From Sand to Stadium: AVP Stars Serve Up Excitement Inside Intuit Dome’s Beach Volleyball Debut…Read More…
In an unexpected twist that merges the sun-soaked spirit of the beach with the cutting-edge infrastructure of modern sports arenas, the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) has officially brought beach volleyball indoors—right into the heart of the gleaming Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
The historic move, marking the first time a professional beach volleyball event has taken place inside a major multi-purpose arena like the Intuit Dome, has both fans and players buzzing with excitement. Known more as the future home of the Los Angeles Clippers, the Dome was temporarily transformed into a sandy battleground this weekend, offering a unique experience that AVP players and beach volleyball enthusiasts are calling nothing short of revolutionary.
A New Era of Indoor Sand
As crowds filed into the Intuit Dome, there was a palpable energy in the air. Thousands gathered not for basketball or a concert—but to witness an AVP showdown unlike any before. Underneath the dome’s massive video board and LED-lit walls, workers had hauled in over 300 tons of sand to create regulation courts, complete with palm trees, tropical music, and even faux ocean breezes to capture the quintessential beach vibe.
“This isn’t just a gimmick,” said AVP CEO Al Lau, who has been at the forefront of revitalizing the tour in recent years. “This is about evolution. About bringing beach volleyball into the mainstream, putting it in venues that match the energy and passion of our athletes. The Intuit Dome represents that ambition perfectly.”
The venue’s technological advantages also played a role. With a state-of-the-art air circulation system, customizable lighting, and an immersive 360-degree screen surrounding the upper deck, fans were treated to slow-motion replays, in-game stats, and player interviews, all while watching their favorite duos dive, spike, and serve just feet away.
Players React to the Shift
For many AVP players, stepping onto the sand inside the Dome was surreal.
“I’ve played on beaches in Brazil, Croatia, and all along the California coast,” said AVP champion and Olympian Kelly Cheng. “But walking into this arena and seeing a beach built from the ground up—it’s jaw-dropping. It feels like we’ve taken a huge step forward in how our sport can be presented.”
Her partner, Sara Hughes, echoed the sentiment. “The atmosphere is electric. It’s different from the beach, of course, but the energy is something else. You can feel every cheer bounce off the walls—it’s intense in a great way.”
Even veteran players, some initially skeptical of playing indoors, admitted to being won over.
“I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure how it would translate,” said 44-year-old AVP legend Phil Dalhausser, who came out of semi-retirement for the exhibition. “But once I stepped into the sand and heard the roar of the crowd inside, I got chills. This could be the future.”
Fan Experience Elevated
Fans, too, were treated to more than just a match. The AVP transformed the Dome into a summer festival-like atmosphere, with food trucks lining the outer concourse, DJs spinning beach tunes, and pop-up shops selling everything from AVP gear to artisan beachwear.
“I brought my two kids, and they’re having the time of their lives,” said Rebecca Garcia, a longtime volleyball fan from Long Beach. “It’s like a beach party mixed with an NBA game. We’ll definitely come back.”
Interactive zones allowed fans to test their own skills at mini courts, participate in giveaways, and even meet players after matches. The Dome’s massive video board kept the action close-up for those seated farthest from the sand, while augmented reality features let attendees follow stats and shot trajectories live on their phones.
A Vision Beyond the Dome
This inaugural event inside the Intuit Dome isn’t just a one-off. According to Lau and AVP executives, this is the beginning of a broader vision.
“We’re looking at taking beach volleyball on the road—indoors,” Lau said. “There’s no reason we can’t play in arenas in cities like Chicago, Dallas, or New York, even during winter. With the right setup, sand can be transported and courts constructed quickly. The goal is to make AVP a year-round sport.”
Already, discussions are underway for a potential winter indoor series that would tour major U.S. cities with indoor arenas, allowing fans in colder climates to experience beach volleyball in ways previously unimaginable.
The Future Is Now
What once seemed like a contradiction—beach volleyball indoors—has now been reimagined as an exciting possibility. The AVP’s successful leap into the Intuit Dome has set a precedent that could redefine the sport’s accessibility, audience reach, and mainstream appeal.
“It’s about breaking boundaries,” Cheng said after their match. “If you can play beach volleyball in a dome, what else is possible?”
As the final serve soared through the air and landed just inside the line, fans erupted, not just for the game-winning point—but for what it represented: the start of something bold, bright, and entirely new in the world of beach volleyball.
One thing is certain—the sand has settled, but the ripple effects of this weekend will be felt across the sporting world for years to come.
Leave a Reply