Posted on Friday, May 29th, 2015 by Kara Hallissey
The National Volleyball League will, for the first time, host a pro and amateur tournament with a junior clinic this weekend in Ocean City, May 29-31.
Registration closed on Tuesday with 38 men’s teams and 25 women’s teams signed up for the chance to win a $75,000 prize purse, which is a good turnout for a new tour stop, said founder and CEO of the National Volleyball League, Albert Hannemann.
This is the third pro stop of the 2015 season for NVL where both team winners of the leagues previous tournaments in each gender will compete at this weekend’s beach volleyball tournament.
The National Volleyball League Pro Qualifier kicks off the weekend activities today, Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. between Dorchester and Talbot Streets in view of the Boardwalk, where spectators can watch beach volleyball all weekend for free.
“Unlike many professional sporting events, NVL pros are accessible and approachable. It’s not uncommon to see one of our pros run over to the crowd for a high-five after acing a serve or hitting a killer spike,” Hannemann said. “Fans are sitting 10 feet from the court and truly feel like they are part of the action. It’s an amazing experience for someone that’s never attended a professional beach volleyball tournament.”
Last month, at a tournament in Madeira Beach, Fla., 27 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams registered for the qualifier, and 12 teams were in the main draw for a total of 67 teams competing throughout the weekend. It was one of the largest registrations to date and the organization expected the same numbers in Ocean City, he added.
There are 16 teams per gender, with 10 teams automatically entered into the main draw and two wild card teams.
On Saturday, May 30, the main draw matches begin at 9 a.m. and will continue until 6 p.m.
Beginning at the same time, the National Volleyball League’s amateur series, NVL RIZE, is partnering with the Delaware Volleyball Academy to host a junior tournament. It will start with pool play on Saturday morning and conclude with teams moving into single elimination brackets on Sunday. It is open to both boy and girl teams in 12U, 14U, 16U and 18U divisions.
A PlayFIT Foundation hosted “Clinic with the Pros” will take place from 2-3:30 p.m. on Saturday. It gives participants of all ages an opportunity to learn warm-up and stretching techniques, volleyball fundamentals and other coaching tips from NVL pros. The clinic is included in the tournament entry fee.
At the same time, the National Volleyball League is partnering with the Baltimore Ravens to host another “Clinic With The Pros” at the Clarion on 101st Street during their fourth annual Ravens Beach Bash. Participants can enjoy an hour of practice, instruction and contests. A couple Ravens players and cheerleaders will be making appearances.
“The NVL is thrilled to be part of the Ravens’ Beach Bash and bring another unique element to the weekend events,” Hannemann said. “We held our inaugural tournament at the Preakness Stakes back in 2011 and received tremendous support from the Maryland community so we’re excited to be back to share the beach volleyball lifestyle with local sports fans.”
The final day of competition begins at 9 a.m. Sunday, May 31, with the quarter and semi-finals of all age divisions taking place and the NVL pro finals tournament continuing as well.
The women’s championships take place at 3 p.m. with the men following at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday.
“Fans have an opportunity to watch world-class beach volleyball competitions in a festive and family-friendly atmosphere. It’s free to attend and fans can win fun prizes while hanging out on the beach,” Hannemann said.
A variety of contests and giveaways will take place at the tournament all weekend long including on social media sites. Fans will have the opportunity to win prizes from two of NVL’s main sponsors, Mikasa and Australian Gold, in addition to NVL gear.
Some prizes include Mikasa volleyballs signed by the NVL pros, Mikasa keychains, drawstring bags, bracelets, and Australian Gold will be providing sample sunscreen, bags, Frisbees and T-shirts.
General public admission is free and fans are asked to visit the information booth located at the tournament site to pick up an event ticket for entry to the bleacher area and to receive a complimentary gift upon arriving.
There will be VIP tickets available for purchase and they include a private area on center court, lunch and non-alcoholic beverages, an autographed NVL volleyball from the pros, free registration for the “Clinic with the Pros,” access to all evening player parties, a complimentary copy of VB Soul and the NVL Tour magazine.
VIP Tickets cost $50 for one day, $75 for the weekend and can be purchased at www.thenvl.webconnex.com/NVLVIPtickets.
Thousands of people pass through NVL tournaments on any given weekend and the tournament will be aired for free on the NVL Network. It can be watched live at www.thenvl.tv.
The Ocean City Championships are one of eight professional events for the NVL in 2015 and they will make stops in Florida, Milwaukee, Cincinnati, California and Seattle.
The National Volleyball League was established in 2010 and built by players who are united to create a sustainable future for pro beach volleyball in the United States.
NVL is the only national platform for current professionals and players of all levels to showcase their talents and pursue their goals in the sport.
The free to attend Ocean City championships will take place next weekend between Dorchester and Talbot Streets, May 29 and 30, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. On Sunday, May 31, volleyball tournaments will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the women’s final taking place at 3 p.m. and the men’s starting at 4:30 p.m.
All of the tournament details can be viewed at www.thenvl.com.
