Fan-Friendly Events Highlight Off-Court Action At 2013 BNP Paribas Open

Written by: Staff on 1st March 2013

Fan-Friendly Events Highlight Off-Court Action At 2013 BNP Paribas Open

epa03151001 General view of the center court during the men's final match between John Isner (bottom) of the USA and Roger Federer of Switzerland at the BNP Paribas Open tennis tournament in Indian Wells, California, USA, 18 March 2012. EPA/MIKE NELSON |

A wide variety of fan-friendly events are on tap for the 2013 BNP Paribas Open, the largest ATP World Tour and WTA combined two-week event in the world to be held March 4-17, 2013 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

New to 2013 is a half-hour lead-in show on the Tennis Channel before each day’s play, live from the tournament grounds. Hosted by Brett Haber and Hall of Famer Tracy Austin, Live at the BNP Paribas Open will feature news updates, guest interviews and conversation about what can be expected in the day ahead. The program’s set will feature a news desk located next to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden’s main stadium, surrounded by thousands of fans. As the hub of Tennis Channel’s tournament coverage throughout the day, the desk will feature regular appearances by celebrities, players and the network’s on-air team.

In addition, this year former ATP World Tour Pro and beloved tennis commentator Brad Gilbert will host “Beer with Brad” on Corona Day, Friday, March 8, in the Corona Beach House. Brad, alongside the Corona Hostesses, will chat with fans about the draw and upcoming matches as well as his picks for the finals.

One of the annual events that fans look forward to is Salute to Heroes Night presented by the City of Indian Wells. On Friday, March 8, a special ceremony recognizing veterans, military personnel, police and firemen will be conducted following first evening session match. This year, the special evening will coincide with an exhibit featuring the World War II Mobile Education Center. This mobile exhibit houses an authentic and meticulously maintained collection of original World War II memorabilia including uniforms, weapons, American propaganda, a restored 1941 Bantam Jeep and technological equipment of the time.

Over the middle weekend fans can look forward to Emirates Day (Saturday, March 9). On that day, fans can participate in the “Emirates Airline Ball Flight” and “Spot the Cap” promotions, where they can win prizes including tickets to the finals or round-trip airfare from Los Angeles to Dubai. Fans can also stop by the Emirates Lifestyle Booth, which will showcase Emirates iconic lifestyle elements, such as Cabin Crew members refreshing guests with cold towels, cups of Arabic coffee and snacks such as dates, chocolates, and fresh orange juice.

Also on the middle and final weekends (March 9-10, 16-17 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.) BNP Paribas will continue their tennis ball recycling program with reBounces. The first 1,000 fans who bring six or more used tennis balls to the North side of the Superwall in Corona Plaza will receive one free can of new Penn tennis balls.

The Village Stage, under the 19,000 square foot shade structure installed last year, will come alive each night with live music and entertainment from Thursday, March 7-Friday, March 15. Kicking things off will be the greatest doubles team in the history of the game – Bob and Mike Bryan. While they attempt to win their first BNP Paribas Open title, the Bryan Brothers Band will hold an exclusive performance featuring Michael Johns from American Idol, Jim Bogios from Counting Crows and Southern Californian singer/songwriter George Holdcroft.

When fans are out on the grounds, they can shop for the latest tennis fashions from Fila in their retail store or visit the Bulova booth for the finest in precision timepieces. Bulova will also present Tennis Talk, where hosts Wayne Bryan or Bud Collins discuss match highlights with other tennis legends. Bulova also offers fans in Main Stadium the chance to participate in the “Precisionist Challenge” on court for the opportunity to win a Bulova watch.

For the full event calendar visit: http://www.bnpparibasopen.com/Events/Calendar-of-Events.aspx.

Topics: Atp World Tour, BNP Paribas tennis news, Brett Haber, Fan day, Indian Wells Tennis Garden, Sports, Tennis, Tracy Austin, Wta