Charlie Pasarell Leaves BNP Paribas Open and & Indian Wells Tennis Garden

Written by: Staff on 11th May 2012

Charlie Pasarell Leaves BNP Paribas Open and & Indian Wells Tennis Garden

epa03142687 Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle, (C) talks with tournament directors Charlie Pasarell (L) and Raymond Moore (R) during the BNP Paribas Open tennis in Indian Wells, California, USA 12 March 2012. Ellison is the owner of the BNP Paribas Open and Indian Wells Tennis Garden. EPA/JOHN G. MABANGLO |

(Larry Ellison, CEO of Oracle, (C)talks with tournament directors Charlie Pasarell (L) and Raymond Moore (R) )

Charlie Pasarell, a former player (1962-1979), and tournament director (1981-2002), owner, and managing partner of the BNP Paribas Open (1981-2010), the largest ATP World Tour and WTA combined event held each March at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, is leaving the tournament.

Since 1981, when he first became tournament director, the event has flourished. For more than 30 years, he oversaw the growth of the event – from the construction of La Quinta Hotel Tennis Club and the Hyatt Grand Champions resort to becoming a combined men’s and women’s event to the development of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. It now stands stronger than ever before with an annual estimated economic impact of more than $289 million and attendance of more than 370,000 in 2012. The day to day operations of the BNP Paribas Open and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden will continue under the direction of Steve Simon, tournament director and chief operating officer, and Pasarell’s long-time business partner Raymond Moore, who reports directly to owner Larry Ellison.

“I will miss very much, not being involved in the management of the BNP Paribas Open and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. But, at the same time, I am comforted and am glad that both are now owned by Larry Ellison and with his vision for the future, love for the sport, and determination to always excel, this tournament will continue to grow.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Larry Ellison for believing in us; purchasing the event and the Indian Wells Tennis Garden in 2009, which ensured that it would remain in Indian Wells; and for allowing me to be involved these past three years. Even though I will not have any further management responsibilities, I will always support it and be around to enjoy it.

“I have had the distinct and sincere pleasure of being Charlie’s business partner for 25 years,” said Moore. “There is no other person in the world of tennis who is more passionate about the sport, and has invested more time into making the game a better place for players, fans, sponsors and more. We cannot replace him; however we can honor his contributions, work ethic and vision by making the BNP Paribas Open better each and every year.”

Pasarell is moving on to focus his time and talents on the development of Royal Isabela, a scenic golf, residential and resort community that he and his brother Stanley are developing in his native Puerto Rico (www.royalisabela.com). To date, the golf course has been featured in many national golf publications including Golf Digest, Golf Magazine and Robb Report.

Topics: 10sballs.com, BNP Paribas tennis news, Charlie Pasarell, Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, Indian Wells Tennis Garden, La Quinta Hotel Tennis Club and the Hyatt Grand Champions, Larry Ellison, Raymond Moore, Robb Report, Royal Isabela, Sports, Tennis News