BNP Paribas Open

The BNP Paribas Open is one of the show piece events on the ATP World Tour and the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour. In fact we believe it is THE showpiece and with that in mind we want to make sure you don't miss anything during the event. You might have missed our annual Salute To Heroes evening last night, so here's a rundown of the 10 things you have to do before you await the 2013 edition of the tournament...

1. ADMIRE THE VENUE - No other tennis facility in the world has such a contrast of scenery. Take a gulp of the crisp desert air and then stand around and gaze at the scenery. You're in the middle of the desert and yet surrounded by the Santa Rosa Mountains, of which, some are still snow capped. Its sheer magic and it's that sort of setting which lead USA Today to put the Indian Wells Tennis Garden first on its list to ten tennis destinations around the world that should be visited.

2. GO AUTOGRAPH HUNTING - Keep checking out the practice courts and you could just bump into Rafael Nadal, Ana Ivanovic, Jelena Jankovic, Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic, or Sharapova after a session.

3. SPOT THE STARS – With Indian Wells being relatively close to Los Angeles and Hollywood many showbiz stars make the drive down here. Movie actors and entertainers love tennis, and why not, it's a sport for all ages. Who knows maybe you could run into Gwen Stefani, Gavin Rossdale and Goldie Hawn, Kurt Russell, Queen Latifah, Fred Couples or other celebrity tennis fans.

4. GO SHOPPING AND DRESS LIKE THE PROS – Check-out what is available at the Fila Store. The tournament apparel sponsor offers the latest in on and off-court fashion, and is sure to make sure you look the part on the tennis court. check out the Indian Wells Tennis Garden Pro Shop for BNP Paribas Open apparel, great souvenirs and gift ideas.