NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship 2026 returns to Gulf Place Beach in Gulf Shores, Alabama! This great event brings amazing athletes from across the country to compete for the championship on our sugar white sand steps from the Gulf.
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NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship in Gulf Shores
2026 Dates - May 1 -3rd
Location - Gulf Place Beach
2026 Schedule of Events
All times are Central Time. Times may change due to weather delays - confirm the current schedule at NCAA.com before your visit.
Friday May 1st
- 8 am - Gates open to the Public
- 9 am - 5 pm - Duals
- 9 am - Dual 1
- 10 am - Dual 2
- 11 am - Dual 3
- 12 pm - Dual 4
- 1 pm - Dual 5
- 2 pm - Dual 6
- 3 pm - Dual 7
- 4 pm - Dual 8
Saturday May 2nd
- 8 am - Gates open to the Public
- 9 am - 1 pm - Quarterfinal Matches
- 9 am - Quarterfinal 1
- 10 am - Quarterfinal 2
- 11 am - Quarterfinal 3
- 12 pm - Quarterfinal 4
- 1 pm & 2:30 pm - Semifinal Matches
- 1 pm - Semifinal 1
- 2 pm - Semifinal 2
Sunday May 3rd
- 10:30 am - Gates open to Public
- 11:30 am - National Championship Match
All times are central time and may change if there are weather delays.
NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship in Gulf Shores Tickets
Several ticket options are available for the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship. Purchase tickets in advance, as the championship match and popular sessions sell out.
NCAA Fan Experience - Elevated covered seating area with views of Championship Court. Includes a commemorative championship tote, the 2026 official program, complimentary snacks, Coke products, and a full-service cash bar.
All-Session Courtside Ticket - This ticket gets your first come first served seats courtside. There is tiered seating on courts 1-3 and beach chairs seating on courts 4 and 5 (photos below).
All Session General Admission - This pass gets you first-come, first-served seats on the bleachers set up at each court.
Day Passes - Purchase individual day passes that give you access to that specfic days matches.
Fan 4 Pack - This ticket group includes four general admission day passes for the Championship match on Sunday, May 3rd
Seating Options
NCAA Fan Experience - Elevated covered seating area with the best views of Championship Court.
Courtside Seats - Beach chairs set up along each of the volleyball courts. Courts 1- 3 have raised folding chairs also.
General Admission - Raised bleacher seats available at each court. Bring a towel or sweatshirt to make sure you have a soft spot to sit and block any hot spots on the bleachers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know what teams are playing?
The NCAA will release the selections on Sunday April 26th at 1 pm et on NCAA.com,
How many teams will be competing?
There will be 16 teams competing in the championships. 8 of those teams will automatically make it via conference championships.
Where to watch the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship on TV
NCAA Beach Volleyball championship is played on the ESPN network channels.
- First round: Friday, May 1 on ESPN2
- Every individual court of every dual starting on Friday will be streamed live on ESPN+
- Second round: Saturday, May 2 on ESPN 2
- Semifinals: Saturday, May 2 on ESPN 2
- Championship match: Sunday, May 3 on ESPN
What is the other volleyball event happening near the NCAA tournament?
Next to the NCAA Tournament to the west you can catch junior sand volleyball athletes competing in the 2026 Gulf Coast Region BeachFest - National Beach Tour National Qualifier event.
A great extra layer of volleyball action for the weekend if you want to see the next generation of players competing alongside the college championship.
Why you will love NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship
- Top 16 college beach volleyball programs competing for the national title
- Multiple ticket options including courtside seats and the NCAA Fan Experience
- Every session broadcast on ESPN network, catch what you miss from your condo
- Junior sand volleyball competition happening simultaneously next door
- Gulf Place Beach is one of the most beautiful sports venues in the country
- Great for families, sports fans, and anyone who wants something exciting happening on the beach
- Early May weather on the Alabama Gulf Coast is typically perfect for outdoor events
Things to know when planning to attend the NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship Matches in Gulf Shores
Address
Volleyball matches are heald at Gulf Place Beach
101 E Beach Blvd, Gulf Shores
Accessibility
Parking - There is ADA Parking available in the Surfstyle Parking lot directly across Beach Blvd from the tournament. This parking is first come first served. There is a crosswalk at the intersection to reach the main entrance to the tournament.
Plus Size Seating
The courtside seats are either folding chairs or lower to the sand beach chairs. It is going to be up to each person how comfortable they are getting down into the beach chair or sitting on a folding chair.
The bleachers have steps to get up to each level but are fairly comfortable.
Dress Code/Suggestions
Layers are going to be your best friend for this volleyball weekend. Our weather the 1st part of May can be a little bit of everything and then some surprises thrown in.
While we always hope for gorgeous blue skies and sunshine there is a chance we could have cool mornings, a spring thunderstorm, or a freak wind event come through. Dressing in layers will help you prepare and not have to run to a souvenir shop for a sweatshirt...unless you want the excuse for a cute new top.
This event is on the sand! You will get sand in your shoes and clothes most likely. Please wear something that is comfortable and not going to get ruined by sand, sweat, or rain.
Pets
Only service animals are permitted inside the tournament space.
Parking
There is paid parking available near the volleyball matches. Many homeowners will have signs in their yards with rates for parking in their driveways/yards.
What you can bring with you
Attendees can bring a small bag or backpack along with beach towels. There will be consessions set up inside the tournament space if you need a snack or drinks.
Make sure to be prepared for the hot Alabama Gulf Coast SUN!!! Even if the weather is cooler, the UV index can be high, and it does not take long to get a sunburn. Trust me, I learned this lesson the hard way when we first moved to Gulf Shores.
Bring an empty water bottle! There will be a water station available to fill your bottle.
Prohibited Items
Security will check bags and anything you try to carry into the tournament space.
- Large bags
- Outside food or drink
- Coolers and glass containers
- Beach chairs
- Tents
- Hammocks
- Umbrellas
- Drones
- Video cameras and professional photo equipment
- Pets other than service animals
- Illegal substances
- Weapons of any kind
Future Dates for NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship in Gulf Shores
- 2027 - May 7 - 9
- 2028 - May 5 - 7
- 2029 - May 4 - 6
- 2030 - May 3-5
- 2031 - May 2 -4
Gulf Shores Restaurants and Attractions nearby
The Hangout Gulf Shores - Steps from the volleyball venue on the beach. Live music, foam parties, award-winning wings, Gulf seafood, and one of the most fun beach atmospheres on the Alabama coast.
Shrimp Basket Gulf Shores - A local Gulf Shores institution for casual seafood. Great shrimp baskets and a relaxed atmosphere.
DeSoto's Seafood Kitchen - A local favorite near the beach with great lunch specials and fresh Gulf seafood. A 10-minute walk from the venue.
Island Pancake House - Build-your-own pancakes, Belgian waffles, and omelets with beach views. A great championship weekend breakfast stop.
Picnic Beach Gulf Shores - Fun casual restaurant right near the beach with great photo opportunities. Don't miss the outdoor swings.
Sunliner Diner Gulf Shores - A 1950s retro diner with great comfort food, epic milkshakes, and the famous Jukebox Burger. A 9-minute walk from the venue.
Shrimpy's Grill and Golf - Great food plus a fun mini golf course right in the neighborhood. The shrimp are huge and the atmosphere is fun.
Additional Gulf Shores Articles
Unique Things to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - One-of-a-kind experiences on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
Best Breakfast in Gulf Shores - Top breakfast spots to fuel up before championship day.
Things to Do in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach with Kids - Family-friendly activities for all ages around the tournament.
Best Parasailing Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - A great add-on activity for championship weekend.
Orange Beach and Gulf Shores Restaurants on the Beach - Every waterfront restaurant worth knowing about on the Alabama Gulf Coast.
What's New in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach - New restaurants, attractions, and things to do updated regularly.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Tours
These are some of our favorite tours available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach, Alabama.
Dolphin Tours - Book a dolphin cruise here
Check out our experiences on Hammock Time Tiki Tours, Explorer Dolphin Cruise, Southern Rose Dolphin cruise, Cruise OB (Orange Beach), Sail Wild Hearts, Sunset Sail and Dolphin Tour, and the Sunny Lady Dolphin Cruise.
Slingshot Rentals - Use code GULFJOURNEY To save 10% off a Slingshot Rental with Gulf Coast Rental Co in Orange Beach
Pontoon Boat Rentals - Enjoy cruising the waters of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach on a Pontoon. Check out the pontoon boats with slides for extra fun. Book your Boat Rental Here
Parasailing - Check out the epic views as you parasail in the Gulf of Mexico. Look for wildlife and you float high above the water. Book your Parasailing Trip Here
Jet Ski Rentals - Jet Ski Tours and rentals are a great way to explore the back bays of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Book your Jet Ski Rental Here
Click here to see all of the top rated tours and activities available in Gulf Shores and Orange Beach.
Gulf Shores & Orange Beach Lodging
If you are visiting and need to book accommodations, here are our recommendations. We have personally stayed at each of these lodging options (except Margaritaville, coming 2027!):
Use code GULFJOURNEY at checkout with Spectrum Resorts and Beachball Properties for an exclusive discount!
🏖️ Beachball Properties - Vacation houses and condos throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount. Book with Beachball Properties
🏖️ The Beach Club Resort and Spa (Fort Morgan) - Beachfront condos with amazing amenities, a spa, and the incredible Coast Restaurant on-site. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book The Beach Club
🏖️ Turquoise Place (Orange Beach) - Our favorite resort in the area! Luxury amenities, epic Gulf-front views, and stunning condos. Truly unforgettable. Use Code GULFJOURNEY for a discount with Spectrum Resorts. Book Turquoise Place
🏨 The Tides Hotel (Orange Beach) - Gorgeous beachfront hotel with a great breakfast buffet, outdoor pool, and top-notch customer service. Book The Tides
🏨 Island House Hotel (Orange Beach) - Right on the beach with epic views from every room. Book Island House
⛺ Timberline Glamping (Orange Beach) - Stay in an amazing glamping tent with a private bathroom, right next to Gulf State Park. Book Timberline
🏨 The Lodge at Gulf State Park - Beachfront Hilton hotel in Gulf State Park offering epic views, sustainable practices, and great on-site restaurants. Book The Lodge
🏨 Springhill Suites Orange Beach - Located next to The Wharf with a gorgeous pool. Perfect location for shopping and dining. Book Springhill Suites
🔜 Margaritaville Resort Orange Beach (Coming 2027) - The highly anticipated Margaritaville resort is coming to Orange Beach! The first phase opens in 2027 and will include beachfront cottages, bungalows, condos, pickleball courts, and an entertainment district.
The map below shows the current hotels and vacation rentals available in the area. You can select the dates you are visiting to see current availability.
Don't miss our other Gulf Coast destinations, including Gulf Shores, Orange Beach, Dauphin Island, Fairhope, Fort Morgan, Foley, Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and so many more!
We also have articles on the Emerald Coast of Florida, including Destin, Fort Walton Beach, Pensacola Beach, Navarre Beach, Panama City Beach, Perdido Key, Pensacola, and more.
Keep an eye out for articles on the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, and Florida!
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