Tips and Secrets for the BNP Paribas Open

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Mark / The Mayor on March 9, 2015 at 2:40pm

I'll start us off.

• I like to go for the middle weekend and the days on either end of it.  That Thursday is a treat because it is not crowded yet.
• I usually do just fine buying the grounds pass only.  I like to watch the close matches on the smaller stadiums anyway; where I can get up close and see the emotion.
• I approach the facility from the West rather than getting stuck in traffic on Washington with everyone else.  Come in on Fred Waring and then head South on Warner, then East on Miles.   Super fast.
• Best Mexican restaurant (and Margies) is at Las Cosuelas Quinta at the corner of Washington and 111.
• They let you bring in food, so save a ton of money by bringing in sandwiches made at the grocery store.
• If it is really hot, bring a small white towel that you can wet down and wear on your head (this takes cajones, but I do it.)
• more to come....

Permalink Reply by Lucile Bosche´ on March 9, 2015 at 4:28pm

Check the events board near the practice courts for updates on who is on what court. You can get up close to your favorite players this way.

Great seats in center court stadium way up at the top - take the elevator on the north side of the stadium between the bathrooms and the stairs.

You will also get to see players walking to the practice courts between the players cafeteria and the grass field on the south west side of the garden.

Great viewing on the big screen on the east side of main stadium with chairs and lawn area. 

Wayne Bryan has taken Bud Collins' place at the noon tennis talk session daily on the stage area near the vendor booths at the northeast side of the garden. Also check schedules for Bryan Bros jam session there...

Hat, sunscreen, shades mandatory (duh, but you'd be surprised how often people "forget' these essentials.) Parking is far from the action so don't plan to "walk back to the car" during the session. 

Don't wear short shorts (ouch), or bring a towel to sit on.

Check daily forecast - believe it or not it can get chilly at night and warmups might be desirable.  

Keep your eyes peeled for players, coaches, commentators and other celebrities - they may walk right past you!

If you want to meet and say hello or take an MTM lesson please contact me directly via my website at www.mtmcangel.wordpress.com.

Permalink Reply by Mark / The Mayor on March 9, 2015 at 5:33pm

Great advice about keeping your eyes open as you walk the grounds.

I've met/ waved at many people this way:

Max Myrni (got a selfie together)

Umpire Kader Nouni (got a selfie together)

Larry Ellison (starred too long)

Xavier Malisse (in his flip-flops, got an autograph)

Bud Collins (got a selfie together)

Lindsay Davenport (said hi awkwardly)

Kevin Spacey (starred too long)

Many many many more active players...