About this episode
Patrick McEnroe sits down with Hall of Famer Charlie Pasarell to uncover the remarkable origin story of the BNP Paribas Open, which kicks off this week in Indian Wells. Pasarell, one of the founders and first leaders of the tournament, details his journey from professional player to visionary architect of the "Blockbuster Plan," a concept that transformed a struggling desert event into what many now call the "fifth Grand Slam".
Discover how Pasarell’s commitment to a fan-first "garden party" atmosphere—complete with shopping, fine dining, and world-class facilities—redefined the professional tennis experience. From navigating the 100-year flood of 1980 to securing landmark partnerships with Larry Ellison and BNP Paribas, Pasarell shares how his relentless belief in the Coachella Valley created an $850 million economic powerhouse.
The TennisWorthy Podcast, presented by the International Tennis Hall of Fame, uncovers the sport's history and mindset of champions. Listen to every episode and view transcripts at tennisfame.com/podcast.
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