The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
NCAA Beach National Championship Relocated to Gulf Shores in 2025
1/29/2025 1:05:00 PM | Women's Beach Volleyball
BIRMINGHAM – Due to the wildfires in Los Angeles, UAB beach volleyball will serve as tournament host for the 2025 NCAA Beach Volleyball National Championship in Gulf Shores, Ala., set for May 2-4.
UAB and Gulf Shores have hosted the NCAA National Championship each year since the inaugural tournament in 2016. The championship was set to move to Los Angeles and be played at Huntington Beach for two years beginning in 2025, before returning to Gulf Shores from 2027-31.
The decision to move the championship was a mutual one between the NCAA and the Orange County Sports Commission, which collaborated with host school Long Beach State to make Huntington Beach's championship host bid.
"In light of the ongoing recovery efforts approximately 50 miles up north in Los Angeles County, our focus is currently on ensuring hotel rooms and other resources remain focused on supporting those in need," Orange County Sports Commission Executive Director Anthony Brenneman said.
"We are fortunate to have an alternative site in Gulf Shores that beach volleyball student-athletes, coaches and fans are familiar with," said Ashley Armstrong, NCAA Women's Beach Volleyball Committee chair and deputy athletics director at Loyola Marymount University." Relocating the championship is in the best interest for all involved."
UAB, the host school for this year's National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship, and local organizing committee Alabama's Beaches Sports & Events will collaborate to conduct the tournament.
"When we were approached about this opportunity, we felt confident that we could provide a similar championship experience as in past years," said Beth Gendler, president and CEO of Alabama's Beaches Sports & Events. "Our community is excited to have the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship return to Gulf Shores."
Last month, it was announced that the National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship would be held in Gulf Shores from 2027 to 2031. Capital improvements for these years include the addition of spectator stadium seating and additional hospitality space, with continued support and upgrades to the television compound. Alabama Beaches Sports & Events also has committed to enhancing marketing resources and elevating the student-athlete experience.
For more information on the UAB beach volleyball program, be sure to follow @UAB_BVB on Twitter and Instagram.
UAB and Gulf Shores have hosted the NCAA National Championship each year since the inaugural tournament in 2016. The championship was set to move to Los Angeles and be played at Huntington Beach for two years beginning in 2025, before returning to Gulf Shores from 2027-31.
The decision to move the championship was a mutual one between the NCAA and the Orange County Sports Commission, which collaborated with host school Long Beach State to make Huntington Beach's championship host bid.
"In light of the ongoing recovery efforts approximately 50 miles up north in Los Angeles County, our focus is currently on ensuring hotel rooms and other resources remain focused on supporting those in need," Orange County Sports Commission Executive Director Anthony Brenneman said.
"We are fortunate to have an alternative site in Gulf Shores that beach volleyball student-athletes, coaches and fans are familiar with," said Ashley Armstrong, NCAA Women's Beach Volleyball Committee chair and deputy athletics director at Loyola Marymount University." Relocating the championship is in the best interest for all involved."
UAB, the host school for this year's National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship, and local organizing committee Alabama's Beaches Sports & Events will collaborate to conduct the tournament.
"When we were approached about this opportunity, we felt confident that we could provide a similar championship experience as in past years," said Beth Gendler, president and CEO of Alabama's Beaches Sports & Events. "Our community is excited to have the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship return to Gulf Shores."
Last month, it was announced that the National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship would be held in Gulf Shores from 2027 to 2031. Capital improvements for these years include the addition of spectator stadium seating and additional hospitality space, with continued support and upgrades to the television compound. Alabama Beaches Sports & Events also has committed to enhancing marketing resources and elevating the student-athlete experience.
For more information on the UAB beach volleyball program, be sure to follow @UAB_BVB on Twitter and Instagram.
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