Continually growing in scope, flavor and popularity, the annual BNP Paribas Open returns to Greater Palm Springs this March 1-15, 2026. Deservedly known as "Tennis Paradise," the floral foregrounds and mountain backdrops at host Indian Wells Tennis Garden make for a singular sporting canvas.
The sport's largest combined ATP Masters and WTA 1000 event of the year, and unofficially known as the game's "Fifth Grand Slam," the BNP Paribas Open is coming off a '25 event which saw a record-setting 504,268 fans stream through the turnstiles.
Ready for some tennis "love" combined with sip, stroll and sounds? Here are your tournament groundstrokes for what looks to be their biggest event yet.
Tickets, Travel Packages and Parking
For locals and visitors alike, a full set of ticket and travel package options are available to attend this event.
Those seeking the flexibility of a tennis taste need know that Single Session tickets prove the most popular option, offering morning and evening attendance – or, both with an all-day Double Dip ticket.
Guests seeking to attend with parties of 10 or more should serve up a Group Package for Stadium 1, while those interested in bulk (50 or more) should check out an All Pro Package opportunity, which rewards with two complimentary Stadium Box tickets.
Enhanced indulgence of the grounds may be further enjoyed with Luxury Suites. guests seeking a single day of high-end viewing should seek out Daily Private Suite options in Stadium 1, which come with customizable F&B service. For an expanded experience, the Full Series option offers a sweet air-conditioned suite across all two weeks of play, and comes with the added benefit of VIP parking.
Guests of Greater Palm Springs looking for stay & play opportunities will be well-sated with a review of nine different Travel Package options, ranging from weekend respites to full-on luxury desert getaways.
Early event goers will want to investigate First Serve, Opening Round and First Weekend Packages, while visitors seeking some deep bracket drama should check out Champions, Masters, Final 4 Days and Advantage Weekend opportunities.
Per parking, fans driving themselves will find free parking in the General Lot, accessed by way of Miles Avenue. Those arriving by way of rideshare will find a designated drop off/pick-up zone near the Garden’s North Gate entrance. Fans arriving by way of bike will find cycle parking at both the North and East gates.
A Full Menu of Drink and Dine
Taking in world-class tennis and the grounds' stunning environs is but part of the tournament's scene. Across the venue, a host of drink and dine options await, with better than 40 on-site vendors.
Attendees aiming for a dine-in experience day or night will find four fine on-site options across Stadiums 1 and 2.
In Stadium 1, the Italian-inspired California flavors (and bustling scene) of Porta Via are back for a third consecutive event, while Stadium 2 presents a trio of dine-in choices, including Mole’ Ingenious Mexican Kitchen, the local flavors of Ristorante Mamma Gina and world-renowned menu of Nobu Indian Wells.
Guests on-the-go will find a menu of concessions that can be enjoyed across both Stadiums settings, and throughout the active Food Village.
New for 2026
The event's Food Village will debut the signature, Cali-inspired poke bowls from Santa Monica-based Sweetfin; further bowl-centric flavors will also break maiden in Stadium 2 with the unveil of Pacha Mamas brining in their Peruvian-style meat, vegetable and rice offerings; and, at Stadium 1 (ticket required), Beecher's Handmade Cheese will debut its award-winning tomato cheddar soup, mac & cheese and other classic options.
For SoCal-centric fare, the Mexican flavors of Puesto may be found at both Stadium 2 and in the Food Village, just as the California-style sandwiches and salads of Cali Café' continue to prove a Stadium 2 favorite.
Vegan choices abound at Chef Tanya's Kitchen (Food Village and the Stadium 1 South Landing), while the more carnivorous will want to explore the likes of: Post & Beam BBQ; fan-favorite Sumo Dog; the Detroit-style flavorings of MOTO Pizza; L.A.-based Le Burger by Camphor; the New York-style menu at J’s Deli; Love Love Chicken; and the Asian flavors at Dragon Lili Café’ + Boba Bar.
Tune Up the Racquet/Racket and Fan Activations
The Indian Wells Tennis Garden’s fan-active Village Stage centerpiece always brings in the crowds with daily stage entertainment in the early afternoon and early evening.
And, fresh for '26, the musical calendar will enjoy a special appearance on the marquee: On Wednesday, March 4, from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m., Indio-native and American Idol winner Abi Carter will bring her piano talents and steel-string guitar styling to the Village Stage for a free concert.
Also fresh for this year's event, the "Tennis Paradise Circle of Palms" will show off a substantial upgrade in the heart of the Garden and serve as the homebase for the new Veroni Charcuterie and Champagne Lounge. The new Circle is a two-story, open-air structure with full food and beverage service for fans to enjoy Veroni’s charcuterie, along with a selection of premium beverages.
And for guests looking out for themed days: The event's annual "Family Day" returns on Saturday, February 28, where families with children of all ages can take in a free afternoon of interactive tennis clinics, player appearances and live music. And, for the first time ever, Family Day activations will commence with the debut of the "BNP Paribas Open Family Day 5K Run," which will begin at 10:00 a.m. and cover the grounds.
Sure to be popular this year, on Sunday, March 8, guests early will receive a complimentary gate giveaway for "lululemon Day" by way of visiting the on-site retail store to shop from the tournament's official apparel and footwear supplier.
Further Access to Premier Players
For the first time in history, the event's Qualifying Days will also be of enhanced interest to fans, as the tournament will allow access to lower bowl seating in both Stadium 1 and Stadium 2 to watch practice sessions. From Sunday, March 1 to Tuesday, March 3, fans will be able to enter both stadiums and see top men’s and women’s players practice up close ($10 qualifying ticket required).
And, per the annual cast, once the action heats-up, this year's tournament sports quite the marquee. On the men's side, Great Britain's Jack Draper will be back to defend his surprise title from '25, just as two-time champion and World No. 1 Carlos Alcaraz will seek to reclaim his crowns from '23 and '24. Also dueling in the men's draw will be five-win BNP Paribas Open winner and 24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic and '22 champ/local favorite, Taylor Fritz.
On the women's side, Poland's Iga Swiatek will seek to win her third BNP Paribas Open title in the past five years, while domestic stars such as Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys will all aim to be the first American victor since Serena Williams in 2001.
