Beach volleyball in an NBA arena? You better believe it.
AVP's Bold Move
Devon Newberry walked into the Intuit Dome and felt it. Not just the thump of pop anthems or the glow of the halo scoreboard. She felt like a true professional. For a sport used to sun-drenched beaches, this was a game-changer. "I feel like a professional athlete walking in," Newberry said. And just like that, beach volleyball stepped into the spotlight.
Sand in the Dome
In a move that had players scratching their heads, 300 tons of sand turned the Clippers’ home into a pop-up beach. The L.A. Launch took full advantage. Megan Kraft and Terese Cannon opened with a dominating win, while Hagen Smith and Logan Webber closed it out. They dismantled the San Diego Smash, showing no mercy. And from there... it was over.
New Fans, New Challenges
The sport's move indoors wasn't just about atmosphere. No wind meant the court became a power chamber. Higher jumps, blistering serves, and spikes that wouldn't drift wide. Rallies were fast and furious, keeping the crowd on edge. "It feels like more of an even playing field," Newberry noted.
A New Era for Beach Volleyball
With cushioned seats replacing makeshift bleachers, parents and kids flocked to see the action. Chase Budinger, former NBA star, sees it as a turning point. "This will get more people in the stands," Budinger said. "It's so new and so different."
Beach volleyball isn't just growing—it's evolving. And the Intuit Dome might just be the start. That'll do it.
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Source: latimes.com
