Superb Setting for Vallarta Beach Volleyball Open FIVB
go to original May 3, 2014

Nearly 15,000 fans are expected to attend the tournament, which is the most important event in Puerto Vallarta in recent years.

The temporary stadium that will host the battles of the most powerful beach volleyball pairs in the world during the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Puerto Vallarta Open is close to completion.

Nearly 45 workers began construction on Monday on the 3,000 capacity stadium that will host third FIVB Volleyball World Tour event of the year, which starts on Tuesday and runs until Sunday.

The process of setting up the venue included importing clean sand, establishing offices for the anti-doping test area, a press room, VIP area, athlete rest area, medical service room, hydration zone and an area for the referees. The technology team also needed to enable connectivity to service the media, the FIVB and TV production.

On Saturday, flags were raised for the 26 countries that will be represented by the beach volleyball teams.

A press conference will take place Sunday, with local media and Mayor, Ramon Martinez Guerrero present.

Nearly 15,000 fans are expected to attend the tournament, which is the most important event in Puerto Vallarta in recent years.

While it will be the first FIVB international event in Puerto Vallarta, it will be the fifth time the country has hosted a FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour event. It will be the second of seven double-gender Open events on the 2014 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour schedule.

Previously, Acapulco had FIVB World Tour events in 1999, 2005 and 2006 and Rosarito Beach hosted a FIVB World Tour stop in 2000. In the first four events in Mexico, Brazil and the United States captured all but three of the 24 total medals.

The eleven FIVB Beach Volleyball Opens on the 2014 FIVB World Tour include seven double-gender, two men-only and two women-only tournaments, adding numerous possibilities for athletes to compete in high quality, FIVB international competition. Over the course of the year more Open events could be added to the schedule, ensuring that all five Confederations will host an FIVB event in 2014.

Read related: Mexico's Puerto Vallarta Hosts its First FIVB Beach Volleyball Open