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Beach volleyball tour brings top players
and national notice to Riverside

Written by Amy Bentley, Courtesy photos

Pro beach volleyball is coming to Riverside.

Of course, the city is nowhere near the beach, which means 3,000 tons of sand will need to be trucked in for the Association of Volleyball Professionals' Pro Beach Volleyball Crocs Tour.

But that's just a minor detail, because the tour is also bringing many of the best athletes who have ever spiked a ball and plenty of network television exposure. The competition runs April 17-19 and is expected to attract thousands of fans.

"People are excited," says Councilman Rusty Bailey.

"The tour will bring attention and sales to the city and its businesses." And while a pro sporting event is a rarity for Riverside, locals do know volleyball. UC Riverside, for example, has three national titles in the sport and also put together a string of 20 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.

"We've got a strong volleyball-rooted community," says Bailey, who played at West Point. It was Bailey's connections that helped bring the AVP tour to Riverside.

One of his former teammates, Jason Hodell, is an executive with the organization. And when AVP officials came to Riverside last year, they liked what they saw.

"There are a number of universities and colleges in the area, and beach volleyball has built quite a bit of momentum at the college level," says AVP Commissioner and CEO Leonard Armato. "We want to bring our great sport and lifestyle to places that otherwise don't get to experience it.

"It's a hot sport at the Olympics," he adds. "Not only do you see some of the greatest athletes in the world but it's a sexy sport. We make sure fans have a great time." For the competition, nine sand courts with bleachers will be set up in a large open area near the Riverside Convention Center and the Riverside Marriott, at Third Street between Market and Orange streets. The matches — which will air on ESPN — will take place on several courts simultaneously until a male and female champion is determined. Players on the tour include Olympic gold medalists Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers.

Also taking place that weekend will be the 2009 Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship, which will be seen on CBS.

"This is a huge thing for Riverside," says Charva Ingram, the city's marketing project manager.

About 3,500 fans are expected to attend the matches each day. The AVP is supporting the event by using local caterers and other vendors, plus players and organization officials are staying at the Mission Inn, Mariott and other hotels in the area.

"It's a great support for the city," Ingram says.

Riverside is the second stop on the AVP pro beach volleyball tour, which continues through late September.

AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour
When: April 17-19
Tickets and information: 310-426-8000, www.avp.com

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