Dusk Propels Tennis Fans Into Local Businesses

Sunset at Indian Wells Tennis Garden brings a new mood to the BNP Paribas Open, swapping the serious tennis of the daytime for a more
relaxed evening.

As Rafael Nadal and Marc Lopez were destroying their competition in a double match in Stadium Court, the crowd seemed more content to watch from afar, via one of many large video screens. 

Evening crowds watched the match from many vantage points: from benches and tables on lawns just outside the stadium, from beer bars along the walking and shopping promenades, or while enjoying food from one of the many restaurants that have set up a base at the tennis complex. 

One of the bigger crowds was swarming on John’s, a Palm Desert fixture on Highway 111. 

Owner George Argyros said that in all his years of serving fans at the tournament, this was “The best. It’s been very steady all week. The best year ever.”   

Argyros should know, he’s had a John’s Restaurant at the Indian Wells event every year since the Tennis Gardens opened in 2000.  

“This year, business is great, I have no complaint,” Argyros smiled.  

While business was booming for the food and beverage providers, some fans were taking the evening to unwind after a day long tennis binge. 

“We’ve been here all day,” said Jake Schubert of La Mesa. Schubert was one of those seemingly happy to be off his feet and sipping on wine, “we got here early this morning, and made the day of it.”    

With this year’s tournament heading into the final weekend, the long days of tennis may be coming to an end, but the brightest stars continue to shine on the courts through Sunday.