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Indian Wells, CA or Miami, FL - our pick for March Tennis
The First two ATP Masters 1000 Events of the USA occur just a couple weeks apart. Although these are both offer top tier points for the top tennis pros on the men's and women's tours, they are also very polar in many ways. Nearly all of the Top 50 players in the world will attend both events.
West Coast vs East Coast
I have friends on both sides of the fence, some prefer one over the other.If you live on the West Coast of the US and are a major tennis fan, then Indian Wells is an ideal spot to check out.
If you are on the East Coast and especially in Florida, then the Miami Open is great to experience.
BNP Paribas Open
My Trip & Team Tourney Review
HD Pictures | Discount Tickets
Pros:
- Excellent Practice Court Views (at eye level)
- Premium Facilities and Show Court Stadiums
- Low Humidity, Dry Heat
- Outdoors: Hiking, Golf, Tennis
- West Coast
Cons:
- Expensive Location! Avg Hotel Prices @ ~$250-$350/night
- 2 Hours Drive from the nearest major airport (San Diego or LA) not counting PSP
- Less Nightlife
Background:
Indian Wells is a bit more of the rich, active retiree destination - even most of the volunteers are over 55. Quite a different energy level than the younger Spring Break crowd in Miami.
On the other hand, if you like a more laid-back atmosphere with more outdoor scenery, then Southern California is perfect. Joshua Tree and Coachella are both relatively close by. The Living Desert is a small zoo
Miami Open (Key Biscayne -> Hard Rock)
Trip Review and Tips | HD Pictures | Tickets
Pros:
- Less crowded overall
Courts are all close to each other- Slightly Cheaper Ticket Packages Available
- Miami Beach Town
- Most marque matches are at night
Cons:- Hard Rock Stadium is super huge to walk
- VERY Humid - daily chances of heavy, quick thunderstorms
- Parking is very limited or expensive / shuttles far away at the tournament (average 15-20 mins)
- The new Hard Rock Stadium where the Dolphins play* makes it much harder to see the players from the top deck.
There is more of a Latin / South American crowd at the tournament and around Miami. The fans are generally younger than at Indian Wells. The evening atmosphere is the "seen and be seen" South Beach fare. Usually, there are some large music/techno festivals held during this time of the year.
2022 Overview and Summary
Fans Comfort: IW, much more enjoyable and cooler during the day
Overall Trip Cost: MIA, has slightly cheaper options available on the whole
Main Stadium Quality: IW (Miami is too big now, but open and central) / IW has better box seats
Secondary Show Courts: MIA (*more reserved stadiums at IW mean more ticket costs)
Practice Court Views: IW (Miami has lots of mesh fences between fans and players)
Food at Tournament: MIA (lots of cuisine choices, whereas IW has more shops/food off-site plus a few new fancy restaurants on the grounds)
Food outside Tournament: IW (great sushi and seafood; I ran into some pros in 2019)
Souvenirs: MIA - large store with merchandise in the shade with A/C;
Fan Zone Area: Tied; Jumbotron area at MIA more lively, Better lounge chairs at IW
Night matches are available at both, in case the weather gets super hot!
Swag / Freebies: MIA, more fun gifts and booths - lots of things to sample;
IW has a few Instagram locations to take selfies. Tennis-Warehouse free racket demo court but the lines are at least 15-30 mins long for every small group of 4-8*
Daytime activities: IW (if you like hiking, golf, wildlife)
Nightlife activities: MIA (parties, clubs, beaches).
Overall Winner - Indian Wells
Indian Wells: A
Miami: B+
If you've been to one or both of these tournaments, please leave a comment below!
