AIRPORTS
Primary Airport
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
- Distance: 22 miles | ~40 minutes to the Empire Polo Club
- Why it’s best: Closest airport with easy access and minimal traffic
- Travel Note: Lacrosse sticks must be packed in checked luggage and cannot be carried through security
Alternate Airports
Ontario International Airport (ONT)
- Distance: 92 miles | ~1.5–2 hours
- Best for: A strong balance of convenience and flight options
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
- Distance: 121 miles | ~2–2.5 hours
- Best for: Orange County access and a smaller, easy-to-navigate airport
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
- Distance: 147 miles | ~2.5–3 hours (traffic dependent)
- Best for: The widest selection of flights and often the lowest fares
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
- Distance: 134 miles | ~2.5–3 hours
- Best for: Pairing your trip with a coastal stay
Travel Tips
- Book early, MLK Weekend is a high demand travel period
- Plan to arrive Thursday or early Friday to avoid delays
- If flying into LAX or SAN, allow extra time for traffic
HOTELS
List of Hotels – coming June 2026
Halpern Travel is the official Housing Partner for the Sand Storm Lacrosse Festival. While the Festival is not stay-to-play, it does require that rooms at official host hotels be booked through Halpern Travel. Please do not contact host hotels directly. If a team or club books rooms at any official host hotel outside of Halpern Travel, tournament registration will be rescinded.
For hotel assistance, contact Halpern Travel:
krose@halperntravel.com
888-640-6400
GETTING AROUND
With thousands of players and families on site, planning how you get to and from the fields is key.
Driving & Rental Cars
- Parking passes are required for all vehicles entering the venue
- Expect heavier traffic during peak morning hours, especially on Saturday
- Plan to arrive early and follow all posted signage and staff directions
Dedicated Team Bus Program
Make your tournament weekend effortless with our Dedicated Team Bus Program. Teams can reserve a private motor coach exclusively for their group, providing a streamlined, stress-free transportation experience.
Each coach bus includes:
- Seating for up to 50 passengers
- Storage for team gear
- A professional, dedicated driver
- Custom team signage for easy identification
Enjoy the added convenience of exclusive, close-to-field pick-up and drop-off locations within the venue.
Additional details and availability will be released in August 2026.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
- May be limited during peak times, particularly post-games
Helpful Tips
- Allow extra time during peak arrival windows to avoid delays
- Review the venue and parking maps in advance
- Carpool when possible
PARKING & ARRIVAL INFORMATION
Parking passes will go on sale Tues 12/8/26 at 9:00 AM pst
With 87 fields in play, Sand Storm is a high-volume event, planning ahead will make all the difference.
Expect heavier traffic between 6:30 AM – 9:00 AM, especially on Saturday. We strongly recommend allowing extra time for traffic and arriving early to ensure a smooth, stress-free start to your day.
Parking Hours
- Friday: Lots open at 10:00 AM, close at 6:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: Lots open at 6:00 AM, close at 6:00 PM
- No overnight parking is permitted in any lot
Parking Passes
- Required Friday–Sunday for all vehicles
- Available options: GA, VIP, and VVIP
- Passes go on sale Tuesday, December 8 at 9:00 AM (PST)
- Your mobile parking pass must be displayed upon entry each day
- License plate info is not required at purchase, but must be added before arrival
ADA Parking
- Available in all parking lots
- No separate ADA pass needed, purchase any standard parking pass
- Upon arrival, present your parking pass + ADA placard + valid ID
- Parking attendants will direct you to the designated ADA area within your lot
Drop-Off & Rideshare
Designated drop-off and rideshare locations are available at:
- White Parking Lot
- Madison St & Ave 50 (staffed for assistance)
- Monroe St & Ave 50 (staffed for assistance)
Do not park or leave vehicles unattended in drop-off areas.
Important Parking Rules
- Park only in designated lots as shown on the event map
- No stopping or parking on surrounding roads or neighborhoods
- The Indio Police Department will enforce all restrictions, including ticketing and towing
Oversized Vehicles
- Day parking for RVs, sprinters, and 12-passenger vans is allowed in the White Lot only
- Buses require pre-approval from the Tournament Director and will be assigned a designated area
- No overnight parking for any oversized vehicles
Helpful Tip
After parking, drop a pin or take a photo of your location to easily find your vehicle later.
VENUE MAP (2026)
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
To ensure a safe, smooth, and enjoyable experience for everyone, please review the following important information before arriving onsite.
Prohibited Items
In accordance with venue regulations, the following items are not permitted at the event:
- Electric bikes (e-bikes)
- Dogs
- Golf carts or motorized vehicles
- Electric scooters, ATVs
- Coolers, outside food or beverages (except for medical purposes)
- Drones
Security personnel will be onsite to enforce all policies.
Bicycles
- Manual bicycles are permitted on paved walkways only. Bicycles are not allowed on grass areas.
- Ride at safe speeds and yield to pedestrians
- Bike racks will be available; please bring your own lock. Attendees are responsible for securing their bicycles and assume all risk of theft or damage.
Onsite Transportation
- Shuttle Buses: Available throughout the venue
- Friday: Begins at 1:30 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: Begins at 6:30 AM
- See map for routes and designated stops
- ADA Transportation: Request at any Information Booth, Medic Tents or fields.
- Paid Golf Cart Rides: Available for hire onsite
- Payment via Venmo (download in advance)
- No Pedicabs Permitted
- Expanded shuttle routes and additional stops are available to assist with movement around the venue
Finding Your Way
- Balloons will mark parking lots, medical stations, and select fields
- Fields are identified by teardrop banners and goal numbers
- Staff members are available throughout the venue with maps to assist
Safety & Conveniences
- Information Booths: Located throughout the venue for assistance and ADA requests
- Field Marshals: Positioned at every field to assist with communication and emergencies
- Restrooms: Indoor and portable units available and regularly serviced
- Hydration Stations: Available throughout the venue, bring a reusable bottle
- Trash & Clean-Up: Please dispose of all trash and collect belongings when moving fields
- Athletic Trainers: Onsite for first aid and emergencies (no taping services)
Team Tents
- Permitted perimeter only (not between fields or in walkways)
- Tents must be securely staked down at all times due to desert wind conditions. Any unsecured tents will be removed for safety.
Lost & Found
- Label all gear before arrival
- Located at the Main Registration Tent in Lax Mall
Safety Notice
Attendees assume all risks associated with event attendance. Please remain alert at all times, errant lacrosse balls can cause injury.
Vendors & Concessions
- Lax Mall: Main vendor village featuring gear, products, and partner experiences
- Satellite Vendors: Located throughout the venue
- Food Trucks: Available across the venue, with a central Food Truck Village near Tram Stop E
- Lounges: Shaded seating areas with refreshments and NFL coverage
- Bars: 21+ with valid ID; alcohol must remain on venue grounds
- Onsite Dining: Visit the Cantina and Tack Room Tavern
WHAT TO BRING
Be prepared for a full day at the fields.
Essentials
- Equipment & uniforms (pack sticks in checked baggage if flying)
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Sweatshirt, sweatpants, or jacket (cool mornings and evenings)
- Sneakers or sandals
- Hat / visor / sunglasses
Sun & Comfort
- Sunscreen (high SPF recommended)
- Lip balm with SPF
- Portable shade (umbrella or tent)
- Reusable water bottle (stay hydrated all day)
Sideline Setup
- Folding chairs
- Blanket or towel
- Backpack or wagon
Tech & Extras
- Portable phone charger
- Credit/debit card for vendors (no cash accepted)
Health & Safety
- Personal medications
- Hand sanitizer / wipes
Travel & Logistics
- Mobile parking pass
- Hotel confirmation
- Tournament schedule (screenshot or printed)
- Venue map (screenshot or printed)
Desert Tips
- It’s very dry. Hydrate before you get onsite and more than you think
- Expect cool mornings, hot afternoons, and cold evenings. Dress in layers
- Take advantage of shade whenever possible
- Be prepared for a lot of walking across the venue
DISCOVER GREATER PALM SPRINGS
Welcome to Greater Palm Springs. Set in the heart of the Coachella Valley, this desert destination offers something for everyone, from relaxing poolside at world-class resorts to exploring the outdoors.
Spend your time off the fields hiking scenic canyons, playing championship golf courses, or enjoying the area’s iconic mid-century modern design. When the day winds down, discover standout dining, local favorites, and boutique shopping just minutes away.
Whether you’re here to compete, relax, or explore, Greater Palm Springs turns your Sand Storm weekend into something even more memorable.
