The only officially authorized IW 2013 travel thread

[sureshs]

Post your plans here.

I will be there for the opening long weekend. I will be arriving Thursday March 7 afternoon and leaving Monday morning. I will be staying at the Holiday Inn Express, which does not have a tennis court.

Who will have access to courts and wants to meet up? Unless Nadal or Federer summon me urgently for a hitting session and to get some tips, I expect to be available all the time.

 

[GRANITECHIEF]

I always like to meet up and hit with TT folks, especially a guru. May be able to book a court at the Hyatt, or meet at one of the local parks.

 

[GS]

I can't attend this year, but someday, I'd like a hit with the G-Chief, either in Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, or Vegas.

 

[sureshs]

I always like to meet up and hit with TT folks, especially a guru. May be able to book a court at the Hyatt, or meet at one of the local parks.

I just organized a successful local TW meetup of 6 people in December, which included 2 people from out of state.

I hope the top pros don't request my coaching, otherwise we will surely meet up.

If there are continuous morning, afternoon and night sessions from Fri to Sun, when would we find the time though?

 

[atatu]

I always like to meet up and hit with TT folks, especially a guru. May be able to book a court at the Hyatt, or meet at one of the local parks.

I'll be going this year the first weekend, probably staying at the Embassy Suites. Last year Granitechief was kind enough to meet up wtih me and kick my ass.

 

[sureshs]

They don't call him the Chief for nothing

 

[sureshs]

Usually there are pros who offer clinics during this time. We need to track them down. Then they will get the courts for us.

 

[acura9927]

Suppose you have 4 full days there, suggest best package to see Fed and Novak play. Only reason I am there.

 

[Connors Fan]

Is there any USTA 3.5/4.0 tournements around that time there? My complete lack of skills negotiating tennis link is finding nothing, but I know there are some tournements going on before or after.

I know I will be there 11th-14th for sure.

 

[sureshs]

Suppose you have 4 full days there, suggest best package to see Fed and Novak play. Only reason I am there.

I would bet on the final 4 days.

 

[daveyboy]

Count me in. I'm there from March 5-15, ready to play by the 6th or 7th. 4.0 player and I'd love to do some drills early in the week before getting out and playing some.

 

[ductrung3993]

I want to go but I dont know how to get there from the Bay area ( I dont have a car). Can anyone please kindly give me some advices? Thank you!

 

[burosky]

Take the BART to SFO then board a plane to Palm Springs Int. Airport. From there take a taxi or public transportation to the Indian Well Tennis Garden.

 

[sureshs]

Count me in. I'm there from March 5-15, ready to play by the 6th or 7th. 4.0 player and I'd love to do some drills early in the week before getting out and playing some.

I am available 7th afternoon to 10th night.

Why don't you shoot for trying to get a court for 7th evening since you will be there beforehand? We can split the cost if any. But not too far from the main area around the Garden. I am not familiar with the place.

 

[daveyboy]

I am available 7th afternoon to 10th night.

Why don't you shoot for trying to get a court for 7th evening since you will be there beforehand? We can split the cost if any. But not too far from the main area around the Garden. I am not familiar with the place.

Are you staying in Indian Wells? We'll be in Palm Springs and there's Plaza Tennis there, an awesome club thats not expensive for court time, and Ruth Hardy Park which is great as well.

I'll see which days are best to come out to Indian Wells to drill if you don't have transportation

 

[sureshs]

I will be at the Holiday Inn Express close to the Garden. I can get there Thu afternoon.

 

[daveyboy]

I will be at the Holiday Inn Express close to the Garden. I can get there Thu afternoon.

Cool. Email me at nightandday4@gmail.com as time approaches to coordinate.

For anyone else up for practice and then play feel free to use the email above as well.

 

[sureshs]

OK. Don't make any changes to your plans just for me. If more people are interested, then maybe.

 

[GRANITECHIEF]

Hyatt was booked and no box seats were left for saturday as of last weekend. Tournament popularity definitely not decreasing.

Got a room at Esmeralda which has 2 courts. Rafa should be back.

 

[sureshs]

Is that on the "main" street where all the nearby hotels are?

 

[GRANITECHIEF]

Yep, on Hwy 111, same entrance road at the Hyatt.

 

[BigGame]

4.5 player staying in Palm Springs from Thursday 3/7 to Tuesday 3/12, happy to meetup and hit around with anyone else who will be in town.

Also, check Palm Springs craiglist for vacation rentals, I was able to book a guesthouse with a kitchen for a really nice rate.

 

[sureshs]

That coincides with my 3/7 to 3/11

 

[raven5288]

Going to San Diego with my girlfriend for spring break, and she bought us day and night session tickets on the main court on Wednesday (men's 16, women's Quarters) This is going to be my first big tournament and I couldn't be more excited We'll be driving from SD that morning and coming back that after the night session, what time should we be leaving?

 

[tvu]

Depends on where in SD you are staying. SD is a big county - and it can take you almost an hour from downtown to the outskirt/edge of SD county.
To be safe - Leave at 8am - gives you enough time to get there - find parking, check out different booths before match start.

 

[sureshs]

Going to San Diego with my girlfriend for spring break, and she bought us day and night session tickets on the main court on Wednesday (men's 16, women's Quarters) This is going to be my first big tournament and I couldn't be more excited We'll be driving from SD that morning and coming back that after the night session, what time should we be leaving?

I will be back in SD by then (11th). Let me know if you want to hit.

 

[atatu]

Well I blew it on the Embassy Suites, they're booked so I went ahead and booked at The Doral Desert Princess....if I want to hit at Ruth Hardy, how early should I get there ?

 

[champ1979]

Thinking of going to Indian Wells this time. Obviously interested in seeing the top 4 players, but mainly Federer, and would like to see the players practice as well.

1. Would Saturday - Monday offer me the best chances to watch a Federer match and see some top players up close while they're practicing?

2. Don't want to be sitting all the way on top, but of course I can't afford the courtside tickets. Any suggestions on what kind of tickets to get? If I have saturday, sunday and monday at Indian wells, could you please recommend on the spread of tickets I should get for the 3 days, morning and evening sessions?

Thanks!

 

[sureshs]

I got the cheap Loge seats

 

[sureshs]

Tickets arrived today!

 

[hpaiste]

I'll be staying in Palm Desert for the entirety of the tournament (March 4th-March 17th) and am definitely looking to play as many times as possible. I'm a 5.0 and would be willing to meet anywhere within reason near the tennis gardens. If you'd be interested, my email is hpaiste at aol dot com. Thank you all, hope to see you out there! Have a great trip.

Henry

 

[GRANITECHIEF]

^^Look forward to meeting you, maybe set something up for 3/10 or 3/11 early. Email to follow.

 

[atatu]

Can anyone answer my question about how early I need to get to Ruth Hardy to get a court ? Also, any plans for a TW meetup ?

 

[GRANITECHIEF]

Wow Ruth Hardy is pretty far from IWTG. My guess would be 9am.

How about a TW meetup Monday 3/11 8am at Civic Center Park (6 courts)? Who is in?

 

[sureshs]

Wow Ruth Hardy is pretty far from IWTG. My guess would be 9am.

How about a TW meetup Monday 3/11 8am at Civic Center Park (6 courts)? Who is in?

That is going to be tough. I leave the 11th morning. check out time is noon - so possibly could play, then come back and change, and leave.

Anybody available 7th afternoon till the 10th?

 

[sureshs]

Hope you all are getting emails with info like this:

Come Enjoy On and Off–Court Entertainment at the
BNP Paribas Open

Salute to Heroes presented by City of Indian Wells,
Bryan Bros Band, Bulova presents Tennis Talk, Player Autograph Signings, and Much More!

The Tennis Garden Village rocks on Champions Night, Thursday, March 7 with the #1 doubles team in the world, Mike and Bob Bryan, take the stage as the Bryan Bros. Band featuring former American Idol star, Michael Johns on vocals, Jim Bogios, Counting Crows drummer and singer, songwriter George Holdcroft on sax perform from 5–7pm. Tickets start as low as $13 for this night only and all single tickets benefit The Champions Volunteer Foundation! Click here for evening entertainment schedule.

Salute to Heroes presented by the City of Indian Wells – Wed. 3/6–Fri. 3/8 – Come tour a World War II mobile exhibit with an authentic maintained collection of original World War II memorabilia. Inside are displays featuring U.S. General George S. Patton and more. Uniforms, weapons, American propaganda, and technological equipment of the time. The exhibit also includes a restored 1941 Bantam Jeep.
Friday, March 8 a special ceremony recognizing veterans, military personnel, police and firemen following first evening session match. All veterans and current military, police and fire personnel receive (2) complimentary tickets for the evening session. Show proper ID at the south gate box office.

Bulova presents “Tennis Talk” – Wednesday, March 6 – Friday, March 15 at 12:30pm, Tennis Garden Village Stage – Join our renowned guest host Wayne Bryan or Bud Collins and their special guests throughout the week for lively tennis talk about player and matches. Answer the question of the day to win a Bulova watch.

Tennis Demo Court and Tennis Warehouse Player Autograph Signings – Visit the Tennis Warehouse store to try out the latest HEAD Racquets and more on the Demo court and participate in special promotions. Look for daily listings of Player Autograph signing times.*

Corona Beach House and Corona Plaza – Wednesday, March 6 – Sunday, March 17 – Corona Extra invites you to visit the Corona Beach House for event long fan attractions. Snap a free picture with your friends at the Corona Photo Kiosk and tell everyone you "Found Your Beach" when you send it as a digital postcard or upload to Facebook! Visit the Corona Plaza for a place to kick back, relax in Adirondack chairs and enjoy the matches on the big screen! Giveaways and activities are limited to those 21+.

BNP Paribas Tennis Ball Recycle Booth – Saturday, March 9 – Sunday, March 10 & Saturday, March 16 – Sunday, March 17, 10:00am – 2:00pm. Bring your old, used tennis balls and receive (1) FREE can of new tennis balls! BNP Paribas has partnered with reBounces to keep tennis balls in play and out of the landfills, while growing the game.

 

[GRANITECHIEF]

BNP Paribas Tennis Ball Recycle Booth – Saturday, March 9 – Sunday, March 10 & Saturday, March 16

Its great switching some old dead bald balls for nice shiny new ones on the weekend.

I might have to get there early for this:

Corona Day – Friday, March 8

Corona Hostesses, 1:00pm-5:00pm – Stop by the Corona Beach House to meet the Corona Hostesses, enjoy fun games, cool giveaways. Relax responsibly.
Beer with Brad, 3:00pm Corona Plaza Bar – Celebrate Corona Day and join us at the Corona Beach House to meet tennis legend and ESPN Commentator, Brad Gilbert. Get Brad’s insights on this week’s matches and find out who he thinks will battle it out in the finals this year
Giveaways and activities are limited to those 21+.

 

[GRANITECHIEF]

And have to go get the free lunch if there's no wicked matches in progress:

USTA Member Appreciation Day & Reception – Tuesday, March 12, 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Garden Club Hospitality - USTA members enjoy refreshments and visit with ATP World Tour and/or WTA players. Hosted by the USTA. Valid USTA membership card is required for entry.

 

[sureshs]

2 pm sounds more like cookies and soda than lunch

 

[Cindysphinx]

Hey, all.

The gals and I are going to IW this year. We would like to go to a nice restaurant and then walk around the swanky part of Palm Springs/Indian Wells. You know, wherever tourists go where they have cute shops and lots of atmosphere and charm.

Can anyone tell me what part of town I should be considering for our evening out?

 

[sureshs]

Cindy, when will you be there?

 

[TennisJC]

I am available 7th afternoon to 10th night.

Why don't you shoot for trying to get a court for 7th evening since you will be there beforehand? We can split the cost if any. But not too far from the main area around the Garden. I am not familiar with the place.

Hey sureshs,

I am close to pulling trigger on going 3/7-3/11 (cheap flight out to San Diego) and plan to rent a car. How are you guys with getting a court or playing? I'd love to join - I'm a 4.0/4.5 from DC area. I heard there is suppose to be an amateur tourney there at IW but couldn't find any info on TennisLink either.

Also trying to find a hotel that won't break the bank...came back from Aussie Open a few weeks ago. Any suggestions anyone??

Thanks,
JC

 

[sureshs]

I will be at the Holiday Inn.

I will be driving from San Diego. When are you in SD?

 

[BigGame]

Hey sureshs,

I am close to pulling trigger on going 3/7-3/11 (cheap flight out to San Diego) and plan to rent a car. How are you guys with getting a court or playing? I'd love to join - I'm a 4.0/4.5 from DC area. I heard there is suppose to be an amateur tourney there at IW but couldn't find any info on TennisLink either.

Also trying to find a hotel that won't break the bank...came back from Aussie Open a few weeks ago. Any suggestions anyone??

Thanks,
JC

Try hotwire or check out the palm springs craigslist - vacation rentals for a reasonable $$ place to stay.

 

[TW Staff]

Hey, all.

The gals and I are going to IW this year. We would like to go to a nice restaurant and then walk around the swanky part of Palm Springs/Indian Wells. You know, wherever tourists go where they have cute shops and lots of atmosphere and charm.

Can anyone tell me what part of town I should be considering for our evening out?

Hi Cindysphinx,

I am from the Palm Springs Area (Indian Wells) and hopefully can help you out. Here are some of the swanky restaurants in the downtown Palm Springs area: Workshop Kitchen and Bar, LuLu California Bistro, Trio Restaurant, and Le Vellauris. If you want restaurants more in the Indian Wells/Palm Desert/La Quinta area, let me know and I can give a list.

Also, a couple playtesters will be in the desert (including me!) for the BNP Paribas Open and we will be having a couple events at the TW Tent. Hope to see you there.

Brittany, TW

 

[sureshs]

Watch for the wind turbines near Palm Springs - spectacular sight.

Then, in the shopping area, there are mist-making machines which spray water droplets to keep tourists cool in the scorching heat.

These are pretty much the only things I remember about PS from a trip a long time ago.

 

[Cindysphinx]

Hi Cindysphinx,

I am from the Palm Springs Area (Indian Wells) and hopefully can help you out. Here are some of the swanky restaurants in the downtown Palm Springs area: Workshop Kitchen and Bar, LuLu California Bistro, Trio Restaurant, and Le Vellauris. If you want restaurants more in the Indian Wells/Palm Desert/La Quinta area, let me know and I can give a list.

Also, a couple playtesters will be in the desert (including me!) for the BNP Paribas Open and we will be having a couple events at the TW Tent. Hope to see you there.

Brittany, TW

Wow, thanks Brittany!

I would appreciate your recommendations in the Indian Wells/Palm Desert/La Quinta area. We are staying at the Renaissance Esmerelda, and we are trying to decide whether to rent a car or not.

I will look for your tent!!

Sureshs, our group will be there M/T/W (second and third round).

 

[sureshs]

Wow, thanks Brittany!

I would appreciate your recommendations in the Indian Wells/Palm Desert/La Quinta area. We are staying at the Renaissance Esmerelda, and we are trying to decide whether to rent a car or not.

I will look for your tent!!

Sureshs, our group will be there M/T/W (second and third round).

I am leaving on Mon so I won't be able to get your autograph on a large tennis ball. Maybe next year.

 

[sureshs]

Wow, thanks Brittany!

I would appreciate your recommendations in the Indian Wells/Palm Desert/La Quinta area. We are staying at the Renaissance Esmerelda, and we are trying to decide whether to rent a car or not.

I will look for your tent!!

Sureshs, our group will be there M/T/W (second and third round).

Remember what happened the last time you gals rented a car in IW and then one took it to the airport or got a ride or something and then never paid her share of the gas? Don't let it happen again.

And another thing you can do is that you can use a mapping app and it will show you all the restaurants and malls nearby, complete with Yelp comments and other suggestions.

 

[sureshs]

Here I have located restaurants near California Lulu Bistro for you to study:


http://maps.google.com/maps?q=resta...dian+wells+restaurant&hq=restaurants&t=m&z=17