The Best Beach Volleyball Players in the World Headed to Atlanta

For immediate release: June 29

Contact: Matt Garvey, 404-586-8496

AVP Atlanta Open Ready to Hit the Sand

The Best Beach Volleyball Players in the World Headed to Atlanta

Tickets Now on Sale

ATLANTA – Two thousand tons – approximately four million pounds – of high-quality sand was delivered this week to Atlanta’s new Atlantic Station development in preparation for the AVP Atlanta Open, July 6-9. The best male and female professional beach volleyball players in the world will hit Atlanta’s “17th Street Beach” for four days of AVP CROCS Tour competition that is as much beach party as volleyball tournament.

“The AVP CROCS Tour is a fast-growing lifestyle-type sport with a tremendous fan base,” said Gary Stokan, Atlanta Sports Council president. “If you’re looking for an up-beat, fast-paced sport that’s all about sand, sun and fun, this is a can’t-miss event.”

Tickets for the AVP Atlanta Open are now available online at www.AVP.com for the two Friday sessions (July 7), the two Saturday sessions (July 8) and the Sunday Finals session (July 9). Admission to the Thursday qualifying session (July 6) is free.

Following completion of the sand load-in, a 3,000-seat main court stadium will be built to house the featured matches and the men’s and women’s finals.

Teams expected to compete include the top-ranked women’s pair in the world, Misty May-Treanor and Kerri Walsh, the top-ranked men’s duo, Phil Dalhauser and Todd Rogers. Atlanta-area native Ty Loomis and partner Ed Ratledge (11th ranked) are also expected to appear.

In addition to the great on-court action, fans can expect an abundance of off-court entertainment options to keep them occupied. The tournament’s interactive sponsor booths will include music, Xbox gaming stations, volleyball speed serve, swimsuit modeling, AVP CROCS Tour merchandise, and even a Paul Mitchell booth where fans can get a quick haircut in between matches.

“The AVP Atlanta Open is going to be a non-stop blur of activity. Just make sure to bring your shades and plenty of sun screen,” Stokan said.

The AVP CROCS Tour is comprised of the best men’s and women’s pro beach volleyball players in the U.S. and the world. Featuring more than 150 of the sport’s top competitors, the Tour includes world-class athletes such as 2004 Olympic gold medalists Kerri Walsh and Misty May-Treanor as well as other Olympic medalists and professional stars like Holly McPeak and Karch Kiraly, who won the sport’s first gold medal in Atlanta. The AVP’s main goal is to deliver its fans the experience of an amazing athletic contest surrounded by an unforgettable beach party.

About the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Inc.

AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of AVP, Inc. (OTC: AVPI.OB), a lifestyle sports entertainment company focused on the production, marketing and distribution of professional beach volleyball events worldwide. AVP operates the industry's most prominent national touring series, the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, which was organized in 1983. eaturing more than 150 of the top American men and women competitors in the sport, AVP staged 14 events throughout the United States in 2005. In 2004, AVP athletes successfully represented the United States during the Olympics in Athens, Greece, winning gold and bronze medals, the first medals won by U.S. women in professional beach volleyball. For more information, please visit www.avp.com.

About the Atlanta Sports Council

The Atlanta Sports Council promotes the value of sports growth in Atlanta and Georgia by acting as an authority on the economic impact, visibility and quality of life issues associated with sports. Its mission is to lead, organize and support sports development with the goal of building Atlanta’s reputation as the Sports Capital of the World. For more information, please visit www.AtlantaSportsCouncil.com.

- AtlantaSportsCouncil.com -

Matt Garvey

Director of Communications

Atlanta Sports Council | Chick-fil-A Bowl

235 Andrew Young Intl. Blvd. NW

Atlanta, GA 30303

P: 404-586-8496

2004 Sports Commission of the Year