NCAA announces beach volleyball championship returning home to Gulf Shores for 2027 and 2028

Image courtesy of Gulf Shores | Orange Beach Sports & Events

The NCAA's 2027 and 2028 National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championships are coming back to Gulf Shores | Orange Beach Sports & Events and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. The collegiate event has taken place in Gulf Shores, Alabama, since the championship’s inception in 2016 and will temporarily move to Huntington Beach, California, for 2025 and 2026.

“The NCAA is thrilled to return to Gulf Shores in 2027 and 2028 for the NCAA National Collegiate Beach Volleyball Championship,” said Kristin Fasbender, director of championships and alliances with the NCAA. “The Gulf Shores community has been incredibly supportive of this championship from the very beginning. Their commitment to providing an outstanding experience for our student-athletes and fans continues to shine through each and every year. We know Gulf Shores’ white sand beaches and warm hospitality will continue to provide an amazing place to showcase these outstanding student-athletes and championship!"

The championship has grown each year in Gulf Shores and is a collaborative effort among host destination GSOB Sports & Events, host institution UAB and host site Gulf Shores Public Beach. In 2024, the championship saw a total attendance record of 12,769 (an 8.9% increase over 2023) and a total revenue record of $325,416 (a 20.29% increase over 2023).

“We are pleased to have the opportunity to host the NCAA Beach Volleyball National Championship on our beaches once again," said Gulf Shores Mayor Robert Craft. "It is an honor to host this caliber of event and showcase our community on a national championship stage. We are thankful for the NCAA's continued trust in our team and look forward to welcoming the teams and fans back to the most beautiful venue in sports—Gulf Shores Public Beach—in 2027.”

To learn more about the NCAA and read the full announcement, go to ncaa.com. For information on upcoming athletic and major leisure events along Alabama’s Beaches, visit alabamabeaches.com/sports.