With the marquee events at Indian Wells and Miami just a month away, guest contributor Karen Helf offers her insights on what makes each of them special after having attended both events.

It's March and the brackets are stacked. No, not basketball, we are talking tennis!  

In March the United States is on fire with two world-class combined WTA and ATP events. Competition kicks off at the BNP Paribas Open in the California desert of Indian Wells and wraps up at the Miami Open, formerly the Sony Open. Technically that’s in beautiful Key Biscayne, Florida. One thousand points are on the line at each event.

Both are WTA and ATP mandatory events featuring fierce singles and doubles competition. The draws are equal this year for the first time since 2002. Serena Williams has accepted a wildcard and will return to Indian Wells after a 13-year absence. The Williams sisters began a boycott of Indian Wells after the 2001 event, which was marred by inappropriate crowd behavior when Venus pulled out of a semifinal due to an injury. The announcement of Serena’s return brings a happy ending to this ugly tale.

While neither event is classified as a Grand Slam, they only lack the men’s best-of-five-set format. With a best-of-three format, matches can go quickly, especially during early rounds. So arrive early and avoid waiting for a changeover. Being stuck behind stadium ropes is never fun while you listen to the crowd roar, a sure sign you just missed something amazing. 

Practice sessions are another reason to arrive well before match play. They are a unique opportunity for up-close action. Indian Wells fan friendly courts are located together with viewing bleachers overlooking the entire area. Marquee signs post practice schedules, making it easy to find your favorites. Miami’s Crandon Park courts are spread out across the grounds. It is not as easy to know who is practicing. But a stroll around the Miami courts is always worthwhile.

Unique to Indian Wells is the athletic field. Here, players engage in spontaneous soccer games and playful warm-ups. You may also catch a glimpse of Dominika Cibulkova with her pups in tow, perhaps ball dogs in training. 

The Early Rounds, 1st, 2nd, 3rd

If you must see your favorite player, visit during the early rounds or first week. In 2014, some Indian Wells fans were disappointed to see the third-round departure of reigning champion Rafael Nadal. Rafa lost in three sets to 28th seed Alexandr Dolgopolov. The loss was a stinging reminder that top players sometimes crash out early. A bad day at the office means a trip home or flight to the next tour stop. Match scheduling is decided just the day before, so a Serena or Federer ticket simply does not exist. Visit websites www. bnpparibasopen.com and http://www. miamiopen.com to check draw updates & daily order of play.

Early round ticket prices are reduced, and players are all over the grounds, so keep your eyes open. Matches run simultaneously on several courts. This means options. You can watch half a match and if it is a blowout, roam to find a match that piques your interest. Early-round tickets allow flexible access to lower courts, but eventually there are only main stadium matches. Event attendance spikes near the round of 16, surging to capacity at finals weekend. Lines become longer, competition grows for practice court views, and obtaining autographs becomes a sport of its own.

If you’re budget-minded, a grounds pass is an economical early round choice. The downside is less advantageous access to the main stadium and larger show courts, but there is still plenty to see. Qualifying rounds are usually free, and practice courts are accessible to everyone. With show courts half-full, early rounds sometimes offer self-upgraded seating. Just be gracious and be prepared to move if a ticket holder shows up. Early rounds may be less interesting, but not always. Caroline Wozniacki faced Victoria Azarenka in the second round of the Australian Open this year, for example. Upsets happen and you may catch a rising star.

What’s great about Indian Wells?

Unveiled in 2014, Stadium 2 features intimate design, superior seating and lighting, and high end eateries like Nobu. Eager doubles fans were rewarded last year with Stadium 2 matches featuring Roger Federer and Stan Wawrinka. Desert rain delays are rare, although the 2012 men’s final, Federer vs. John Isner, saw a 12-minute delay.

Relax in The Plaza Adirondack chairs while watching the Jumbotron in the shade or visit the Tennis Channel set for post-match interviews. As of 2014, outside food and guest re-entry were permitted. Modern facilities include device charging towers and filtered water stations. Hydration matters. The vibe is casual California country club with majestic green spaces and snow-capped mountain views.

At Indian Wells, be prepared for desert dryness and sometimes brutal sun. Water bottles, sun screen, lip balm, and hats are mandatory. Temperature extremes between day and night sessions may swing 40 degrees after sunset. Layers, hats, and gloves are recommended. Flights are limited to Palm Springs, but Los Angeles and San Diego airports are alternatives. Finals weekend sells out, so secure your tickets early.

What’s great about Miami?

The event personality is laid back with South Beach nightlife and beaches nearby. Miami is served by multiple airports, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and West Palm Beach. The venue offers a view into the player’s lounge with a main stadium open patio. This player hangout is prime real estate for photo opportunities and post-match appearances. Cuisine spans from traditional stadium fare to Latin Café. You’ll find flan, café con leche, and Moët & Chandon offering sushi paired with bubbly. Your Miami visit supports Crandon Park, a cherished public tennis institution since 1987.

In Miami, be prepared for rain delays. Patience and flexibility are valuable assets. Bring rain gear and a rag to wipe your seat. In 2014, Miami enforced a no re-entry rule. So bring everything you need and be aware that outside food is not permitted. Add travel time for Key Biscayne Bridge traffic delays, ensuring you arrive on time to see all the action. Aesthetically, Crandon Park is aging gracefully, but renovation talks are in the works.

Make Your Pick

West Coaster? Indian Wells is a resort destination surrounded by mountains and desert landscapes. It features Palms Springs shopping, hiking, and world class golf. Check the event music line-up for the Bryan Brothers band and other surprises.  

East Coaster? Miami is a tropical destination shining brightly in March. Enjoy the Latin style that infuses the event, food, and music. Celebrity and fashion icon sightings make the stadium sizzle. Nearby Disney parks, world class beaches, and water sports make Miami a great choice.    

Stuck in No Man’s Land? Flip a coin. Between Indian Wells or Miami, you cannot lose. The international tour schedule means that Americans will not have this home-court advantage again until August. In summer, the combined tours return to Cincinnati and the Western & Southern Open, a stop on the road to the U. S. Open.

The competition to be crowned the fifth Grand Slam is on between these two events. Event attendance surged to 306,842  at Miami and 431,527  at Indian Wells in 2014. This rivalry is like the game of tennis, where contenders strive to improve each year and fans win. The best players acknowledge it is the strength of their opponents that pushes them to excel. Without great opponents, there are no great matches. So keep your head in the game to see what the future holds for these American jewels of the WTA and ATP World Tours.