I really don't know why I waited so long to go see a pro beach volleyball tournament, but I really wanted to see the beach dream team, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh before they stopped playing together. Not that it appears as if they're going to break up any time soon, but you never know. They've had a pretty amazing run so far.
The closest tour stop this year was in Cincinnati, at the Lindner Family Tennis Center across from Kings Island. Diana had just been there about two weeks ago to see a tennis tournament (the men) on the last stop before the US Open in New York. She was pretty amazed at the difference in atmosphere.
We seem to have redeemed a lot of karma points or something. First we were parked right by the gate on the first day, and on the way in, a couple randomly gave us their two extra VIP tickets. That included many free drinks, seats under the canopy, and a whole lot of Pringles, which was sponsoring. We got a free meal too, but did not redeem it unfortunately. And we couldn't use it the next day either. We even found seats right at the front of the VIP area. It was just one good thing after another for us.
And it was ridiculously festive. I remember that the AVP was in serious financial trouble several years ago, but I think they've really turned it around. They have the right mix of sponsorships, ticket pricing, free stuff and marketing to really succeed. It also helps that they have two superstars, which will hopefully tear it up next year at the Olympics. The only thing I can really fault them for is not having more dates in Ohio, which is probably second only to California in volleyball popularity.
We ended up seeing three matches with the Misty and Kerri, the quarter, semi and final. They seem to get off to a slow start, but by the second game, they completely dominate. Very fun to watch. While I still like the indoor game better, it is fun to see a team that thinks and is well beyond the hit it hard to win mentality.
We also saw the mens final on Saturday night. It was a close match, but it's not as exciting as the women. What was cool is that they had a little tribute for Karch Kiraly, who is retiring this year after 26 years. He's the undisputed King of The Beach. He's been injured, so he couldn't play, which is a bummer.
We stayed at this bed and breakfast called the Kirkwood Inn, which is actually more of a motel with a breakfast house. It was OK, even for me the hotel snob. We didn't really spend any significant time there anyway, and the price was right, under a hundred bucks. Not bad for a holiday weekend near Kings Island.
Overall, the AVP made me a fan, and I look forward to seeing them again. Maybe next time it'll be the tournament at Caesars Palace!
Lots-o-photos on Facebook.
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