Tennis supporters have criticised a new ticketing rule that limits access to one of the tournament’s main show courts.

The 2026 edition of the BNP Paribas Open has already sparked controversy after organisers introduced a significant change to stadium access.

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While the opening day produced some surprising results — including defeats for all five American women in action — the biggest talking point has been the new ticketing rules at the California event.

Often referred to as tennis’s “fifth Grand Slam,” Indian Wells has historically allowed fans holding grounds passes to access most match courts. However, that policy has changed this year, preventing those ticket holders from entering Stadium 2.

Fans react angrily to Stadium 2 restriction

Indian Wells features 29 hard courts, with nine used for matches during the tournament.

Previously, a grounds pass granted entry to every court except Stadium 1, the tournament’s main arena. For the 2026 event, organisers have extended that restriction to Stadium 2, the venue’s second-largest show court.

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The decision quickly drew criticism online, with many fans pointing to empty sections in the stadium during the first day of play.

Several supporters took to social media to express their frustration. One fan wrote that Stadium 2 had always been “vibrant, filled with good energy,” while another commented on the visible gaps in the crowd, adding: “No wonder they’re so empty.”

Others argued that restricting access undermines one of the tournament’s key attractions — the ability for fans to move freely between courts and watch high-level matches during the early rounds.

Some spectators even said the change had discouraged them from attending the tournament this year.

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One attendee described the experience as “a major bummer,” claiming they held a Stadium 1 ticket but were still unable to enter the upper tier of Stadium 2.

Concerns over empty seats and fan experience

A number of fans also pointed out that a similar experiment took place last year during the quarter-finals, when access to Stadium 2 was temporarily restricted.

According to those in attendance, that decision left large sections of the stadium empty, creating an atmosphere that some compared to matches at French Open where the main court appeared half full.

Critics warned that the new policy could ultimately backfire, with images of sparsely populated stands potentially harming the tournament’s reputation.

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Several fans suggested that accessibility should remain a priority, particularly during the early rounds when passionate tennis followers typically fill the secondary courts.

Key matches set for day two

The second day of first-round action features several notable names, including Venus Williams and Grigor Dimitrov, both scheduled to play on Stadium 1.

Taylor Townsend will compete on Stadium 3, which remains accessible to fans holding grounds passes.

Meanwhile, Stadium 2 — now restricted to specific ticket holders — will host matches involving players such as Jennifer Brady and Hubert Hurkacz.

Seeded players will enter the tournament from the second round beginning Friday, when stars including Jannik Sinner, Frances Tiafoe, Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff begin their campaigns in the California desert.

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