The NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship returns to Gulf Shores, Alabama, in 2027 and 2028, after being held in Huntington Beach, California for the next 2 years. Gulf Shores has a deep history with the event, having hosted the first tournament from its inception in 2016 through 2024, making these upcoming championships the 12th and 13th times the tournament will be held on the Alabama Gulf Coast.

The NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship first took place in 2016, with Gulf Shores as the inaugural host. The white sand beaches of Gulf Shores quickly became synonymous with the tournament, thanks to the beautiful beaches and strong local support. The event has since grown in prominence, expanding from its early days into a 17-team competition featuring the best collegiate beach volleyball players in the country.

The tournament’s origins trace back to an effort by the NCAA to formally recognize and promote the rapidly growing sport of beach volleyball. Since 2016, the event has attracted a national audience and contributed significantly to Gulf Shores’ sports tourism economy. By 2024, Gulf Shores had hosted the championship nine times, further solidifying its reputation as a premier destination for beach volleyball enthusiasts.

History of the Championship

The NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship is a relatively new addition to the NCAA's roster of championship events. The tournament was first established in 2016, making it the 90th and newest NCAA championship event. It was the first new NCAA championship to be created since 2012 and the first for women since 2004.

The championship's inception followed the sport's rapid growth at the collegiate level. Before 2015, sand volleyball had been part of the NCAA Emerging Sports for Women program. As the sport gained popularity, with over 50 schools sponsoring sand volleyball by 2015, the NCAA approved the championship during the fall of that year.

Gulf Shores, Alabama, has played a pivotal role in the championship's history:

• First Year: The inaugural NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship was hosted in Gulf Shores in 2016.
• Consecutive Streak: From 2016 to 2024, Gulf Shores has been the consistent host of the championship.
• Total Hostings: By the end of the 2024 tournament, Gulf Shores will have hosted the championship nine times (2016-2024, excluding 2020 when the event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic).

Growth and Evolution

Since its inception, the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship has seen significant growth:

• The tournament initially featured eight teams in a double-elimination format.
• In 2022, the field expanded to 16 teams, introducing automatic bids for conference winners.
• By 2023, the format changed to a single-elimination tournament with 17 teams, allowing for nine automatic qualifiers.

Throughout its history, the championship has been dominated by two powerhouses: the USC Trojans with six titles (including the most recent 2024 championship) and the UCLA Bruins with two titles.

As Gulf Shores prepares to welcome back the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship in 2027 and 2028, it reaffirms its status as the spiritual home of collegiate beach volleyball. The return of this prestigious event promises to bring excitement, top-tier athletic competition, and significant economic impact to the Alabama coast once again.

What makes Gulf Shores a popular venue for the NC Beach Volleyball Championship

Gulf Shores, Alabama has become a popular and beloved venue for the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship for several key reasons:

Natural Setting

Gulf Shores offers a picturesque coastal environment that is ideal for beach volleyball:

• The white sand beaches provide a perfect natural playing surface.
• The Gulf of Mexico backdrop creates a stunning visual setting for the competition.
• The warm climate is conducive to outdoor volleyball in May when the championship is typically held.

Facilities and Infrastructure

Over the years, Gulf Shores has developed excellent facilities to host the event:

• Gulf Place Beach has been the site of the championships.
• The city has invested in infrastructure like bleachers and courts specifically for this event.
• There is ample space for multiple courts, spectator seating, and support facilities.

Community Support

The local community has embraced the championship:

• Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tourism provides financial support for the tournament.
• Local businesses and residents welcome the influx of teams, fans, and media.
• The city has consistently reapplied to host the event, showing their commitment.

Economic Impact

The championship brings significant benefits to the area:

• It generates over 2,000 room nights and more than $1 million in economic impact.
• The event helps kick off the summer tourism season in Gulf Shores.