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Welcome to the AVP Hermosa
Beach Open!
June 5-8, Hermosa Beach
Pier
Spectators take a seat right by the action on the beach.
• Manhattan
Open
• Hermosa
Beach Bar Guide
The beach is a
bash for the Association of Volleyball Professionals, which in 2008
was held June 5-8.
For three days, the area in and around Pier Ave., is alive with action
and bars are packed to capacity. By the time the sand settles, more
than 50,000 people visit, spending the days enjoying the beach, the
sunshine, and a seaside sport at its best.
In other words, it's pure Southern California.
Action on the sand
and the view from the Pier.
The play starts Thursday and runs through the men's final on Sunday.
Tip: For the semis and especially the men's and women's semifinals on
the main stadium court, get a seat an hour before the matches start.
In 2008, the AVP charged $20 for entrance to courts 1, 2 and stadium court, and $40 for a reserved ticket. That was for each day, including Friday. Yes, tickets for
seats on the sand in California!
Outer courts were still free, but obviously most major matches were placed on the paid courts. This is a major change from the days when all the action was free, which seemed to best fit this beach volleyball community. As a result, many people passed up the sand scene and instead filled up the bars along the Pier. Nearly all had lines by 2 p.m.
 Still for the AVP, the
parties begin before the matches are completed on Friday. Pier Ave.,
is set up perfectly for this purpose, with bars lining the parth to
the beach. It's the perfect setup to a very Southern California event.
The patio at Patrick Molloy's is also popular and after the
beach, take a break at The Underground behind 15th and Hermosa
Ave. It is more spacious than any bar on Pier Ave., but is no less fun.
For Vegas lounge seekers, Blue 32 is the high-end place to hang
at night after hangin' at the beach during the day. Sangria hosts a players and officials party Sunday. Usually it's open to the public. For future events, the addition of Sharkeez will certainly be center court for the bar action.
The PubClub Party Group plays their own game after the finals.
On the beach, people walk up and sit on the sand and in beach chairs.
The best viewing for volleyball is Friday when even the top pros are
playiing on outer courrts and getting right up to the action is as easy
as throwing down a beach towel. Bring snacks and lunch (drinks in plastic
cups!) and make a day of it.
Of most significance on the sand in 2007 was when Misty May-Treanor
became the women's all-time leader in beach volleyball victories. Teamed
with Kerri Walsh, she scored her 73rd career title. T-shirts
marking the milestone were passed out to everyone in the crowd. In 2008, the duo defended their title while Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers won their third consecutive men's Hermosa Open.
Saturday, the matches move to the main grandstand court in the afternoon.
Finding a seat can be difficult late in the day. Sunday, the women''s
final, followed by the men's final, are always packed so savvy fans
get a seat early. Southern Californians really do enjoy their beach
volleyball.
AVP Pros Adam Jewell
Collin Smith at The Underground Pub, after pounding the ball.
To be sure, they also enjoy their partying. All weekend, the city's
bars are as crowded as the grandstands. It's a prime party atmosphere,
perfect for people like PubClubbers.
AVP Hermosa Volleyball Tournametn Photos
The stands are packed
for the finals with knowledgable SoCal fans.
Punding a spike into the soft Hermosa sand.
Beach-front property:
Fans view from the "stands on the sand."
Collin played well
but after getting elimiated, it was time to party!
Hermosa Beach AVP Player's Party photos.
PubClub's players
behind the The Underground Pub.
The beach party
continues when players and fans leave the beach.
Part of the lovely
crowd at The Underground. Jack
Fleming Photography.
USC football coach Pete Carrol was at the tournament.
 Ride
the Party Bus to the Hermosa Beach Bar Guide
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