How the AVP League Turned Central Park Into a Beach Volleyball Hotspot

This past weekend in New York, I did what any sports fan would, I checked the schedule to see what sporting events were on. With no Yankees or Mets playing, something else caught my eye: an AVP League event right in the heart of Central Park. I clicked, and it turned out to be one of the best decisions I’ve made. I got to experience one of the most unique sports venues I’ve ever seen and witness firsthand one of the most underrated live sports anywhere.

But before I dive into the event itself, here’s a quick look at what makes the AVP League special.

Inside the AVP League

The AVP League (Association of Volleyball Professionals) is redefining professional beach volleyball in North America with a bold, city-based franchise model and a dual-championship format that blends team pride with individual excellence. Entering its second season this year, the league features eight city franchises, each fielding one men’s and one women’s duo, competing in a national tour that stops at iconic venues like Central Park in New York, the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles, and Oak Street Beach in Chicago. The regular season culminates in the AVP League Cup, awarded to the franchise with the strongest combined win-loss record across both gender divisions, celebrating consistency, teamwork, and all-season excellence.

The postseason brings a different kind of intensity with the AVP League Championships, where the top six duos per gender, based solely on regular season performance, regardless of franchise, battle in a single-elimination tournament for individual supremacy. Set against a backdrop of elite athletes, prime-time summer matchups, and national broadcasts, the AVP League delivers a dynamic product designed for fans, and athletes alike. With its unique blend of regional rivalries, star power, and high-stakes competition, the league isn’t just a showcase of elite volleyball, it’s a movement to grow the sport’s footprint, elevate its athletes, and transform how professional beach volleyball is played and experienced.

A Night of Beach Volleyball in Central Park

Now, let me take you inside what turned out to be one of the most electric live sports events I’ve ever attended. It all started as I walked into Central Park, heading toward Wollman Rink, the event’s home for the weekend. As I got closer, I caught the faint sound of a DJ, creating the perfect atmosphere for the night. Then I saw the line… wrapped around the park.

Once inside, I was blown away. The venue had been completely transformed into a full-fledged beach volleyball stadium. As fans kept pouring in, the energy kept building. By the time the national anthem wrapped and the players finished warming up, it was game time, and the action didn’t disappoint.

The league’s quick-fire sets to 15 made for non-stop, high-paced games. Big aces, soaring spikes, the level of play was off the charts. The four teams competing that night were the New York Nitro, Austin Aces, Palm Beach Passion, and San Diego Smash. The rosters were packed with Olympians, and it showed in the intensity and tight competition on the court. Even casual passersby in Central Park couldn’t help but stop and watch, lining the rink’s upper ledge or climbing onto nearby rocks just to catch a glimpse of the action.

As the night wrapped up, I couldn’t help but reflect on what made this event so special, both for the fans and for the sport.

More Than a Game Why This Event Stood Out

Simply put, this was one of the best live sports experiences I’ve ever had. From the unique venue to the high-paced action and the energy of the crowd, everything about it made for an unforgettable night.

What really stood out, though, was how accessible the players were. Throughout the event, they were in and around the crowd, taking photos, signing autographs, and genuinely interacting with fans whenever they could. It created an atmosphere that felt less like a pro sports event and more like a community experience, something you don’t often see at this level.

Credit to the AVP League, pulling off something like this takes serious planning and flawless execution, and they nailed both. I really believe this is the blueprint for growing niche sports. You can’t just host a great event and hope people find it, you have to bring the experience to where people already are. Central Park proved to be the perfect example of that.

It was a privilege to cover the event, and the AVP League definitely earned a new fan in me. Hopefully, they’ve earned one in you too.