In a typical Gulf Shores City Council meeting there was an event permit introduced that does not receive much fanfare, nor does it create controversy. The permit is to host the NCAA National Beach Volleyball Championship. An event which takes place on the white sands of Gulf Shores, on national television.

Grant Brown, the Director of the Recreation & Cultural Affairs Department, introduced the permit request and outlined the scaffolding, large tenting, fencing and other duties the staff members will need to accomplish before the games begin on May 1st.

Mr. Brown also recognized the Alabama Beaches organization, who plays an integral role in advertising and coordination of the popular event.

To the casual observer the permit process may seem mundane, but the 10 years of Gulf Shores hosting the nationally televised event brings the right type of attention to the community. In the past decade the city Recreation Department and Alabama Beaches marketing staff have made the championship a pinnacle experience, highlighting the natural beauty of the area.

In a press release the athletic association stated "The NCAA is excited to return to Gulf Shores for what will be another great championship,” said Kristin Fasbender, director of championships and alliances at the NCAA. “Gulf Shores has been our partner from the very first championship and has provided an outstanding experience for student-athletes and fans. We look forward to amazing competition and crowning a national champion."

ESPN network covers the multi-day event and often focuses on the surroundings and natural environment of Gulf Shores.

With the support of the city of Gulf Shores and the Hangout Hospitality Group, AB Sports & Events and UAB have built a long-term, strategic partnership with the NCAA. Alabama's Beaches will host the championship through at least 2030.

"Long-term contracts and relationships are vital to building business and goodwill for sports tourism entities," said Michelle Russ, vice president of sales at AB Sports & Events. "It is hard to believe we began this journey with the NCAA in 2016, and the event, the sport of beach volleyball and the local economic impact continue to grow. From building a championship-caliber site each year to the behind-the-scenes planning and preparation, it is special to see everything come together."

The National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship takes place May 1-3, 2026, in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Tickets to the games are available through the NCAA website.

VOLLEYBALL IMPACT STATS: Alabama Beaches Sports & Events

• For the NCAA championship, each dual is broadcast live across the ESPN family of networks.
• The NCAA Collegiate Beach Volleyball National Championship features 16 teams.
• In 2025, volleyball events contributed 6,066 room nights and $4.02 million to the local economy.