, alcoholic beverages may not be brought onto the tournament grounds but may be purchased onsite. If you consume alcoholic beverages, please do so in a responsible manner. Please note, tailgating is not permitted in any of the parking areas

Can I bring my pet to the tournament?

Only service animals and service animals in training are allowed on the tournament grounds.

What kind of bag can I bring to the tournament?

Each fan may carry one bag that is clear plastic, vinyl, or EVA no larger than 12″ x 6″ x 12″ or a 1-gallon clear plastic freezer bag. In addition to one of the clear bags noted above, guests may also carry in a small clutch bag or purse no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″. Exceptions will be made for diaper bags and medically necessary items after proper inspection and Management approval.

What items are banned from entry to the tournament?

Alcohol, weapons, illegal substances, glass, open beverage containers and food are not permitted. Prohibited items that are discovered during bag inspections must either be returned to your vehicle or discarded. The Indian Wells Tennis Garden will not provide storage for these items. Guests arriving by public transportation must take caution not to bring any prohibited items, as no exceptions will be made.

Can I bring my camera?

Cameras (without a flash) may be used to capture photos/videos for personal and private domestic use. Videos and photographs may not be reproduced, cannot be exploited, or displayed in any manner or in any medium whatsoever without the express written consent of the ATP Tour, WTA Tour or the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Can I re-enter the venue?

If you wish to re-enter on the same day, you must obtain a re-entry wristband that can be found at all Guest Services kiosks and at the North, South and East gate entrances. Both your digital ticket and wristband are required to reenter Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

What time do the gates open?

Day session ticket holders may enter the grounds beginning at 10am. Evening session ticket holders may enter the grounds beginning at 4:30pm.

Can I use my mobile phone at the event?

As a courtesy to the players and fans, please silence your mobile phone when watching matches in any of the stadiums or practice courts.

Can I take pictures?

Cameras (without a flash) may be used to capture photos/videos for personal and private domestic use. Videos and photographs may not be reproduced, cannot be exploited, or displayed in any manner or in any medium whatsoever without the express written consent of the ATP Tour, WTA Tour or the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Can I smoke at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden?

Smoking is prohibited at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. This includes alternative smoking devices such as electronic and/or vapor.

Where can I buy food during the tournament?

Food and beverage’s are sold throughout the tournament grounds at a selection of restaurants and concessions. Food and beverage’s are sold throughout the tournament grounds at a selection of restaurants and concessions.

Are there bike racks onsite?

Yes, complimentary bike racks are located at the North, South and East Gate entrances. Indian Wells Tennis Garden is not responsible for damage or theft. Bikes parked in undesignated areas may be moved to another area by the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, which shall not be responsible for any damage caused as a result.

Can I buy tickets onsite?

Yes, the year-round Main Box Office is located on the North side of Stadium 1. During the event, additional Box Offices are available at the North, East and South.

Is there a place where I can charge my phone?

Yes, complimentary charging stations can be found throughout the grounds.

Where are the restrooms?

Restrooms are located at Stadium 1 and Stadium 2.

Are there drinking fountains?

Yes, drinking fountains and water bottle fillers are located at Stadium 1
and Stadium 2.

Is there first aid available?

Yes, there are First Aid stations located at Stadium 1 (adjacent to Entry D) and at Stadium 2 (adjacent to Entry G).

Is there wheelchair assistance offered?

Yes, wheelchair assistance is available from the North, South or East entry gates to both Stadium 1 and Stadium 2. If you require assistance, please make your request to gate personnel. For assistance back to the entry gates, ask a Stadium Usher.

Volunteer Information

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcohol consumption while on assignment, including meal breaks, or while wearing issued BNP Paribas Open uniform or credential is prohibited.

Personal Mobile Phones

Personal phone usage should be limited to your break time.

Communication

You will meet a lot of people throughout the course of the tournament – smile, offer assistance, be professional, courteous, attentive, and have a positive attitude. It is important to provide answers and solutions whenever possible. That may mean you need to find someone who has the answers needed. Never stop at, “I don’t know.”

Credentials

Each staff and volunteer member will be issued an Official 2023 Tournament Photo Credential which will be scanned upon entrance to the Tournament Site. Each credential has been authorized with a certain access code based on the areas you need to access. These credentials are non-transferable. Lost credentials will not be replaced.

Gambling

Gambling or aiding and abetting in gambling of any kind in relation to the BNP Paribas Open is prohibited.

Guest Complaints

Manage all guest complaints with care and to the best of your ability. If you need assistance, call your supervisor. We’re one big team, count on one another to resolve conflict.

Meals

Meal allowance will be electronically added to staff and volunteer photo credentials on the days of shifts. This meal allowance is only valid on the days one is scheduled, and any unused portion does not carry over from day to day. Meal allowance is valid at any concession stand in the Village, Stadium 1 and Stadium 2. Meal allowance may not be used to purchase alcoholic beverages. Bar code readers will be setup at the Volunteer Center and Administration Office to allow staff and volunteers to check their Meal Allowance each day if needed. Notify your supervisor or chair if you change your schedule so that the Meal Allowance is added to your credential on the correct days.

Media

Staff and Volunteers are not to give interviews to any media i.e., TV, radio, newspaper, or online publication unless authorized to do so by the Desert Champions Media Director.

Patrons

Be courteous when dealing with the public. Do not engage in confrontation with a patron. NEVER touch a patron.

Players/VIPs

Staff and Volunteers are not to approach any Player and/or VIP for autographs, photos (this includes taking a photo with or of a player for a patron), tickets, credentials, parking passes, etc. while on shift, in your uniform and/or in a player area. When you are not in uniform, you are welcome to stand in line with the public at scheduled tournament autograph sessions, or where Player/VIPs may be signing autographs and/or interacting with fans.

Rain

If it is raining, DO NOT CALL THE TOURNAMENT OFFICE. Please report to the tournament site for your scheduled shift. When the weather clears, we need everyone to assist with getting the site ready for play.

Stadium 1 Seating Policy

Off-duty Volunteers with a valid tournament photo credential may sit in Section 136-148 only in the lower bowl. Please check with an Usher before being seated. Should a ticket holder arrive, the Volunteer must
immediately exit the seat and check with an Usher to be directed to another unoccupied seat. There will be NO Volunteer Seating in Stadium 1 on March 17, 18, & 19 or when a session is sold out. Volunteers may sit in any non-reserved seat in Stadiums 2-9.

Guest Tickets

Each Volunteer will be provided one complimentary digital grounds pass which can be found on in the AXS or event mobile app for each day of tournament. The grounds pass is good for admission to the grounds and all non-reserved seating in Stadium 2-9. NO seating will be available for the dates of March 18-19. Guest tickets must enter the grounds through the North, East or South ticket gates ONLY and not before 10am.

Parking

Each volunteer will receive one digital parking pass, which can be found in the AXS or event mobile app, and good for the entire event. All parking for volunteers is located in Lot S which can be entered off Warner Trail, Gate 9. You must have your parking pass to gain entrance to the lot. These parking passes are nontransferable. Lost parking passes will not be replaced. Drop off location without a parking pass is on the Southwest Church access road across from the IWTG North Parking Lot which can be entered from Warner Trail through Gate 10.

Uniforms/Dress Code

FILA is the official clothing sponsor and generously provides the Volunteer Uniforms. All volunteers are required to wear the Fila uniform with white or navy (no denim or blue jeans) skirts/shorts/pants (no cargo pants or tennis skirts) when on-duty. Shorts must be worn just above the knee. Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes preferably white, no sandals or flip flops. No alterations/ additions to your uniform. If assigned outdoors, bring sunscreen. Evening shift volunteers may wear a solid white/navy sweater/sweatshirt under their issued jackets.

Volunteer Center/Lounge

The Volunteer Center is located at the West gate. Lockers & dressing rooms are available. This is where you can pick up a schedule of play, get water, a cold drink, a cup of coffee, meet with your chair person/ captain and check messages or the meal allowance on your credentials. Volunteer center is for on duty volunteers only. Guests may not enter unless accompanied by a volunteer.

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