The 2025 National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship is changing venues. Originally slated for Huntington Beach, California, the tournament will now be held in Gulf Shores, Alabama, from May 2-4. This decision was a mutual agreement between the NCAA and the Orange County Sports Commission, along with the host school Long Beach State.
The shift comes as Los Angeles County, approximately 50 miles north of Huntington Beach, continues recovery efforts. "In light of the ongoing recovery efforts...our focus is currently on ensuring hotel rooms and other resources remain focused on supporting those in need," explained Anthony Brenneman, Executive Director of the Orange County Sports Commission.
Gulf Shores, a familiar location for the championship, having hosted the event since its inception in 2016, was a natural alternative. "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. "Relocating the championship is in the best interest for all involved."
The University of Alabama at Birmingham will serve as the host school, partnering with Alabama's Beaches Sports & Events to organize the tournament. "When we were approached about this opportunity, we felt confident that we could provide a similar championship experience as in past years," said Beth Gendler, president and CEO of Alabama's Beaches Sports & Events. "Our community is excited to have the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship return to Gulf Shores."
This move comes after a recent announcement that Gulf Shores will host the championship from 2027 to 2031. Planned capital improvements for those future years include expanded spectator seating, additional hospitality space, and upgrades to the television compound, along with increased marketing resources and an enhanced student-athlete experience.
While Huntington Beach will not host the 2025 championship, they are still set to welcome the event in 2026. "Orange County is proud to host the future championship at Huntington Beach, with its world-famous backdrop," Brenneman stated. "We look forward to showing the NCAA beach volleyball community a positive championship experience." Details regarding ticket information for the Gulf Shores tournament will be released at a later date.
