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59 Things to Do in Greater Palm Springs in April

Coachella, Desert X, and Smokey Robinson top the list of events in the Coachella Valley this month.

Courtesy of PalmSpringsLife/Amelia Rodriguez Attractions

Coachella Music and Arts Festival descends on the valley for two weekends in April. 
PHOTO COURTESY VISIT GREATER PALM SPRINGS

COACHELLA VALLEY MUSIC AND ARTS FESTIVAL

April 14–16 & 21–23 

Vivid art installations. Neon-hued outfits. The prismatic tower, “Spectra,” casting its glow over the Empire Polo Club. Now in its 24th year, the Coachella Music Valley Music and Arts Festival has always been colorful — but the team behind the event’s Queer+ program is bringing even more rainbows to the lauded music festival.

Launched in 2022, Queer+ offers a most-expenses-paid experience for an annual cohort of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) members of the LGBTQ+ community, selected from a pool of applicants from throughout Southern California. In addition to free VIP admission, the participants, called Q+ampers, have a special campsite for the weekend, plus the opportunity to connect with queer and BIPOC organizers and performers. 

Over the course of the fest, Q+ampers meet in community-building circles to reflect upon their experiences. A collaborative mural project is in the works for 2023. “We’re living out loud and in color so people can see that authenticity, and they can recognize that there’s space for them to be authentic themselves,” Queer+ organizer PrincexXx Navi said in a video shared by the festival.

Beyond expanding festival access for its Q+ampers, the program offers a gathering space for all BIPOC LGBTQ+ attendees called HeadQ+uarters (you’ll know it by the rainbow banner). Visitors to the on-site tent can participate in archival art projects, meet other queer folks, and add a little glitter to their Coachella looks. “Here, I’m just free,” said Courage, a 2022 Queer+ participant. “And it’s amazing.”


JEFF HOBSON

April 1 / A surprise guest joins Marvyn’s Magic Theater producer Jeff Hobson at the venue for an evening of spectacular sleight-of-hand. Hobson counts a seven-year tenure with The Illusionists among his accomplishments.

EVOLUTIONARY HISTORY OF SCORPIONS

April 1 / This lecture at the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center in Palm Desert traces scorpions’ 450-million-year journey from aquatic critters to the resilient desert dwellers we know today.

 

CHRIS BOTTI

April 1 / Performer Chris Botti traded his senior year of high school for an early start at community college in Portland with evenings spent playing trumpet at nightclubs. The jazz maven’s efforts delivered — he’s now America’s bestselling instrumental artist. See him at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert.

KEVIN JAMES

April 1 / The King of Queens star returns to his stand-up roots at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage. Now an Emmy winner, Kevin James cut his teeth at Long Island comedy clubs. 

LOS ANGELES PHILHARMONIC

April 2 / La La Land’s notably innovative orchestra plays selections from Tchaikovsky and Sibelius at the McCallum Theatre.

MICHAEL GAGLIARDI

April 2 / Enjoy a free, alfresco concert as part of Palm Desert Civic Center Park’s Sunday Sounds series. This month, guitarist Michael Gagliardi strums his way through a romantic, Spanish-inspired playlist.

WALTER ISAACSON

April 2 / Known for his biographies on changemakers including Benjamin Franklin, Albert Einstein, and Steve Jobs, historian Walter Isaacson lectures at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa in Indian Wells.

PALM SPRINGS VINTAGE MARKET

April 2 / From perfectly worn-in band tees to mid-mod TV stands, a plethora of retro finds are yours to discover at this monthly market at the Palm Springs Cultural Center.

OPERA IN THE PARK

April 2 / Pack a picnic and head to Sunrise Park in Palm Springs for an afternoon of classic opera arias sung by six virtuoso artists at this free open-air concert.

CRAIG SHOEMAKER

April 5 / Comedy Central viewers placed Craig Shoemaker’s special among the network’s top shows of all time. The actor and stand-up star performs at Marvyn’s Magic Theater in La Quinta.

BEE GEES GOLD

April 5 / “You Should Be Dancing” at the Downtown Palm Springs Park from the moment this Disco Kings cover band takes the stage for a free outdoor show.

PAINT NIGHT AT THE BREWERY

April 5 / Sip locally crafted ales, porters, and IPAs at La Quinta Brewing Co.’s Palm Desert taproom while creating a gallery-worthy painting.

DESERT ARC GOLF CLASSIC

April 6 / Tee up to help create employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This amateur tournament at Eagle Falls Golf Course in Indio includes a barbecue and shotgun scramble.

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John Mayer plays the Acrisure Arena on April 6.
PHOTO COURTESY ACRISURE ARENA

JOHN MAYER

April 6 / The soulful singer-songwriter makes a stop at Acrisure Arena in Thousand Palms for a one-man acoustical show, featuring old favorites and a variety of new jams.

NAATHAN PHAN

April 6–8 / Take your seat at Marvyn’s Magic Theater in La Quinta to witness the mind-blowing illusions that nabbed Naathan Phan the $10,000 prize on the Syfy reality showWizard Wars.

JON HUCK

April 7 / In the YouTube series My Death Co., Jon Huck plays a recently deceased man bumbling his way through a new job as the Grim Reaper — but his stand-up show at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs promises to be nothing less than lively.

FIRST FRIDAY EL PASEO

April 7 / Activities along El Paseo in Palm Desert delight revelers of every stripe on the first Friday of each month. Aesthetes might explore the street’s galleries in a self-guided art walk, while gearheads enjoy the classic car show and melophiles jam to live music. This neighborhood block party is free!

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Magician Michael Carbonaro will pull some of his famous tricks on April 7. 
PHOTO COURTESY AGUA CALIENTE CASINO

MICHAEL CARBONARO

April 7 / Usually, Michael Carbonaro’s fans are in on his tricks — they get to watch the magic happen to strangers on his hidden camera prank show, The Carbonaro Effect. Head to his performance at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage to be the one boggled by Carbonaro’s illusions.

GINA SCHOCK BOOK SIGNING

April 8 / Meet The Go-Go’s drummer Gina Schock at her photography exhibition and book signing at Rubine Red Gallery in Palm Springs.

TORTOISE TALK & WALK

April 8 / Take a 2-mile trek from the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center in Palm Desert in search of the illusive desert tortoise. Whether or not you spot a wild one, you’ll learn tortoise tidbits along the way.

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Motown legend Smokey Robinson plays Agua Caliente Rancho Mirage on April 8. 
PHOTO BY CRAIG HUNTER ROSS

SMOKEY ROBINSON

April 8 / The former frontman of The Miracles and the mind behind some of The Temptations’ and Marvin Gaye’s top tracks appears at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage.

KIC FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT

April 8 / Proceeds from this amateur tournament and silent auction at Classic Club in Palm Desert help provide counseling and support for youth in Indio.

ANJELAH JOHNSON-REYES

April 8 / Fresh off the 2022 release of her memoir, Who Do I Think I Am?,
comedian Anjelah Johnson-Reyes stops by Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio for a stand-up show.

GUINNESS WORLD RECORD CAR PARADE

April 8 / Celebrate the 85th anniversary of Palm Springs with a motorcade featuring celebrity guests driving cars representing every year from 1938 (when the city was founded) to present day. The event will compete for a Guinness World Record.

EAGLEMANIA

April 11 / Tribute band Eaglemania transforms the McCallum into Hotel California with renditions of the Eagles’ greatest hits. You won’t want to leave!

FRED BENEDETTI

April 13 / The guitarist takes audience members at La Quinta’s Old Town Artisan Studio on a musical journey through Spanish and Latin American tunes penned for the nylon string guitar.

LEVENT

April 13–15 / Masters of Illusion alum Levent shows off his knack for comedy magic at Marvyn’s Magic Theater in La Quinta.

JIMMY DELLA VALLE

April 14 / You might recognize actor and comedian Jimmy Della Valle from guest spots on The Sopranos and Sex and the City. He cracks jokes at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs.

RIVERDANCE

April 14–16 / Now in its 25th year, this Irish dance extravaganza celebrates nature, human connection, and the history and mythology of the Emerald Isle. See it at the McCallum.

 

JO KOY & FRIENDS

April 14–16 / Jokester Jo Koy — who nabbed the Just for Laughs Festival’s prestigious Comedian of the Year Award in 2018 — appears with other comics at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage.

VIVIAN CHOW

April 15 / Cantopop artist Vivian Chow once took a five-year hiatus from the entertainment industry, using her time to paint award-winning canvases. The multitalented artist sings her hits at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio.

OPEN MIC NIGHT

April 17 / Singers, storytellers, comics, and composers can flex their skills — and grab food truck eats — at Old Town Artisan Studio’s monthly open-mic night in La Quinta.

RON STUBBS

April 19 / Prepare to be hypnotized — perhaps literally — by Ron Stubbs, who compels Marvyn’s Magic Theater guests with improvisational comedy and his astonishing power of suggestion.

BAREFOOT IN THE PARK

April 19 / Jane Fonda and Robert Redford star as newlyweds on an ill-fated double date in this 1967 romantic comedy, screening outdoors at the Downtown Palm Springs Park.

DAVID KOVAC

April 20–22 / Performer David Kovac juggles breathtaking magic tricks, comedic monologues, and, well, actual juggling onstage at Marvyn’s Magic Theater in La Quinta.

OPEN CALL TALENT PROJECT

April 21–23 / Vote for your favorite local entertainer
in this annual talent competition at the McCallum Theatre featuring singers, dancers, and other performers of all ages.

 

BAMBOO & KZ TANDINGAN

April 22 / Bamboo Mañalac, known as the “Prince of Philippine Rock,” commands the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino stage along with The X Factor Philippines Season 1 winner KZ Tandingan.

MANILOW!

April 23 / Hear the songs that make the whole world sing. The Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus serenades audiences at Palm Springs Cultural Center with a selection of Barry Manilow’s top tunes.

JOURNEY & TOTO

April 25 / “Africa” rockers Toto join Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Journey onstage at Acrisure Arena in Thousand Palms. Journey’s 1981 hit “Don’t Stop Believin’” is iTunes’ top-selling 20th-century track.

MATT MARCY

April 27–29 / Matt Marcy’s acumen for illusions has drawn audiences to more than 1,000 shows at the Magic Castle — and a few at Marvyn’s Magic Theater in La Quinta.

GRUPO LABERINTO

April 28 / The regional Mexican band Grupo Laberinto shares its dance-ready sound with showgoers at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

NOTORIOUS!

April 28–30 / Vivacious villains and divas with a dark side — from Eva Peron to The Little Mermaid’s Ursula — are the focus of this show at the Palm Springs Art Museum’s Annenberg Theater. Broadway star Sharon McKnight sings alongside the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus.

STAGECOACH COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL

April 28–30 / Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, and Chris Stapleton headline the world’s largest country-music fest at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. Other lineup standouts include blues legends ZZ Top and Melissa Etheridge.

JOSHUA TREE 55

April 28 / This sixth annual cycling event starts and ends at Knott Sky Park in Twentynine Palms and takes cyclists  on a 55-mile course that winds through Joshua Tree National Park and past natural wonders including Skull Rock and Keys View.

PARK HYUN BIN

April 29 / Fantasy Springs Resort Casino welcomes one of the most prominent performers of trot, a Korean music genre characterized by two-beat rhythms (like the foxtrot dance after which it was named).

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Desert X sculptures like Matt Johnson's "Sleeping Figure" are on display until May 7. 
PHOTO BY LANCE GERBER


ART EXHIBITIONS

DESERT X

Through May 7 / Check out the installation map online to explore this valleywide exhibition that features massive-scale, site-specific works by artists from around the world.

PHILLIP K. SMITH III

Through May 7 / Palm Desert resident Phillip K. Smith III fills four galleries at Palm Springs Art Museum with objects and installations inspired by the unique quality of light in the California desert.

AMERICAN FRAMING

Through July 2 / The Architecture and Design Center in Palm Springs brings attention to the subtle architectural genius of wood framing.

TAJH RUST

Through July 16 / In Palm Springs Art Museum show, Tajh Rust presents portraits of Black individuals from Brazil, Senegal, and New York, inviting viewers to wonder what emotions prompt the subjects’ expressions.

DESERT MOUNTAINS ART FAIRE

April 1 / Discover photos, paintings, pottery, and more at the Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center.

MICHAEL STEIRNAGLE

April 7–21 / Visitors to Coda Gallery will be inspired to hit the nearest pool after viewing Michael Steirnagle’s abstract impressionist paintings depicting swimmers, sunbathers, and partiers.


THEATER

ESCAPE TO MARGARITAVILLE

Through April 2 / Calling all Parrotheads! Hum along to your favorite Jimmy Buffet tunes at this musical at Desert TheatreWorks in Indio.

HAND TO GOD

Through April 9 / This dark comedy at the Coachella Valley Repertory in Cathedral Citycenters around an introverted teen boy and his possessed sock puppet.

COME FROM AWAY

April 4–9 / Based on a true story, this musical at the McCallum recalls the time a small town in Newfoundland unexpectedly hosted 7,000 stranded air travelers. 

LITTLE WOMEN

April 7–23 / Palm Springs’ Palm Canyon Theatre presents the musical version of Louisa May Alcott’s beloved 1800s novel.

JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT

April 14–16 / See the Bible-inspired musical, penned by Tom Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, in the park at the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater.

FUTURE THINKING

April 14–16, 21–23 / Set at a comic convention, this production at Desert Ensemble Theatre in Palm Springs follows a cosplayer’s attempts to deliver a message to the star of his favorite show.

THE PLAY THAT GOES WRONG

April 14–30 / As the title suggests, Murphy’s law is alive and well in Desert TheatreWorks’ rendition of the Tony-winning play. Expect collapsing floors, misplaced props, and a suspiciously lively corpse.


For even more things to do, visit our Calendar of Events.

 

Tennis Paradise Is Here!

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An exciting lineup of qualifying action is set to kick off the first day of Tennis Paradise. Tickets are just $10 to come see rising ATP and WTA players compete as they look to secure their place in the main draw.

Two weeks of incredible tennis are in store, so get your tickets and reserve your seat to experience the thrilling action coming to Tennis Paradise.

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2023 Player Fields Unveiled for the BNP Paribas Open!

 

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Tennis Paradise this March!The star-studded field includes Iga SwiatekCarlos AlcarazTaylor FritzAryna SabalenkaRafael NadalCoco Gauff, Jessica PegulaStefanos Tsitsipas, Felix Auger-Aliassime, Ons Jabeur and more.Are you ready to experience the magic of Indian Wells?
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Inside The Thermal Club: What a $5.2 million membership gets you (and why IndyCar is testing)

Courtesy of Nathan Brown Indianapolis Star - Photos: Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun

The start/finish line of the main race course is seen at The Thermal Club in Thermal, Calif., Monday, Jan. 30, 2023.

The start/finish line of the main race course is seen at The Thermal Club in Thermal, Calif., Monday, Jan. 30, 2023.

NOTE: Sheri Dettman & Associates has our own in-house Thermal Club expert, Betsy Justice. If you are interested in more information or seeing Villas for sale, contact us!

THERMAL, Calif. -- Tim Rogers heard the figure and scoffed.

More than a decade ago, an acquaintance was talking about the prospect of opening a lavish “country-club-meets-car-meet-up,” a one-of-a-kind, exclusive club for gearheads and racing enthusiasts alike. Rogers had spent the last 20 years striking it rich, selling gas to 7/11 across 36 states for $7.5 billion then owning a string of local grocery stores that, he boasts, each sell $2,000 in fried chicken everyday.

“And I told him, ‘You’re wrong, you need $30 million,’” Rogers remembers.

“And I was still wrong.”

Around the time The Thermal Club opened in 2012, Rogers and his wife, Twanna, had spent close to $90 million. By 2018, that had grown to $150 million. And Monday afternoon, as he sipped on his club’s own version of the Coachella Valley’s famous date shake, Rogers wore like a badge of honor the fact they had now poured $275 million into a club that’s grown to 210 members, 75 properties and 135 lots sold.

What was once a $1,200 per month membership fee has doubled over the last five years, on top of a $175,000 initiation fee and the cost of purchasing a lot and building a 30,000 square-foot home within five years of joining, which is now roughly $5 million.

A three-person design review committee that includes Rogers, his construction manager and main architect, hold an unyielding veto over the exterior design of any home on the property. And if, after passing a rigorous, though informal, interview process to gain membership, someone were to run afoul of the Club’s tight-knit, jovial group, Rogers boasts the right to kick a member out, no questions asked.

“I want to make sure we have all the amenities I would expect for a high-end club, because if someone’s going to spend $5 million, they’re going to want to have a nice restaurant, a spa, a hotel for their guests, fitness center, tennis courts, a pool,” Rogers detailed. The grounds of his oasis include 48 guest casitas, three restaurants, a new 1.1-mile go-kart track and a 70-car storage facility for members’ race cars with untold millions worth of Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Porsches, Mercedes and LMP2 race cars inside. Next to it, the heir to the Clorox brand houses his own 40-car Ferrari collection in a vault that would make Batman grin.

To top it all off, the grounds feature all the gas pumps, car washes, detailing equipment and full-time mechanics and driving instructors. And when members wish to sell that classic Ferrari for the newest Porsche, Rogers has trusted car salesmen onsite who serve as the middleman to ensure Club members get a fair price.

“I’ve spent over $275 million developing this so far, and we’ve got $500 million in property we’re trying to sell,” Rogers continued. “We don’t advertise. We use word-of-mouth.”

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And IndyCar, he hopes, will help continue to build his 300-plus acre empire inside the 18-foot brick walls. “I always wanted to have a race here, but we didn’t want to until we built things up,” he said. “'Cause you only have one shot at a first impression.”

A pairing 10 years in the making

Rogers is nothing if not welcoming and inviting, but, as he jokes, publicity isn’t often the goal. He occasionally gives media members a hard time, in between grins, before revealing he expects to host more than 70 on Thursday and Friday as he throws his doors open for a never-been-done-before test of his club’s mettle.

Since Rogers hosted then-IndyCar CEO Randy Bernard at his ribbon-cutting ceremony more than a decade ago, and after his numerous phone calls with current series owner Roger Penske to help find the right asphalt consultant, The Thermal Club’s owner has held a distant connection to the premier American open-wheel series. Among its owners include Mike Long, who recently stepped down after more than a decade as CEO of Arrow Electronics – the title partner of McLaren’s IndyCar arm – and Don Cusick, who for the last three years has backed Stefan Wilson’s Indianapolis 500 entries.

A row of houses are seen just beyond the race track at The Thermal Club in Thermal, Calif., Monday, Jan. 30, 2023.

That pair helped push for a formal sit-down between the two sides last spring, as IndyCar made its annual run around the streets of Long Beach, just a few hours down the freeway from Rogers’ racing hideaway. Talks ramped up later that summer about the Club hosting IndyCar’s preseason open test, and by the fall, the makings of a deal were in place. For the series, in need of a consistent, reliable – and most importantly, warm – preseason testing spot for its entire paddock, the deal makes clear sense.

Three years removed from a disaster of a full-field test at Circuit of the Americas in Austin with temperatures rarely above 50 degrees as biting rain fell almost constantly, and without any other permanent tracks on the calendar housed in a moderate winter climate (save for finale track Laguna Seca, where IndyCar will test in September), the marriage was perfect, if not curiously out-of-the-box and slightly inconvenient.

Coming on the heels of IMSA’s Rolex 24 season kickoff last weekend on the other side of the country, nearly half the IndyCar paddock had to juggle flying from Daytona to the west coast Sunday night. Before testing Thursday and Friday, nearly 30 drivers will weather their preseason media responsibilities Tuesday and Wednesday.

IndyCar president Jay Frye told IndyStar he’d heard nothing but excitement from his paddock members about the exotic trip. Privately, however, some of the series’ veteran drivers and successful team owners, who must foot what is said to be a roughly $1 million bill for a three-car team to travel across the country, the mood has been, at times, different.

“We think this is going to be great for the teams,” Frye told IndyStar on Monday. “We see the members here, influential people in the world, and they’re car nuts, and we’re bringing our cars to them. Hopefully, we entertain them for a few days, and maybe our drivers and teams can leave with some new friends. I never got any pushback in any way. It was really the opposite. There’s been enthusiasm because people understand the end game."

IndyCar's potential high-rolling, made-for-TV future at Thermal

As Frye roamed the grounds Monday afternoon, helping his team connect cables, inspect the track and set up marshalling and timing equipment, he couldn’t help but notice the early makings of a lavish high-rolling party around him. Outside homes across the property, he spotted vans bussing in speaker systems and caterers getting the lay of the land.

A lounge seating area is seen on the balcony of a member's home with a sweeping corner of the main track in the background at The Thermal Club in Thermal, Calif., Monday, Jan. 30, 2023.

Though IndyCar’s two-day open test is famously closed to the general public, Rogers is expecting dozens of members’ guests to take in the action. The track owner has permitted each member to invite up to 20 guests onto the grounds Thursday and Friday, from which each member can then rotate through six paddock passes for up-close-and-personal access to the IndyCar world.

“One guy said he’s going to have a head chef, two sous chefs, two bartenders, cleaning people and servers, and I told him, ‘You can only have 20 people!” Rogers said. “And he quickly replied, ‘Oh, I’m inviting other members!”

Picture a bustling college town on a Friday night, with slightly inebriated revelers roaming the streets, and swap the dingy, sometimes rundown rental homes for $5 million desert villas.

Though IndyCar’s two-day open test is famously closed to the general public, Rogers is expecting dozens of members’ guests to take in the action. The track owner has permitted each member to invite up to 20 guests onto the grounds Thursday and Friday, from which each member can then rotate through six paddock passes for up-close-and-personal access to the IndyCar world.

“One guy said he’s going to have a head chef, two sous chefs, two bartenders, cleaning people and servers, and I told him, ‘You can only have 20 people!” Rogers said. “And he quickly replied, ‘Oh, I’m inviting other members!”

Picture a bustling college town on a Friday night, with slightly inebriated revelers roaming the streets, and swap the dingy, sometimes rundown rental homes for $5 million desert villas.

On Rogers’ potential wish list is a made-for-TV preseason showcase that would be part PGA Tour pro-am, part NASCAR Clash, part MLB home run derby, perhaps with a little SRX flair sprinkled in. Initial talks have been held between the two sides to host a type of pro-am series of races featuring IndyCar drivers, some of the club’s best member racers and a high-stakes pot. In Rogers’ vision, for a $250,000 buy-in, the clubs’ drivers would be randomly paired with an IndyCar driver.

An opening members’ race that might last 40 minutes, typical of the Club’s monthly race series events, would then set IndyCar's starting grid based on their partner’s finish. The IndyCar drivers would then try and beat out the field for their duo’s shot at a multi-million-dollar payday in a preseason non-points-paying event akin to NASCAR’s kickoff just down the road at the LA Coliseum later this week.

It all sounds good on paper, but Rogers is clearly still not nearly convinced.

A row of member-owned Porsches are seen among other member cars in the air-conditioned storage garage at The Thermal Club in Thermal, Calif., Monday, Jan. 30, 2023.

“That’s a lot of pressure on our members to ask them to write a $250,000 check to do each time,” he said. “So we’ll have to see how this goes.”

Though he dances around the topic, it seems clear he was expecting a bit higher level of promotion and publicity for his track’s help in lending a testing home for the all-important start to IndyCar’s season. In the initial plans was a full-test stream of all the on-track action, either to be aired on NBC’s Peacock platform or IndyCar’s YouTube channel.

Rogers’ staff even went through the process of ordering all the cabling that would’ve been necessary to line The Thermal Club with the cameras and equipment. Then somewhat last-minute, a call came in.

“All a sudden, they contacted us and said they’d decided not to,” Rogers said. Though Frye wouldn’t say so directly, the couple-hundred-thousand-dollar cost of a outfitting a robust camera setup with towers, miles of fiber and cords and the use of NBC’s full TV compound and broadcast team – for a series trying to build a deeper marketing budget – is said to have been the downfall. Still, IndyCar has said it will provide wall-to-wall social media coverage of the event, including in-car camera footage, live timing and scoring and post-session video breakdowns on the IndyCar app.

For IndyCar, the execution of a clean, productive couple days of testing would make for a somewhat subjective tell on whether this pairing was a success. For Rogers, things are a bit more cut-and-dry. Within another 10 years, he hopes, The Thermal Club will be full, with all the nearly million-dollar lots and $500-a-month race car storage spots filled or spoken for as he fulfills his initial $30 million dream.

The View, one of three restaurants offered at the club, is seen at The Thermal Club in Thermal, Calif., Monday, Jan. 30, 2023.

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10 Things to Know About Acrisure Arena

Before you head out to enjoy an event at this new venue, here are tips and insights into what your fan experience will be like.

The main entrance on the east side of the building will focus on creating an indoor-outdoor feel and will feature an outdoor food court.
RENDERINGS COURTESY ACRISURE ARENA

Since construction began in June 2021, you’ve likely driven by Acrisure Arena and viewed the immense structure rising from ground level on the north side of Interstate 10, just off the Cook Street exit. Or maybe you’ve seen the renderings that depict people milling in and out of the multipurpose venue.

It wasn't that long ago that the arena was planned to be developed in downtown Palm Springs as part of a partnership with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. However, when issues like parking and squeezing the arena next to a residential area became problematic, the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation stepped in and offered a parcel of land by Interstate 10.

In less than three weeks, fans will gain their first real look inside Acrisure Arena when comedians Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock entertain in the round (Dec. 14), followed by The Doobie Brothers (Dec. 15), Grupo Firme (Dec. 16), and then the Coachella Valley Firebirds’ first official home hockey game (Dec. 18).

AcrisureArenaAerial

This aerial rendering shows 3,000 parking spaces including 500 for VIP.
John Bolton, senior vice president of entertainment and general manager of the arena, has decades of experience around venues like Acrisure Arena. In fact, he’s helping the parent company, Oak View Group, develop the grand opening and entertainment plans for eight new arena projects. He’s seen Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert go from an architect’s concept to reality, and he likes what he sees.

“Some of the interior spaces are even better than I thought,” Bolton says. “Being in the bowl [the main seating area], you really understand how wonderful this is going to be from an artist’s perspective and a fan perspective. Just knowing that you’re going to be so close to the action, so close to the artist when they’re playing based on that basically one lower bowl design, I think is really, really incredible.

“I’m really impressed with all of the work on the exterior of the building and how it fits in with the landscape around the facility as well, and the beautiful mountains that are there. I think it fits well from that perspective and also from a color perspective, and I think our friends at the Berger Foundation have done a really amazing job in all the parking lots and the landscaping that's coming on board as it relates to that part of the facility as well.”

In his conversation with Palm Springs Life, Bolton addresses many of the facets of the fan experience, and why there is as much attention being paid to what goes on outside the arena as there is inside. Here are 10 things to know about Acrisure Arena.

coachellavalleyfirebirds

Hockey drove this arena to Greater Palm Springs where the Coachella Valley Firebirds will play home games through mid-April.
PARKING

There will be 500 VIP parking spots on the west end of the arena and 2,500 spaces around the south and east ends. If needed, there are 1,000 additional spaces available at nearby Xavier Prep High School with shuttle service to the arena. Kiosks at the arena will allow you to pay after you park, so you won't be held up by an attendant asking for payment.

Using Patriot One’s SmartGateway, fans will walk through screening areas that detect concealed guns, knives, and other related threat objects, giving customers a green arrow to proceed through or a red warning to staff that shows where the detected threat object is located on the customer. “We think this frictionless, smart walk-through system makes it really easy for people to enter,” Bolton says.

TICKETING

All tickets are digital and sent to your cell phone. You won't need a printout, a screenshot, or any other method to get in. The barcode is scanned on your mobile ticket to gain access to the event.

JUST FOR THE HOLIDAYS

You’ll likely see the 54-foot Christmas tree from the freeway that sits by the main entrance.

acrisurearenafood
FOOD

Before you even step into the arena, there will be food court area by the main entrance that will include five restaurants. The specific restaurants will be named this week, Bolton says. “Obviously we’re taking advantage of the weather and extending our indoor-outdoor [offerings],” he adds.

SEATING

Acrisure Arena's capacity is 11,000, with roughly 10,000 seats for hockey games. Twenty VIP suites surround the lower bowl seating area. “It’s pretty clear to me that there's not a bad seat in the house,” Bolton says. “You’re entering at ground level and then going down to your seat.”

One seating area to consider: The very back row of seats is separated by a counter, where the attendee can plant a drink. The seating is similar to a bar seat, but it allows for more space between you and the person next to you when compared to regular arena seating.

ACOUSTICS

Following the Dec. 14 opening night stand-up show, The Doobie Brothers will be the first band to play in the arena on Dec. 15, followed by Grupo Firme on Dec. 16 and Maroon 5 on Dec. 31. Acoustic technology has changed dramatically over the years, and Acrisure Arena is taking full advantage of that. Workers installed 10,000 square feet of acoustic lapendary panels, Bolton says.

“The fact that we don’t have a very high elevated upper bowl, where sound bounces off and then comes back down, will create a much better sound overall for our events. The goal is to make sure the sound system is really awesome. That plays a part into people’s enjoyment.”

AcrisureArenaChairmansClub

Chairman’s Club 29
LED SCREENS

At the west end of the arena, a giant screen will broadcast the action during hockey games and also be utilized during musical and other live performances. In addition, a wraparound ribbon screen will surround the bowl seating, and many of the concession areas will have TVs to keep track of the action.

CHAIRMAN’S CLUB 29

There is a special room located in the arena’s lower level where Chairman’s Club members can hang out, complete with comfy lounge furniture, bar and food offerings, and plenty of TVs to view the event.

ARENA WITH A VIEW

Check out the north and south bars. They are open-space areas that overlook the arena, offering dramatic views during hockey games. (Though they might not be as good during concerts, since the bars are parallel to the stage.)

COMMUNITY SKATING RINK

A community Iceplex is poised to debut in late December, offering the public a chance to enjoy the same rink that the Coachella Valley Firebirds will use for practice. Daily public skating opportunities range from open skating sessions to adult/junior hockey leagues and theme nights.

“I think people haven't totally grasped that 360-day operation that’s under the same roof,” Bolton says. “As we grow and we all go through that first six months, I think that’ll be one of the most pleasant, interesting things that people probably haven't quite realized yet.”

acrisurearenaconcert

And in case you were wondering, there are three Zambonis on property to keep the ice skate-ready.

Six months from now, it’s safe to say many of these areas will be tweaked and adjusted as more shows are held at the arena.

“We’ll be constantly looking at that and making sure that everyone has a good experience," Bolton says. "If there are things that we can change to make better, or things that we haven’t recognized or been able to predict, we have the ability to go in and make those tweaks and changes to continue to improve the operations and really build upon our opening here in a couple weeks."

• READ NEXT: The Doobie Brothers Bring 50th Tour to Acrisure Arena.

The 9 Best Hotels in Palm Springs

The dreamy properties that tell the story of Palm Springs are the same ones you'll want to hole up in for days.

Palm Springs has been through a multitude of incarnations over the last century—from Old Hollywood hangout, to spring break headquarters, to struggling tourist town, to one of California’s most beloved and unique resort cities. That last one is a title it proudly holds today, after reinventing itself as a glamorous desert getaway. To get here, it rode the wave of mid-century modernism's rebirth to become internationally renowned for its architecture, art and design, one-of-a-kind vintage shops, endless outdoor activities, and the hot spots A-listers descend upon during the juggernaut that is the Coachella music festival.

The best Palm Springs hotels are as wide-ranging as the area's visitors; whether you're seeking a tranquil boutique hotel, sprawling resort, or retro design motel with a shiny facelift, it’s as easy to find the perfect place to stay as it is to spend all day sitting by a sparkling pool, in dreamy desert weather with nothing but mountain views for miles. Here's where to find them.

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

La Serena Villas

$$$

If you’ve done the midcentury thing before, opt for this Spanish hacienda-style property with just 18 private bungalows, a quiet pool, breezy restaurant, and flowing margaritas. The adults-only property draws mainly couples (of all ages) looking for R&R, along with locals who hit poolside restaurant Azucar and rooftop bar Sugar High for evening cocktails under the stars. Bungalows are decidedly design-forward, with a mix of Spanish, Moroccan, and boho styles, and feel even larger than they are thanks to vaulted ceilings with exposed beams. Every room category comes with its own private courtyard patio equipped with a fire pit, bench seating, and clawfoot tub for soaking under the sky and many also come with front porches boasting bamboo swings. Inside you’ll find Frette linens and towels, L’Occitane bath products, and Keurig coffee makers.

Kimpton The Rowan Palm Springs Hotel

$$ | HOT LIST 2018 READERS' CHOICE AWARDS 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022

A full-service hotel smack in the center of town, the tallest building (at seven stories) in Palm Springs is also the only hotel in the entire Coachella Valley with a rooftop pool. Thanks to its height, rooftop pool, and plenty of passing foot traffic, The Rowan has more of a real-deal city vibe than most of the resort-feeling properties in town, drawing a crowd that varies in age and demographic, but often skews heavy on business travelers here for onsite meetings and conferences, as well as travelers with pets in tow. It feels modern while still honoring the city’s midcentury roots and desert location, with rooms featuring light-wood floors, hairpin-legged nightstands, leather desk chairs, cool blue accent rugs, framed topographical maps, and the especially novel tiled walls serving as headboards. Bathrooms feel fresh with large, glass-enclosed showers accented by glossy subway tiles. All rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, and many have balconies—with corner rooms offering wraparound options. Once you step out of the lobby, you’re mere yards from the city’s bustling main drag and within walking distance of most of Palm Springs’ highlights—shopping, dining and live music, hiking, museums, and many new public art installations. Those looking for a more private, off-the-beaten-path location will likely want to head elsewhere.

Things to Do This Week in the Desert, Dec. 5–11

Storm Large performs Dec. 9 at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY MCCALLUM THEATRE

FABULOUS BINGO + TRIVIA: DEC. 5

Mondays aren't so bad when you spend them at the Ace. Join drag queen Bella da Ball for a laugh-out-loud evening at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs. The night kicks off with bingo at the hotel's King's Highway diner and wraps up with trivia in the Amigo Room bar.

TUESDAY NIGHT ROCK SHOW: DEC. 6

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio launches a brand-new rock show series, with live music every Tuesday night at Lit, the newly renovated bar and lounge. Don’t miss the inaugural night, featuring local band HWY 111, who will cover favorites from Van Halen and Metallica to Sublime.

ALL IS CALM: THE CHRISTMAS TRUCE OF 1914: DEC. 6

This musical at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert draws on snippets of real-life diary entries, documents, and letters to capture the World War I Christmas when Allied and German forces put fighting on hold to celebrate together.

FUN HOME: DEC. 6–18

Coachella Valley Repertory puts on Lisa Kron’s theatrical adaptation of an autobiographical graphic novel by Alison Bechdel. The Tony winner is the first Broadway musical with a lesbian protagonist.

CATHEDRAL CITY TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY: DEC. 7

Celebrate the most wonderful time of year at Civic Center Plaza from 5 to 7 p.m. as Mayor Ernesto Guttierez illuminates the city tree. The event includes a performance by the Cathedral City High School choir and the unveiling of North Pole Village, a strip of holiday-inspired backdrops for the perfect seasonal selfie.

NATURE WALK AT BLIXSETH PARK: DEC. 7

This half-mile, docent-led stroll welcomes walkers (and their pups) to learn about the native flora and fauna of the desert at Blixseth Park in Rancho Mirage.

MIXED FEELINGS: DEC. 8

Palm Springs Art Museum hosts back-to-back evening lectures on a pair of topics: “2nd Wave Feminist Art” and “The Origins of Life” with speakers Mara Gladstone, deputy director and head of programs at Desert X, and Timothy Lyons, distinguished professor of biogeochemistry in the department of Earth and planetary sciences at the University of California, Riverside.

GHOSTS OF CHRISTMAS PAST: DEC. 8–11

In its first post-pandemic performance, Joshua Tree Philharmonic presents classic and contemporary music selections for the whole family at the Hi-Desert Cultural Center in Joshua Tree.

Palm Springs Portrait Project

Jackie Thomas and Dee Ann McCoy owners of ThomBoy Properties, pose for the Portrait Project in their backyard in Palm Springs.
PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY ANTHONY-MASTERSON

PS PORTRAIT PROJECT OPENING RECEPTION: DEC. 8

Husband-and-wife photography team Owen Masterson and Christine Anthony set out to capture the essence of Palm Springs through a series of vibrant portraits. View the exhibition on its opening night at Melissa Morgan Fine Art in Palm Desert as you mingle with the photographers and some of their glam subjects. 

PAUL MCDONALD LI’L BIG BAND: DEC. 8

Vocalists Jay Jackson and Hope Diamond join Paul McDonald’s 10-piece band at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs for soulful songs with holiday spirit.

THUNDER FROM DOWN UNDER: DEC. 9

Say g’day to Australia’s hottest hunks. This male revue’s chiseled charmers delight audience members at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage with interactive dance routines.

THE STORM LARGE HOLIDAY ORDEAL: DEC. 9

Pink Martini vocalist Storm Large nearly quit music in 2002, but she picked up the mic again at the urging of friends in Portland. See the feisty cabaret artist at the McCallum Theatre. 

YOUNG EINSTEIN: DEC. 9

This all-vinyl DJ set at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club in Palm Springs finds influence in Young Einstein’s love of funk, hip hop, and soul.

DO NOT REMOVE LABEL: DEC. 9–11

Desert Ensemble Theatre in Palm Springs presents the world premiere of Jerome Elliot Moskowitz’s holiday play, which centers around mother and son Tammy and Tommy as they face an ill-timed visit from the FBI during Hanukkah.

OFFICIAL LATINO FILM AND ARTS FESTIVAL: DEC. 9–11

This three-day festival, now in its eight year, is the first to focus primarily on U.S. Latinx filmmakers. Over 100 films showcasing more than 200 Latinx actors will be shown at the Annenberg Theater at Palm Springs Art Museum. (The majority of films will be presented in English.) The weekend also features a closing reception and will culminate with an awards ceremony in the theater.

WHITE CHRISTMAS: DEC. 9–23

A song-and-dance duo follow a pair of singing sisters to snowy Vermont in this romantic musical version of the 1954 classic film. Hum along at Desert TheatreWorks in Indio.

CLUEDUPP: ALICE IN WONDERLAND: DEC. 10

Chase curious clues across a topsy-turvy version of Indio in this virtual game inspired by Alice in Wonderland. Grab a few of your favorite people to play, navigating the city with a smart phone app.

CHEAP TRICK: DEC. 10

The fervor that rock band Cheap Trick caused in Japan in 1978 has been compared to Beatlemania. The “I Want You to Want Me” singers perform at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio.

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: DEC. 10

Head to the Rancho Mirage Amphitheater at Rancho Mirage Community Park for the city’s kickoff event of the holiday season, an open-air production featuring talented local entertainers and musicians from Desert Theatricals.

LIGHT UP FOR LOVE COMMUNITY CANDLELIGHT VIGIL: DEC. 10

Local nonprofit Ronnie’s House for Hope stands by its mission to provide free grief support for community members with this evening of remembrance at Palm Desert Civic Center Park.

MARGARITAVILLE RUN: DEC. 10

Sprint or stroll toward the finish line in this charity 5K at Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs, where you’ll find Jimmy Buffet–themed swag and a post-run concert.

SECOND SATURDAYS: DEC. 10

This free concert series in downtown Indio happens in a safe, fenced-in “outdoor living room” off Smurr Street, Miles Avenue, and Indio Boulevard. Enjoy family activities, local food and craft beer vendors, and two featured bands: Tom Kenny & The Hi Seas and Salton City Surf Club. Bring your own lawn chairs.

SEE SANTA AT THE RIVER: DEC. 10

Old St. Nick and his elves will touch down at The River at Rancho Mirage from 3 to 6 p.m. for an afternoon photo-op, a raffle supporting Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City, and a DJ.

YOGA WITH A RANGER: DEC. 10

A Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument ranger leads a beginner-friendly flow filled with tree- and animal-inspired poses at the visitor center.

STARS: A GALAXY OF SONG: DEC. 10–11

Modern Men: Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus brings a musical repertoire inspired by the stars to Camelot Theatres in Palm Springs. Expect numbers from such composers as Morton Lauridsen, Carol Bayer Sager, David Dickau.

THE TEN TENORS: DEC. 10–11

Australian classical-crossover supergroup The TEN Tenors returns to the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert for a holiday show with fun twists on favorites like “Feliz Navidad” and “Winter Wonderland,” all sung in gorgeous 10-part harmonies.

WHITE CHRISTMAS: DEC. 10–22

Local actors at Desert TheaterWorks in Indio present the musical stage adaptation of the beloved 1954 holiday film. White Christmas is a family-friendly holiday show bursting with cheerful dancing, treasured tunes and a generous helping of yuletide cheer.

 


HAPPENING ALL WEEK

 

BEN STEELE: THROUGH DEC. 9

Everyday objects meld with the fantastical worlds of films like The Wizard of Oz in Ben Steele’s exhibition at Coda Gallery in Palm Desert. 

JOSÉ SARRIA POP-UP MUSEUM: THROUGH DEC. 14

Palm Springs’ Welwood Murray Memorial Library celebrates the 100th birthday of the late drag queen and activist José Sarria with documentary screenings and an exhibition.

DAVID DORNAN: THROUGH DEC. 16

Stop by Coda Gallery in Palm Desert to browse David Dornan’s photorealistic paintings of flowers, oilcans, and other subjects, which take on new depth under his observant eye. 

GONZO MUNDANE: THROUGH DEC. 18

Check out Matt Wesson’s knack for capturing the strangeness and charm of life in photos in his exhibition at Compound Yucca Valley.

PALM SPRINGS GETAWAY: THROUGH DEC. 18

It’s always sunny in Palm Springs! Local actors portray beloved icons and celebrities from the city’s history in this high-energy musical at Palm Canyon Theatre in Palm Springs. 

HOLIDAY SQUARES POP-UP STORE: THROUGH DEC. 23

Shop for every art lover on your list at the Artists Center at The Galen in Palm Desert, where the Artists Councilvends 8-inch canvases, ceramics, and other gifts.

Beyond Van Gogh Palm Springs

PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY BEYOND VAN GOGH
BEYOND VAN GOGH: THROUGH DEC. 27

Step inside 300 famous Van Gogh artworks at this immersive exhibition at the Empire Polo Club in Indio that projects the artist’s paintings on the walls and floor. It was so popular, event producers extended the exhibition by a month.

WILDLIGHTS: THROUGH DEC. 30

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardensin Palm Desert twinkles by night with holiday light displays. Grab a hot chocolate and snap a photo with Santa.

BOXO10X10: THROUGH DEC. 31

High Desert arts initiative BoxoPROJECTS celebrates its residency program’s 10th year with an exhibition of 10 artists’ work.

OUTBURST PROJECTS: THROUGH JAN. 29

Five artists draw upon their cultural histories to create evocative pieces, from woven artwork to cyborg-like sculpted monsters, as part of this residency program at Palm Springs Art Museum.

PETRA CORTRIGHT: THROUGH MAR. 26

The Santa Barbara–born artist known for self-portrait videos composes “paintings” with internet imagery in this exhibition at Palm Springs Art Museum.

LIGHT + CHANGE: THROUGH MAY 21

Palm Desert resident Phillip K. Smith III fills four galleries at Palm Springs Art Museum with installations inspired by the desert’s unique quality of light.

A PLACE AT THE TABLE: THROUGH JUNE 4

View the formal table settings that the Annenbergs set out to entertain presidents and royals at Sunnylands Center & Gardens in Rancho Mirage.

AMERICAN FRAMING: THROUGH JULY 2

The Architecture and Design Center in Palm Springs brings attention to the subtle architectural genius of wood framing through models, photos, furniture, and a full-scale structure.

So you’re thinking of flying out of SBD airport in San Bernardino. Here’s what to know

Breeze has flights to San Francisco and Las Vegas, plus Provo, Utah, and Hartford, Connecticut.

Desert Sun staff
Photos by Julie Making

Passengers can walk directly from the parking lot into the terminal at San Bernardino International Airport.

Perhaps you’ve been looking for cheap flights to San Francisco, Las Vegas, Utah or Connecticut and noted the new low-cost deals out of San Bernardino International Airport. If you’ve been wondering what the experience is like at this airport and whether it’s worth the hour-long drive from Palm Springs, we’ve got you covered.

Where the heck is this airport?

It’s at 105 N. Leland Norton Way in San Bernardino, just north of Interstate 10 and west of the 210, about an hour west of Palm Springs. It's on the site of the former Norton Air Force Base, which closed in 1992, and officials there have been angling to get commercial passenger service for years. It finally started in August.

What airlines fly out of San Bernardino?

Right now, just one airline services the airport: Breeze. It has flights to San Francisco; Las Vegas; Provo, Utah; and Hartford, Connecticut.

The Breeze Airways check-in area at San Bernardino International Airport.

When do the flights run, and what do they cost?

As at any airport, prices fluctuate based on the season and demand, but here's what we found this week:

Flights to Provo generally run daily (though some Tuesdays there are no flights), with fares ranging from $62 to $438.

Flights to San Francisco generally run daily (though some Tuesdays there are no flights). One-way fares ranged from $39 to $279.

Flights to Vegas will be on Sundays and Thursdays starting in February, according to Breeze’s website. One-way fares range from $36 to $116.

Flights to Hartford will run Sundays and Thursdays starting in February and range in price from $119 to $557 each way. There’s a stop (without plane change) in Las Vegas.

How many gates does the airport have?

Three.

Can I get food there?

There are two places to eat. One is a small coffee shop before you go through security. The other is a snack bar near the three gates upstairs. At this time, there is no fresh food to speak of, just packaged items like chips, candy bars, nuts, etc.

How much is parking?

Parking is $5 per day and there are many covered spaces. You can walk directly from your parking spot to the terminal, no shuttle bus needed.

When is the airport open?

The airport is open four hours per day, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Is there Wi-Fi at the airport?

Yes, SBD offers free Wi-Fi.

What’s the security checkpoint situation like?

Lines are minimal and TSA PreCheck is available (though you don’t really need it).

Is there anything of interest to look at in the terminal?

There’s an old Ford Model T in the main concourse. The gate area has nice views of the mountains.

Can I rent a car there?

Only Hertz offers service at SBD right now and is open 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily.

What else happens at SBD?

Mainly known for the Amazon Air jets and firefighting planes, the airport — known by its identifier SBD — has maintained a passenger terminal since 2010, but only for those traveling on charter flights.

Where can I get more info?

The airport website is flysbd.com. Breeze Airways is flybreeze.com.

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