NCAA beach volleyball national championship returning to Gulf Shores this year in wake of Southern California fires

Event plans to return to Huntington Beach in 2026 before staying in Gulf Shores from 2027 through 2031

BY COLE McNANNA
Sports Editor
cole@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 1/29/25

In wake of the Southern California fires that started at the beginning of the year, the NCAA beach volleyball national championship is moving from Huntington Beach back to Gulf Shores for this year, …

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NCAA beach volleyball national championship returning to Gulf Shores this year in wake of Southern California fires

Event plans to return to Huntington Beach in 2026 before staying in Gulf Shores from 2027 through 2031

Posted

In wake of the Southern California fires that started at the beginning of the year, the NCAA beach volleyball national championship is moving from Huntington Beach back to Gulf Shores for this year, it was announced Wednesday afternoon. The next champions are set to be crowned on May 4.

The event plans to return to California next year as originally scheduled before coming back to Gulf Shores from 2027 through 2031. The NCAA and Orange County Sports Commission made the decision to move this year’s championships mutually after they collaborated with Long Beach State, which is set to serve as the host school.

"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 in a Wednesday release.

Since the City of Gulf Shores is no stranger to the beach volleyball national championships having hosted the event since the NCAA sanctioned the sport in 2016, Beth Gendler, president and CEO of Alabama's Beaches Sports & Events, said the group would have no problem crowning one more champion.

"When we were approached about this opportunity, we felt confident that we could provide a similar championship experience as in past years," Gendler said in the release. "Our community is excited to have the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship return to Gulf Shores."

That confidence was echoed by the NCAA who said they were lucky to have an existing relationship with the site in Alabama.

"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, in the statement. "Relocating the championship is in the best interest for all involved."

Ticket information will be announced at a later date, the release said.