BNP Paribas Open unveils new food and beverage options
With the BNP Paribas Open seeking to again provide tennis fans with an experience that goes beyond the courts, the tournament this year will introduce a full slate of new food and beverage options at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.
Headlined by contemporary California bistro and bar Porta Via in the Stadium 1 location that overlooks Centre Court, the new offerings will highlight the tournament’s first major changes to the tournament experience since stadium renovations were completed prior to the 2017 event.
The 2024 BNP Paribas Open will run from March 3-17, and is expected to feature the return of top-ranked Novak Djokovic, in addition to the return of fellow Grand Slam champions Rafael Nadal, Venus Williams, Naomi Osaka and Caroline Wozniacki, after each of them missed last year’s event.
In collaboration with new hospitality partner Sodexo Live!, the tournament will offer a culinary lineup that mixes local eateries with original concepts to create what the tournament is describing as “a holistic hospitality experience” with a special nod to Southern California cuisine.
New additions to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden Food Village will include Japanese-inspired hot dogs from Sumo Dog of Jeffrey Lunak and the Morimoto Restaurant Group; San Diego-based award-winning Mexican artisan kitchen Puesto; local Palm Desert delicatessen J’s Deli; fast-casual burger popup Le Burger by Camphor from Los Angeles serving Michelin-starred burgers and frites; and Post & Beam serving California comfort food from Los Angeles
based chef John Cleveland.
MOTO Pizza is also new for 2024, as the Seattle-based chain will bring its award-winning fare to Indian Wells, giving fans a taste of its unique blend of Detroit, New York, and Roman style pizzas with signature Filipino flavor.
After introducing the Lionel’s Fountain burger concept in 2023, Los Angeles-based chef Christian Page will open Love Love Lionel’s and Love Love Chicken for fans, offering burgers and chicken in Stadium 2.
“Our fans are going to love the lineup of dining options at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden this year,” said Philippe Dore, the chief marketing officer of the BNP Paribas Open. “Every year, we try to enhance the overall experience at the BNP Paribas Open, and we believe that this variety of new concessions and returning favorites will continue to elevate food and beverage as a standout aspect of ‘Tennis Paradise.’”
In addition to these new eateries are an elite lineup of fullservice restaurants, headlined by world-renowned Nobu, which will continue serving its signature Japanese fusion cuisine to fans in Stadium 2, alongside local desert favorites Fresh Agave Mexican Bar & Grill and Ristorante Mamma Gina.
For those with suite tickets, new hospitality package options are available, including packages from chef, restaurateur and the first winner of Bravo’s Top Chef All-Stars, Richard Blais. Some of his renowned offerings include chateaubriand beef filet, white truffle mac & cheese, and tuna “poke” tostadas.
A number of local favorites will be returning to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, including Sherman’s Deli (Stadium 1), local Mexican/Greek/American institution John’s (Food Village), Dragon Lili Boba Bar & Café (Food Village) and Chef Tanya’s Kitchen with a new location in Stadium 1 as well as their Food Village stand.
Those looking for specialty treats can also look forward to the return of Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream for 2024, as Handel’s on-site presence will expand to include a second installation outside of Stadium 3 in addition to their Stadium 1 space. Palm Springs-based Coachella Valley Coffee will round out the list of local options fans can find at the 2024 BNP Paribas Open.
These culinary partners will pair with a variety of new offerings, including Nine City Tortilla Co. (Stadium 1) and Flat Pie Co. (Stadium 1, Stadium 2). Take Out Asian Kitchen will serve fresh rice bowls out of a new Stadium 2 outpost.
A variety of beverage offerings will round out the experience for fans in Tennis Paradise. Two champagne bars located at the Circle of Palms and in the Courtyard will offer revamped beverage service, complete with private shaded seating areas and charcuterie in these beautiful outdoor settings at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden. Maestro Dobel returns as the Official Tequila of the BNP Paribas Open with their branded bar next to Stadium 2 along with Corona, who will continue serving a variety of refreshing options throughout the grounds.
Veroni also returns to Tennis Paradise in 2024 as the Official Charcuterie Partner of the BNP Paribas Open, and fans can stop by their booth in the Sponsor Village to grab samples of their imported Italian meats, cheeses, and dried fruits.
The full lineup of food and beverage offerings is available to view at bnpparibasopen.com/ dining. Tickets and packages for the 2024 BNP Paribas Open are now on sale online at tennisparadise.com, via phone at 1-800999-1585 (Option 2), or in-person at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden Box Office.
Andrew John covers the BNP Paribas Open for The Desert Sun and the USA TODAY Network. Email him at andrew.john@desertsun.com.