For decades, beach volleyball has conjured up images of sun-drenched beaches, salty breezes, and crowds lounging barefoot on warm sand. But in a bold twist on tradition, the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) is bringing the sand indoors — into the gleaming new Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. It’s an unexpected pairing: one of the most advanced arenas in the country and a sport defined by its open-air, laid-back vibe. But for players and fans alike, the move represents something bigger — a push to evolve the sport while keeping its unique spirit alive.
When the Intuit Dome officially opened its doors, it was celebrated as the new home for the Los Angeles Clippers. With its cutting-edge design, 18,000-seat capacity, and innovative fan amenities, it’s a symbol of modern sports entertainment. Now, with the AVP tour setting up a stop there, the Dome has become something else: a sand-filled stage for elite beach volleyball players to showcase their skills away from the elements.
For the athletes, the reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Many AVP players grew up playing on California’s iconic beaches, from Manhattan to Hermosa to Huntington. But as much as they love the ocean air, they also see the potential in shaking up tradition. “It’s a different vibe, for sure,” says Taylor Crabb, one of the AVP’s top-ranked players. “But at the end of the day, it’s the same game. You’re diving in the sand, you’re fighting for every point — it just happens to be under a roof.”
Crabb and his fellow competitors have good reason to be excited. Indoor venues eliminate one of beach volleyball’s biggest challenges: unpredictable weather. Rain delays, gusty winds, or blazing heat won’t be a factor in the Intuit Dome. That means fans are guaranteed a full day of matches without interruption, and players can focus entirely on their game. “Sometimes you play on the beach and the wind just takes over,” says Crabb. “It becomes a survival game. Indoors, it’s pure volleyball.”
From the AVP’s perspective, the Intuit Dome is more than just a venue — it’s a statement of ambition. The organization has been looking for ways to expand its reach beyond traditional beach communities. By bringing events to major arenas, the AVP hopes to attract new fans who might not spend their weekends at the shore but love high-energy sports. With modern amenities like giant video boards, luxury suites, and top-tier concessions, the Intuit Dome experience can draw in basketball fans, families, and newcomers curious to see beach volleyball in a new light.
Of course, there are logistical challenges in transforming a basketball arena into a beach volleyball court. For the Intuit Dome event, crews trucked in hundreds of tons of sand, building temporary courts that replicate the feel of beach play as closely as possible. The surface is carefully leveled and maintained to provide the same softness players expect when they dive and slide. “They did an amazing job,” says April Ross, a veteran Olympian and one of the sport’s biggest names. “It feels like the beach. You close your eyes, and you’d never know you’re in an arena.”
For fans, the indoor setting offers its own appeal. Instead of battling sunburns or squinting through glare, spectators can sit in cushioned seats with air conditioning and a perfect view of every rally. The proximity to the court — a benefit of an arena’s tiered seating — means more fans can feel right on top of the action, hearing the players communicate and reacting to every block and spike.
The move also hints at where beach volleyball could be headed as it continues to grow. Other countries, including Brazil and various European nations, have long experimented with indoor beach volleyball facilities for training and off-season tournaments. In the U.S., the AVP’s willingness to bring its marquee events into an arena like the Intuit Dome shows a desire to push the boundaries of what the sport can be.
Not everyone is convinced, though. Purists argue that removing beach volleyball from the actual beach strips away part of its soul — the atmosphere that makes it different from indoor volleyball. The ocean, the boardwalks, the spontaneous fans wandering over from a swim — those elements are irreplaceable. But players like Ross see it differently: “We’re not trying to replace the beach. We’re expanding it. The sand is still here. The passion is still here. If anything, we’re bringing our sport to people who might never have seen it otherwise.”
For now, the AVP’s experiment at the Intuit Dome is already generating buzz. Attendance numbers are strong, social media clips are going viral, and players are embracing the chance to perform on a bigger stage. As the tour continues to evolve, it’s likely we’ll see more events like this — a blend of tradition and innovation, all rooted in the same timeless game.
Whether on a sunlit coast or beneath a roof of steel and glass, the heart of beach volleyball remains the same: fierce competition, flying sand, and a tight-knit community of athletes and fans who love every second of it. The Intuit Dome may not have an ocean view, but it’s helping to prove that beach volleyball can thrive wherever there’s sand — and a
crowd ready to cheer.
