INDIAN WELLS, Calif., (August 31, 2023) – Sodexo Live! announced today a multi-year agreement to become a strategic hospitality partner of the Indian Wells Tennis Garden, one of the world’s most critically-acclaimed sports and entertainment venues. The new relationship will elevate the food, beverage and guest experience at the facility, highlighted by new hospitality offerings for fans and players alike at the annual BNP Paribas Open, the world’s largest combined ATP and WTA two-week professional tennis tournament.
The partnership is a perfect match, with two powerful entities in the world of tennis coming together. Located in the heart of the Coachella Valley, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden is a premier year-round tennis destination featuring 29 world-class tennis courts, including the 16,100-seat Stadium 1, the second largest outdoor tennis stadium in the world. Sodexo Live! boasts decades of expertise operating hospitality for best-in-class global tennis events including the French Open, while also being responsible for premium hospitality package sales for the Australian Open.
“We are committed to offering a world-class hospitality experience to all fans and players who visit Tennis Paradise, and our partnership with Sodexo Live! will focus on developing new premium experiences, a first-rate culinary program and fan-focused service,” said Philippe Dore, Chief Marketing Officer at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden and BNP Paribas Open. “Fans planning their trip to Tennis Paradise this spring should be excited about the variety of new luxury offerings coming to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden thanks to this new partnership.”
The Sodexo Live! team will implement a refreshed strategy around the player and fan hospitality experience at the BNP Paribas Open that maximizes efficiency and excellence of service, showcases area cuisine and beverages, and highlights nutrition and sustainability.
“In just over two decades, the Indian Wells Tennis Garden has become a beacon for world-class tennis,” said Belinda Oakley, Chief Executive Officer, Sodexo Live! North America. “We’re honored to build a hospitality program at this iconic venue, and excited to provide magical moments year after year.”
“Creating a culinary and beverage program that elevates the excellence of this venue is our top priority,” said Carmen Callo, SVP Corporate Executive Chef, Sodexo Live! North America. “From the athletes and daily guests to premium ticket holders, our goal is to make sure we offer something outstanding for everyone.”
The Indian Wells Tennis Garden joins a growing list of Sodexo Live! partner venues in Southern California, including the San Diego Convention Center, The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, San Diego Theatres, Hollywood Bowl, Ford Theater, Pasadena Convention Center and Ronald Reagan Presidential Library.
