Plans have been approved and images have been unveiled for a new 8,000-seat stadium to be built at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
The work is expected to be completed in time for the 2014 BNP Paribas Open, which has been held in Indian Wells since 2000.
"These tournament-specific changes will continue to put this facility on par with the best in the world, deliver an unparalleled experience for fans and ultimately make the BNP Paribas Open better than ever before," tennis garden CEO Raymond Moore said.
According to officials, the new "Stadium 2" expansion project will feature:
- Eight-thousand seats
- Two restaurants
- A marquee site entrance on Washington Street with a new box office
- A new 19,000 square foot shade structure identical to the one built in 2012
- Four additional practice courts
- Expansion of the current Miles Avenue entrance
- Upgraded valet and accessible parking area on the north side
- Additional grass parking space for up to 2,000 cars
- Expansion and relocation of the TV Production compound
This year's BNP Paribas Open, scheduled for March 4-17, is expected to draw 375,000 people, about double the 2000 attendance of 187,000, according to tennis garden officials.
“We are extremely excited about our expansion and thrilled that the City of Indian Wells had approved the plans,” said Moore. “Larry Ellison’s vision for this tournament has been nothing short of incredible, and the innovations and enhancements he has put forth have benefitted fans and players alike."
Sales of 2014 Stadium 2 Series tickets will start at the tournament this year. Architectural renderings, a 3-D model of the stadium and site plans will be on display as well.
The BNP Paribas Open is the largest combined two-week event for the Association of Tennis Professionals and Women's Tennis Association.
— City News Service contributed to this report.
