Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Prepare for NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship

Gulf Shores and Orange Beach in Alabama are preparing to host the NCAA Beach Volleyball National Championship for the eighth time this season with 16 teams heading to the Gulf Coast from May 3–5, 2024.

The region’s ties to beach volleyball started in 2012 when the American Volleyball Coaches Association brought its women’s sand volleyball national championships to the Gulf Coast Region. Gulf Shores Orange Beach Sports & Events has hosted the national championship each year since it was first organized under the NCAA umbrella in 2016.

“It has been a distinct honor to play a major role in growing the sport of beach volleyball by creating a dynamic and downright fun championship alongside the NCAA,” said Michelle Russ, vice president of sales, sports and events for GSOB Sports & Events. “We highly encourage locals to come out and support this championship to experience this energetic event first-hand – all on the beach.”

The top 17 teams from around the country will converge in Gulf Shores to compete in the single-elimination championship weekend with an opening round play-in game. The event will move to Huntington Beach, California, for 2025 and 2026. Gulf Shores and Orange Beach has submitted a proposal to host the championship for 2027 and 2028.

“We are so excited for the NCAA National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship to be returning to beautiful Gulf Shores for another year,” said Kristin Fasbender, director of championships and alliances for the NCAA. “For so many years, Alabama’s Beaches have provided a perfect home to showcase this amazing championship and have welcomed student-athletes, fans and staff so warmly. It’s going to be an action-packed three days of competition and we look forward to seeing everyone out on the sand.”

Next to the NCAA site, more than 375 junior beach volleyball teams will compete in the 2024 Gulf Coast Region “BeachFest” National Beach Tour Qualifier (USA Volleyball) — one of the largest junior qualifiers in the U.S. as teams vie for their shot at the USA Volleyball Beach National Championship.