BNP Paribas Open Tournament Dir Steve Simon on Wednesday announced that Indian Wells Tennis Garden has "added eight video walls" to the venue's main stadium "to increase the total number of video monitors to 54 in the 54-acre tennis facility," according to Leighton Ginn of the Palm Springs DESERT SUN. The new video monitors "are 9-feet-by-5-feet." Simon "points out the 54 video walls don't even include the numerous televisions at the facility that are located in luxury boxes, press boxes or restaurants." He said, "We're in the entertainment business and information business, and we feel it's a good investment in something people value, and it definitely enhances their experience in the stadium." Ginn noted the video monitors, combined with a new app and upgraded Wi-Fi from last year's event, "will guarantee fans will be fully informed of anything going on during the BNP Paribas Open in real time, and make their viewing decisions based on the timely information." The monitors "also will be located at the practice courts to help identify players on the court, as well as the practice schedule." The tourney also is "adding six more hydration stations, which include fountain-to-fill water bottles, and an additional 3,600 seats to the practice area." The additional seats "will bring the total number of seats at the Tennis Garden to 45,110." There also will be two new "awnings at the two main stadiums to provide more shade" (Palm Springs DESERT SUN, 11/6).
