Pro Beach Volleyball Descends Upon Manhattan for AVP NYC Open Thursday Through Sunday

NEW YORK - June 15, 2016 - PRLog -- Manhattan's Westside along Hudson River Park's Piers 25 & 26 will be transformed into a spectacular beach volleyball paradise as the top professional volleyball players in the nation descend upon the customized sand courts at the AVP (Association of Volleyball Professionals) NYC Open on June 16-19.

The best 32 men's and women's teams will battle along the Hudson River during three days of double-elimination main draw play (preceded by a one-day qualification round). Scheduled players include three-time Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings, Olympic silver medalist April Ross, Olympic gold medalist Phil Dalhausser as well as top nationally ranked players including Nick Lucena (Phil Dalhausser's partner) and brothers Taylor and Trevor Crabb.

In addition to the world's finest volleyball talent, the event doubles as the ultimate beach festival with fun interactive activities, high energy music, great food and more. The AVP NYC Open is the fifth stop on the AVP's 2016 schedule, and one of the last times fans can see the Olympians play before they head to Brazil. General Admission is Free. Premium packages and VIP seating can be purchased at https://avp.ticketspice.com/new-york-ticketing.

"As the countdown to Rio continues, we're excited to bring the AVP and our Olympians to New York City next week," said Donald Sun, Managing Partner of the AVP. "New York is an iconic sports town with premier professional teams, world-class stadiums and passionate fan base. We're thrilled to give New Yorkers who appreciate an entertaining atmosphere and superior play the opportunity to experience our incredible sport and amazing athletes up close."

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"We are excited to welcome the AVP New York City Open back to Pier 25/26 for an action-packed weekend of beach volleyball," said Fred Dixon, president and CEO of NYC & Company. "This great event will provide fans with the opportunity to see world-class athletes perform before they head to Brazil to compete in the Olympics. The event is free for spectators, so I encourage all visitors and New Yorkers to experience the event in person as well as explore Lower Manhattan's unparalleled shopping, dining, cultural and entertainment options."

Matches will be streamed live at www.avp. (http://www.avp.com/)com (http://www.avp.com/), with the men's and women's finals televised live on NBC. The schedule for the NYC Open is as follows:

• Thurs, June 16: 8am-6pm -- Qualifying Tournament
• Friday, June 17: 10:30am - 7pm -- Main Draw Opening Rounds
• Saturday, June 18: 10:30am-7pm -- Main Draw Elimination Rounds
• Sunday, June 19: 10am-6pm: Semi-Finals & Finals

The AVP thanks its partners: Barefoot, Jaybird, Samuel Adams, Smartypants Vitamins and Wilson for their support of the AVP NYC Open.

ABOUT THE AVP:

The AVP, entering its 33^rd season, is the premiere American professional beach volleyball tour and exclusive U.S. beach volleyball home of the nation's top male and female athletes, including those who have won gold, silver and bronze medals in the Olympic Games. Under the ownership of Donald Sun since 2012, the AVP held seven tournaments across the U.S. in 2014, eight in 2015 and is scheduled for eight more throughout 2016.