South Australia’s sporting scene is about to hit new heights this summer, turning up the heat as the city comes alive with world-class action, electric crowds, and an unbeatable atmosphere. This November, the world’s biggest beach volleyball event, the Beach Volleyball World Championships, is touching down in the city, being held in Australia for the first time ever.
The Championships will transform Adelaide’s Riverbank Precinct into a place of global sporting and entertainment this spring. From November 14th to 23rd, The Drive and Pinky Flat (Tarntanya Wama) will welcome ten days of world-class competition, epic energy, and festival vibes.
The event is a huge milestone for the world of beach volleyball, as it is the first time the World Championships have ever been staged in the Southern Hemisphere, so you won’t want to miss your chance to help our Aussies bring home the medals. It’s also the biggest beach volleyball event since the Sydney 2000 Olympics, bringing Olympic-level athletes and all the action right to our doorstep. Almost 200 of the world’s best men’s and women’s players from more than 50 nations will compete across five courts in a display of skill, athleticism and celebration. There are 48 men’s and 48 women’s teams competing, giving fans the chance to rally behind their favourite Aussie teams and witness the next generation of stars to the occasion.
“We’re thrilled to bring a fresh and uniquely Australian interpretation of beach volleyball to life,” said Greg Bowman, Sr. Advisor, RWS Global. “From the drama on the sand to the energy of the festival site, our goal is to capture the essence of Adelaide and showcase it to the world through a lens deeply rooted in place, pride and party.”
“The signature of this Championships will be placing both athletes and fans at the centre of the event experience,” said Jenny Mann, CEO, FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships. “We’re delivering elite competition alongside an immersive festival like no other. Partnering with RWS Global, with their expertise, was a natural fit.”
If you’re not yet a beach volleyball fan, there’s way more to the event that is sure to appeal to you. This is a full-blown party on the sand, with music, DJs, and plenty of crowd interaction, where noise isn’t just welcome, it’s encouraged. The Drive, usually home to tennis, will be filled with sand and transformed into the ultimate centre court experience, while nearby Pinky Flat will become the city’s own ‘CBD’, aka Central Beach District. This will be complete with food, drinks, entertainment and beachside activations.
The excitement kicks off in style with the Green & Gold Super Sessions on opening night, Friday, November 14th. Here, Australia’s top men’s and women’s teams will take on some of the world’s best. Plus, an Olympic medallist will make a special appearance to celebrate the sport’s global reach and the local fans getting in on the action.
More than 300,000 Australians already play beach volleyball, and around the world, it’s one of the most-watched sports, ranking among the top five sports for broadcast viewership at the Paris Olympics. Now it’s our chance to experience it live.
Fans across Australia can also tune in for free, with the tournament streamed live and on demand via SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand. There will also be behind-the-scenes coverage on SBS digital platforms.
If you’re keen to get in on all the action even more, the event is asking for 350 volunteers. They’re calling on sports fans, students, and everyone in between. There’s no volleyball expertise needed, just enthusiasm and a great attitude.
Tickets start from $25 for adults and $12.50 for children, with premium hospitality experiences also available. There’s a record 9 Australian teams will proudly wear the green and gold, including Olympic silver medalist Taliqua Clancy, Commonwealth Games gold medalist Paul Burnett and Olympians Mark Nicoladis, Izac Carracher, Tom Hodges and Zach Schubert. So, head to the city and sink your toes in the sand this November. The Beach Volleyball World Championships is a world-class event celebrating all things sport and culture.
AUSTRALIAN TEAMS
Women
- Taliqua Clancy (QLD, 33) / Jana Milutinovic* (SA, 24)
- Georgia Johnson* (QLD, 27yo / Lizzie Alchin* (WA, 21yo)
- Stefie Fejes* (NSW, 20yo) / Jasmine Fleming* (QLD, 22yo)
- Kayla Mears* (QLD, 22yo) / Tara Phillips* (QLD, 24yo)
Men
- Mark Nicolaidis (QLD, 25yo) / Izac Carracher (NSW, 26yo)
- Jack Pearse* (SA, 23yo) / D’artagnan Potts* (SA, 22yo)
- Ben Hood* (QLD, 21yo) / Oliver Merritt* (SA, 24yo)
- Paul Burnett (WA, 27yo) / Thomas Hodges (VIC, 31yo)
- Luke Ryan* (QLD, 20yo) / Zachery Schubert (SA, 29yo)
*World Championships debut.
Beach Volleyball World Championships
When: November 14th to 23rd
Where: Centre Court – The Drive, Adelaide, War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide, SA and The Festival – Pinky Flat / Tarntanya Wama, Adelaide, Park 26, War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide, SA
Price: From $25 for adults and $12.50 for children
To check out the match schedule, click here.
For more information, click here.
WIN a PREMIUM RESERVED DOUBLE PASS to the Beach Volleyball World Championships.
More News
