Volunteer your time and be a part of the BNP Paribas Open, the largest combined ATP Tour and WTA Tour tennis tournament in the world. Each year the Champions Volunteer Foundation recruits more than 1,200 individuals, from both our local community and beyond, to volunteer and support the event. With a variety of committee positions available, there is an opportunity for every kind of volunteer. Make new friends, watch incredible tennis and be a part of the most exciting two weeks in Tennis Paradise!
Volunteers are asked to commit to a minimum of 48 hours of service during the tournament, during Monday, March 6 to Sunday, March 19. For security purposes, volunteers need to be photographed for identification as well as sign a waiver and release.
Ambassadors are “Rovers” and often the first personal contact patrons have at the BNPPO. They are active, on the move throughout the venue with information related to the tournament, such as ticket sales, seating, general help navigating the venue. Ambassadors wear big “ASK ME” buttons and bright hats to distinguish themselves from the crowd. Must be outgoing, enjoy interacting with people, comfortable walking and being on their feet for lengthy stretches of time. Strong knowledge of general tournament and stadium information is required, training provided. Must be willing to volunteer the first full weekend, Friday-Sunday, of the tournament as this is when attendance is highest.
Ball Crew Coordinators are responsible for training, scheduling and supervising more than 300 ball crew members ages 13-35. Must be available to assist during tryouts and training prior to the start of the tournament as well as throughout the two week tournament. Pre-tournament training and orientation sessions are mandatory. Knowledge of tennis is not required but highly preferred.
Club Suites volunteers act as host/hostess in Stadium 1 club suites. If you are a gracious host or hostess and enjoy interacting with people, you will enjoy being on this committee.
These volunteers advance the mission of the Champions Volunteer Foundation, which supplies all volunteers for the BNP Paribas tournament. In addition to being an advocate for volunteering, you will be involved with a silent auction in the Foundation tent on the grounds. Proceeds from the silent auction are distributed to local charities in the Coachella Valley through a grant application process in the fall. If you are passionate about volunteering and want to help local charities achieve their missions, this is the place for you!
Volunteers organize and distribute all of the official tournament credentials and scan these credentials at public entrances to the grounds. This committee starts a full week before the tournament begins. This area is the first stop for Tournament sponsors, VIP guests, media, vendors and the players. If you enjoy a fast-paced environment and have excellent people skills, you’ll love this committee.
This committee oversees access to the grounds at three different gates. These volunteers often make the first and last impression patrons have of the tournament. They check and answer questions about tickets. Box offices are located close to all gates. Training is provided to ensure success. This is a great way to see and assist patrons, sponsors, etc. from all over the world.
These volunteers are, in essence, our concierge office, providing information related to the tournament, Indian Wells Tennis Garden and Coachella Valley. Stationed throughout the grounds, Guest Services volunteers provide a wide range of services to patrons. Good people and communication skills are a must, as well as being a good problem solver. All Guest Services volunteers will receive training and be provided with resources to help patrons have an excellent tournament experience.
Volunteers are needed to operate the electronic scoreboards and use Flight Scope with scoring needs. A good knowledge of tennis, good hearing and vision is necessary. New volunteers will be interviewed before acceptance.
Volunteers support the Desert Champions Marketing/Media Director and Media staff, compiling event information and filing electronically. Volunteers maintain a professional work environment. Computer and digital expertise is required.
These volunteers assist patrons and fellow volunteers by providing shuttle transportation on the grounds during the tournament, following a detailed shuttle route. All shuttle volunteers must have golf cart driving experience. Volunteers on this committee are needed very early in the morning and again late into the night when matches run long. They are key in getting people to their staring places on time, and back to the cars safely at night.
This group of volunteers assist the events promotions department who oversee all special events, promotions, gifts, decorating and more. Being creative is especially appreciated!
Volunteers assist all players and personnel authorized in the Players’ area with various requests including player tickets. Volunteers work closely with Will Call and assist in maintaining records.
Volunteers drive tournament vehicles (vans, large SUVs and cars) to pick up players, tournament officials, media, guests and sponsors at the airport and private housing. A driver’s license and a safe driving record are mandatory. Volunteers must be at least 21 years of age. Volunteers must be comfortable with driving large vehicles equipped with all the latest technology, and have good knowledge of the area, routes to airports and other venues.
Volunteers are utilized on all courts throughout the venue. In the stadiums where reserved seats are sold, they check tickets and direct ticket holders to their seats. They also control when people may or may not be seated during the course of a match. This is a demanding, on your feet position and may at times involve extended sun exposure. Hats to provide protection are provided. Ushers are also responsible for checking credentials, granting and denying access in certain areas. Ushers are required to commit to 9 shifts over the two week tournament. The greatest need is the first full week of the tournament when all courts are in action. If you like to engage with people and want to be able to watch some tennis while you volunteer, this is the committee for you!
These volunteers support their fellow volunteers, must be able to multi-task and be very personable. Tasks include distributing and collecting radios used by volunteers during their shifts, provide necessary information to volunteers and oversee the Volunteer Tent/Lounge, keeping entire area and tables clean. This committee also assists with volunteer uniform distribution and oversees snacks/beverages provided to all volunteers. They also solicit and collect comments, suggestions and complaints about volunteering, acting as a liaison to the Director of Volunteer Development. If you care about providing volunteers a place to relax, be informed and have a fun experience while volunteering, this is the committee for you.
Note: Committee descriptions are subject to change.