USAV, IMG to Produce Manhattan Beach Open

B.J. Hoeptner Evans
Manager, Media Relations and Publications
Phone: (719) 228-6800
E-Mail: bj.evans@usav.org

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (June 14, 2011) – A Manhattan Beach City Council vote on June 7 approved an agreement to allow USA Volleyball and IMG to produce the Manhattan Beach Open, probably the best known and most historic beach volleyball tournament in the world.

USAV and IMG, along with the city of Manhattan Beach, will run their first Open on Aug. 26-28, 2011, which will mark the 51st year of the event. The California Beach Volleyball Association (CBVA) will conduct a qualifying event the weekend before the Manhattan Beach Open.

The Manhattan Beach Open, considered the Masters of beach volleyball, is the sport’s premier event, with winners memorialized on bronze plaques in the "Volleyball Walk of Fame," which spans the length of the Manhattan Beach Pier.

“The Manhattan Beach Open is the one tournament that all players want to play in, but only one team can win to get their names on the Pier,” said Sinjin Smith, who won his first Manhattan Beach title in 1979 and went on to win it six more times. “It is a historical tournament and I know everyone is excited that the USAV and IMG are highlighting this event as one of the biggest pro events of the year.”

Photo: Courtesy of Art Couvillon A large crowd watches Henry Bergman hit a set from Ron Von Hagen as Larry Rundle blocks at the 1970 Manhattan Beach Open. Along with Smith, past winners of the event include a who’s who of U.S. beach volleyball greats: Karch Kiraly, Mike Bright, Mike O’Hara, Ron Von Hagen, Mike Dodd, Tim Hovland, Kent Steffes, Randy Stoklos, Kathy Gregory, Kathy Hanley, Patty Dodd, Linda Chisholm, Jackie Silva, Angela Rock, Karolyn Kirby, Holly McPeak, Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh, Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers.

"The Manhattan Open was the precursor to everything that has developed in beach volleyball including the Olympics,” said Mike Dodd, who won six titles at Manhattan Beach. “To see USAV taking an active role in the Open and beach volleyball in general can only be viewed in a positive light. Through all the ups and downs of our game, the Manhattan Open has stood the test of time. Hopefully it will again help usher in a new era of prosperity for the players, sponsors and fans."

“The City of Manhattan Beach is happy to have USA Volleyball and IMG running the Manhattan Beach Open in 2011,” said Richard Gill, director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Manhattan Beach. “We believe these two organizations will put on an event that is both exciting and professional.”

“I am extremely pleased that USA Volleyball will be able to partner with IMG Action Sports and produce this iconic beach volleyball event and allow the wonderful traditions of Manhattan Beach to continue uninterrupted,” USAV CEO Doug Beal said. “We are committed to expanding our beach volleyball presence and it’s a privilege to associate with the city of Manhattan Beach for this very special and unique event.”

The USAV Beach National Rankings will be used for seeding players. To view the rankings, visit usavolleyball.org.

The California Beach Volleyball Association (CBVA) will also be involved in helping players qualify for the Manhattan Beach Open.

"The CBVA is pleased to enhance our relationship with USA Volleyball and provide a clear pathway to the highest levels of beach volleyball competition,” CBVA President Chris Brown said. “The CBVA ‘All Levels of Play’ schedule of events, in conjunction with the CBVA/USAV qualifiers, provides each player with the opportunity to achieve their own individual goals."

To view a complete list of men’s Manhattan Beach winners, click here.

To view a complete list of women’s Manhattan Beach winners, click here.

About IMG: IMG Worldwide is a global sports, entertainment and media business, with nearly 3,000 employees operating in 30 countries around the globe. IMG’s areas of expertise are diverse and wide ranging: IMG College; IMG’s Joint Ventures in China, Brazil and India; IMG Media; IMG Events and Federations; IMG Fashion; IMG Models; IMG Art+Commerce; IMG Clients; IMG Academies; IMG Action Sports; IMG Consulting and IMG Licensing. More information is available at http://www.imgworld.com/. Follow us on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/IMG_Worldwide and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/IMG-Worldwide/170099283015889.

About USA Volleyball: Founded in 1928, USA Volleyball is a Colorado incorporated non-profit organization recognized by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and the Federation International de Volleyball (FIVB) as the National Governing Body for the sport of Volleyball in the United States. USA Volleyball is responsible for both the Olympic disciplines of indoor volleyball and beach volleyball. USA Volleyball has over 262,000 registered members, 12,000 teams and 5,300 clubs nationwide. With an annual budget in excess of $18 million dollars, USA Volleyball supports the USA men’s and women’s senior national team programs, youth and junior national teams, national championship events, coaching education and certification programs, grassroots development, and programs for the disabled and Paralympic Teams. USA Volleyball has a rich tradition of success as evidenced by winning an Olympic medal in every Olympic Games since 1984 and capturing numerous World Cup, World Championship and Continental Championship titles. USA Volleyball is committed to and works toward opportunity for all to participate. It is an advocate for all Americans endeavoring to assure universal access to opportunities at all levels of the game. For more information please visit www.usavolleyball.org.

Tags: Doug Beal, Manhattan Beach Open, Mike Dodd, Sinjin Smith