**Official Indian Wells 2009 thread**

Yes THE WASHINGTON EXIT is "it"- pretty exciting with the sandy, dusty landscape (like the moon) and then as you drive, to come up on what looks like the Amphitheater from "Gladiators" .
The man "made" environment- The Palm trees and grass surrendering at the edge of the sprinkler systems, the swimming pools, immaculate streets, nothing like it.

The "valley" does offer quite a range of places to stay-
I'm not too familiar with the "discount" stuff- I personally don't like doors that open up to the parking lot-type stuff anymore (Thanks, Hollywood).

I scrimp on a lot of stuff where I can - Like eating SUBWAYs 3 times a day,the food is ridiculous prices inside- But I like all the souvenir hats and such too much. Your warm clothes and a Walmart- purchased styrofoam cooler in the trunk are the way to go.

I'm staying 5 star Palm Springs downtown and leaving lots of time to get to Indian Wells using the Highway 111 and rubber necking at all the Rolls Royce and retired movie stars (or at least retired CEOs).


It ALSO is quite a lot of land, as well- from Indio thru to Palm Springs, so make sure you are looking at a MAP when making reservations unless you don't mind the driving. One end to the other, it has to equal @ 40 miles across and that adds up fast in time and gas.

One idea may be to make "cancellable" reservations right now (as back up)
Then just before cancellation deadline go on HOTWIRE or PRICELINE punch in and see what comes up cheaper than your "back up' reservations.

There is plenty of time- Have 'em mail your tickets to you; The parking is a "push" same price- no discount for buying on line early, just saves you from digging around in your pockets for the dime (while you are belted in) when you just want to GO.
Take your time- remember where you parked cause it one of those "one big open field" arrangements, and packed.
 
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Reserved seats for Stadium 2, and 3 are SOLD OUT Friday to Monday the first week ! Damn it.

I can`t believe it. I`m willing to pay $75 for those seats. Anybody know where I can buy them ?
 
You will pay $75.00 just so you are centered (Vs. ends- that are FREE- WITH DAILY GROUNDS)?
Maybe it is just me, but I prefer watching from the ends anyway- seeing what the player sees, like on TV instead of whipping my head back and forth.
I look at the days schedule, and work my way "in and down" the match BEFORE, and I am on top of the players when the match I want to see starts.

-BUT-
Try ad CRAIGSLIST PALM SPRINGS too early for any ticket scalpers just yet (I think).
I don't think you have too much to fear from "ripoffs" on a ticket transaction- Like you could chase them down and kick their stroller out from under them.
 
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MIGHTY MANFRED THE WONDER said:
You will pay $75.00 just so you are centered (Vs. ends- that are FREE- WITH DAILY GROUNDS)?
Maybe it is just me, but I prefer watching from the ends anyway- seeing what the player sees, like on TV instead of whipping my head back and forth.
I look at the days schedule, and work my way "in and down" the match BEFORE, and I am on top of the players when the match I want to see starts.

-BUT-
Try ad CRAIGSLIST PALM SPRINGS too early for any ticket scalpers just yet (I think).
I don't think you have too much to fear from "ripoffs" on a ticket transaction- Like you could chase them down and kick their stroller out from under them.
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I did it last year with GA, just like you would do it. But :

1. The rear seats are too far and high above the player.

2. Too many people trying to get the best seats, esp Sat and Sun

3. With the reserved seats, you don`t have to RUN and hustle for good seats, you can smell the player sweat (much closer)

4. You can always sit anywhere you want (the ends)

I already tried Palms Spring CL. Nothing is up yet. Thanks anyway
 
If you have never been able to do this trip, I recommend you try to do it ASAP! I went for the first time last year, fell in love with it, and am going again this year. Being from Pennsylvania, we have nothing remotely close to the Indian Wells landscape and it was out of this world. I spent a few days in Laguna Beach too, and now I'm hoping to someday land a job in the SoCal region.

Anyway, what everyone has been saying so far in this thread is right:

1. Sunscreen- last year on my first day it didnt seem too hot or sunny, that was until I got back to the hotel room. The entire night I had to lay with a cold washcloth on my face to try to help with the pain of the sunburn.

2. Bring layers for night- it sounds crazy b/c of the sun during the day, but it goes down into about the 30s or 40s at night. If I didn't have my sweats and long sleeves last year I would have frozen my buns off watching Ivo Karlovic and Andy Murray.

3. The shuttles are great- I stayed at the Embassy Suites in La Quinta. Every hour they ran a shuttle to the stadium, and dropped off right in front of the entrance. The parking lot does look rather large, and the shuttles save a great amount of money and effort.

4. General Admission is the way to go- last year being rookies, we got loge seats. Still not extremely expensive, but more than the GA. This year we got GA, since all last year we ended up leaving our seats and moving around the upper level to stay in the shade. The shade is a lifesaver during the middle of the afternoon. Also if you can, wear a towel or tshirt over your hear. Cools you down and keeps the sun off (even though you look sorta ridic, its worth it.)

5. Practice Courts are where its at- the best practice courts in the world. I'm used to the US Open courts, where the best players stay in their little cocoon that you have to be in the top row of the bleachers or Ashe to see. Here in IW, you can get super close. I'm a fan of getting pics with the players, and it makes a really cool scrapbook of memories when your done.

6. Enjoy the Scenery- not many places can you be sweating by a tennis court, and look into the distance to see snow capped mountains. Just speaks to the amazingness (is that a word?) of the area.

All in all, my trip last year the trip of a lifetime. If you ever get a chance to visit, make sure you do. I know I'm looking forward to my trip again this year, not only for the tennis, but to enjoy the massage time I won last year during one of the night matches' text-in contests. Ballin'!

p.s. Anyone have recommendations on where to play tennis for a few days out here. Last year I couldn't play because I had hernia surgery a week before I went, but I'm hoping to this year. If anyone has suggestions it would be great. Thanks!
 
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Fee said:
Yes your main stadium ticket gets you to all of the outer courts. A grounds pass gets you to all of the courts except the grandstand. :)

Looks like there will be a good TW crowd there again next year. Spencer might have to do an autograph session. ;)
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Fee, Can you tell me did you buy a main stadium ticket and a groundspass? And are these the same as g/a. Thanks
 
I didn't buy any tickets last year. I have rarely had to buy tickets at Indian Wells. The last time I had to buy one, I had a USTA member card, it was about $30. I think it was either a grounds pass or a nosebleed stadium seat, but I can't remember.

I think they have changed the names of the tickets now, but the descriptions on the tournament website should be helpful. Just make sure you don't buy a Court 2 box seat. That gives you a great seat on Court 2, GA admission to the rest of the outer courts and NOTHING on the main stadium. Probably not worth it unless there are two matches on Court 2 that you absolutely MUST see.
 
TheShaun said:
Can anyone comment on Miami or Cincy tournaments?
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I went to Cincy in 2007 and I thought it was a pretty decent tournament. If you can stand the weather (humidity humidity humidity) then you should be okay. I think it's pretty fan friendly, the practice courts are easily accessible, they try to post the practice schedule at the main info booth (it always changes), you can get good seats on the outer courts, the food prices were not outrageous, qualifying rounds were free, and parking was free. There may be some changes in all of that next year, but I enjoyed it when I was there. If you have a car, you can get decent hotel rooms and rates anywhere along the freeway (we stayed a few exits away, never took more than 20 minutes from door to door). The tournament is really in Mason, not Cincy. I never say Cincy except going to and from the airport.
 
Fee said:
I went to Cincy in 2007 and I thought it was a pretty decent tournament. If you can stand the weather (humidity humidity humidity) then you should be okay. I think it's pretty fan friendly, the practice courts are easily accessible, they try to post the practice schedule at the main info booth (it always changes), you can get good seats on the outer courts, the food prices were not outrageous, qualifying rounds were free, and parking was free. There may be some changes in all of that next year, but I enjoyed it when I was there. If you have a car, you can get decent hotel rooms and rates anywhere along the freeway (we stayed a few exits away, never took more than 20 minutes from door to door). The tournament is really in Mason, not Cincy. I never say Cincy except going to and from the airport.
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The Sony Ericsson is way worse!
 
Both the mens and womens finals are scheduled for Sunday the 22nd, correct? Do the women go first at 1 pm with the men to follow? Looking at buying some tickets for the finals at 1 pm and not sure if they're mens or womens...
 
USTA Day

The USTA holds a member appreciation day at the tourney and if you are a member you can get a good discount on the tickets for that day with your card.
 
farwellbooth said:
Both the mens and womens finals are scheduled for Sunday the 22nd, correct? Do the women go first at 1 pm with the men to follow? Looking at buying some tickets for the finals at 1 pm and not sure if they're mens or womens...
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The website doesn't seem to give information that is that specific, it just says the finals begin at noon. Based on history and tradition, I would bet that the ladies play first.

http://www.bnpparibasopen.org/1/home/default.asp
 
rqtguy said:
The USTA holds a member appreciation day at the tourney and if you are a member you can get a good discount on the tickets for that day with your card.
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really? i thought this was just a us open thing. which day would it be?
 
Check the Website!

It is posted on the tournament's website

http://www.bnpparibasopen.org/1/home/default.asp


USTA Appreciation Day - Tuesday, March 17th - A 30% discount on day session loge tickets, Wednesday, March 11 through Thursday, March 19 and evening session loge tickets, Friday, March 13 through Friday, March 20. USTA Members must purchase tickets at the box office with a valid USTA Membership card or fax a copy of their membership card along with their order form to the box office. Limit six (6) discounted tickets per order. Please note this offer does not apply to previously purchased tickets.
 
A buddy and I are looking to hit some balls while we're out there some time betw. Thurs. 3/12 thru Sun. 3/15 (first weekend). We're both 5.5's from LA area. We'll be staying closeby, but we don't know of any courts(besides the Hyatt and other relatively pricey places near the Tennis Gardens). Anyone interested in hitting some balls? Where are the courts? Prices? Fees? etc.?
 
welcome2petrkordaland said:
A buddy and I are looking to hit some balls while we're out there some time betw. Thurs. 3/12 thru Sun. 3/15 (first weekend). We're both 5.5's from LA area. We'll be staying closeby, but we don't know of any courts(besides the Hyatt and other relatively pricey places near the Tennis Gardens). Anyone interested in hitting some balls? Where are the courts? Prices? Fees? etc.?
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Stay at a resort that has courts, then its free, otherwise it's like $20/pp. There's dozens of resorts there, I tried looking for public courts but only found one park on the map that had public courts. Never went to check it out though.
 
Sneak into the courts at the Embassy Suites Hotel on Highway 111 or drive to College of the Desert and use theirs. Indio High School? Surely there are some free courts somewhere in that area.
 
welcome2petrkordaland said:
A buddy and I are looking to hit some balls while we're out there some time betw. Thurs. 3/12 thru Sun. 3/15 (first weekend). We're both 5.5's from LA area. We'll be staying closeby, but we don't know of any courts(besides the Hyatt and other relatively pricey places near the Tennis Gardens). Anyone interested in hitting some balls? Where are the courts? Prices? Fees? etc.?
Click to expand...

U can use the practice courts at the tournament site in the evenings when most/all of the pros are done practicing for the day. There are also clay courts there, 4, I believe, that go unused by the pros b/c the tourney is on hard courts.
 
Rob_C said:
U can use the practice courts at the tournament site in the evenings when most/all of the pros are done practicing for the day. There are also clay courts there, 4, I believe, that go unused by the pros b/c the tourney is on hard courts.
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Thats right eh RobC!! That would be cool to do a replay of 2 years ago!! I thought it was funny that some of the fans actually stopped to watch us play a few points.

I think we're going Friday eve - Tues eve!!

How bout you?

Welcome2PeterKordaland, i would be very much interested in getting some hitting together with you and your buddy. Maybe we can play at the IWTG or at the Hyatt GrandChampions. 5.5's, wow thats pretty good!! Did you guys play college ball?
 
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I've been going to the event since 1999, and I just love it. I've seen Fee there a few times. :-)

These days I have to work things around my day job. I'm planning to be there from Wed, March 18, through the final. I'm hoping to see a certain Spaniard do well there again.

In any event, if anyone has a single box seat for sale for the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday sessions, please e-mail me at susan@cal.com.

I'm looking for a pair of suite tickets for Saturday, March 21, and I may be interested in a pair of box seats for the final.

I like to just head down there and play it by ear for the most part, but I'm thinking it may be good to have a few tickets in advance. ;-)

It's a great event. Hope you all go, and perhaps we can meet up by the TW booth. I'll keep checking back here in case something gets organized.
 
GRANITECHIEF said:
Thats right eh RobC!! That would be cool to do a replay of 2 years ago!! I thought it was funny that some of the fans actually stopped to watch us play a few points.

I think we're going Friday eve - Tues eve!!

How bout you?

Welcome2PeterKordaland, i would be very much interested in getting some hitting together with you and your buddy. Maybe we can play at the IWTG or at the Hyatt GrandChampions. 5.5's, wow thats pretty good!! Did you guys play college ball?
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Granite, ur memory is getting worse, or is it mine? It was last year. I was there the Sat DY beat Lopez, and Tsonga beat Sela. Speaking of which, I should probably get my tickets now b4 they sell out. Time to do those taxes I guess.
 
Rob_C said:
Granite, ur memory is getting worse, or is it mine? It was last year. I was there the Sat DY beat Lopez, and Tsonga beat Sela. Speaking of which, I should probably get my tickets now b4 they sell out. Time to do those taxes I guess.
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Rob, you're right, it was last year. I remember Fish getting zoned big time.

I was thinking of the year before, when i didn't get to go because my son was born. Definitely looking forward to this year!! Good idea to pick up tickets in advance, especially for middle saturday.
 
GRANITE! Good to see you back on the boards here.
Sorry I can't meet you down at Indian Wells soon---gotta work a business conference in Vegas then.
If anyone cares, Tom Gorman now heads the tennis program at La Quinta in Palm Springs these days. They tore out all their grasscourts years ago, but thankfully kept the clay....
 
thanks fee, for the info. on possible courts in the IWTG area. i'll do some homework on that.

GRANITECHIEF, my buddy and i are staying at the Motel 6 (or Super 8 I can't remember) about 15 from IWTG off Highway 111. Sure, we'd love to hit some balls. My buddy Mike I don't think played in college but has a huge serve and I did not either but played college soccer and play tennis as an adult.
 
Sounds like you're at the Super 8 (I stayed there a few years ago). The Motel 6 is close to the 10 freeway.

There's all kinds of stuff along 111 between the IWTG and your hotel - grocery store, shopping, WalMart, Target, Costco, Costco gas, Burger King next door, ATM machines, etc, etc, etc. I'm sure there are courts somewhere.
 
I don't think I have any clue where that is. I stayed at a Motel 6 last year, on Highway 111, but I don't know which city line I had crossed. If it's the same one I stayed at, you'll pass a few grocery stores and Starbucks on your way to IWTG, but then again, it's Highway 111, one of the major roads through the desert, and there is everything along there at some point. :)

You should definitely check out the courts at College of the Desert. I bet the only thing you have to pay to use them is a few dollars for parking in the lot. It's on Monterrey and Fred Waring Drive.
 
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Fee said:
Sounds like you're at the Super 8 (I stayed there a few years ago). The Motel 6 is close to the 10 freeway.

There's all kinds of stuff along 111 between the IWTG and your hotel - grocery store, shopping, WalMart, Target, Costco, Costco gas, Burger King next door, ATM machines, etc, etc, etc. I'm sure there are courts somewhere.
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so there are local courts to play at?
 
Everything is up to date out in the Dessert...
They have about as far as they can go....
Sheesh-

There are a hundred courts at the public parks through out the dessert, in every town. Get a map on line then call some town halls.
 
I will be there for the Tri-level tournament from the 19th-22nd. I'm so excited about this. I'll actually be in cali from the 12th - 23rd so I do want to go to the early round matches and just soak it all in. My family that I'm staying with wont' be able to do during the day on weekdays so i'm probably gonna head there Friday morning and Monday morning. How much are GA tickets? Im pretty open to what days I can go before the 19th. It'd be cool to meet some people to while I'm there to. If anyone wants to meet the Biggiestuff let me know :)
 
Thanks for all the tips, everyone. I have a quick question about taking a backpack in. I found in the FAQ section of the BNP Paribas Open website that you are allowed to take in a 16" x 16" x 8" backpack. That is pretty small. Does anyone have experience with how strict the tournament has been with this rule in the past?
 
Question: My friends and I want to attend this Sat but we haven't bought the tickets yet. Is this possible to buy tickets at the gates or they are all sold out at this point? Just lơoking to run around to sêe as much player as possible so what tickets should we get if we buy them at the gate (if possible), we will stay there all day.

Thanks
 
gordo said:
Thanks for all the tips, everyone. I have a quick question about taking a backpack in. I found in the FAQ section of the BNP Paribas Open website that you are allowed to take in a 16" x 16" x 8" backpack. That is pretty small. Does anyone have experience with how strict the tournament has been with this rule in the past?
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i dont know what the exact rules were last year, but my regular size bookbag that i use for school was allowed in...it was big enough to fit sweatpants and some other clothes..the same one was not allowed at the us open, but out here they did
 
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