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Welcome to the AVP Hermosa
Beach Open!
Ma 18-20 Hermosa Beach
Pier
Spectators take a seat right by the action on the beach.
AVP Pros Adam Jewell
Collin Smith at The Underground Pub, after pounding the ball.
• Manhattan
Open
• Hermosa
Beach Bar Guide
The beach is a
bash for the Association of Volleyball Professionals, which in 2007
took place from May 18-20.
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 court
in '07 and the view from the Pier on Sunday.
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 begin.
Otherwise, it's watching it on the jumbotron at the Strand and Pier
Ave.
 The
parties begin before the matches are completed on Friday. Pier Avee.,
is set up perfectly for this purpose, with bars lining the parth to
the beach.
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.
On Saturday in '07 the place to party was Patrick Molloy's –
a fun, beach-looking crowd crowded into the place and it was jumping.
In fact, PubClub set up shop and spent practically the entire day camped
out at a table. It was a good call, too!
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.
Team PubClub partying
at Patrick Molloy's on Friday. And all day Saturday.
PubClub's players
behind the The Underground Pub.
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. On the
men's side, top-seeded Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers took the
big prize.
There was change for '07 and it involved tickets. Yes, tickets for
seats onthe sand in California! Grandstands were still free but it cost
$40 for courtside seats on the weekend.
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.
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.
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.
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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