BNP Paribas Open Organizers Hope For New Attendance Records

The first round of the BNP Paribas Open starts today, and tickets are "flying over the counter" for the event at Indian Wells, which boasts the "second-largest tennis stadium in the country." This is the event's 13th year at the venue, and attendance has increased every year since '06, culminating in last year's record of 350,086. Charlie Pasarell, CEO of tournament operator PM Sports, said, "We are looking for, hoping for, something like 380,000, maybe this year" (L.A. TIMES, 3/6).

Additions this year include new permanent seating in stadiums 2 and 3, electronic information boards and a canopy to provide more shade over the food court. Prize money is up to $11M, with men's and women's winners each getting $1M a piece. PM Sports President Raymond Moore said that Oracle CEO Larry Ellison, who bought the event and the venue in '09, "is not looking to maximize return on his investment," but rather to "raise the stature of the tournament" (Palm Springs DESERT SUN, 3/7).