Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores, Alabama, is preparing once more to host some of the top college beach volleyball players in the nation. The NCAA Beach Volleyball Championship stands out as one of the most thrilling sporting events on the Alabama Gulf Coast, attracting fans, families, and athletes nationwide. The competition takes place directly on the city's beautiful white-sand beaches.

The championship is scheduled for May 1 to May 3, 2026. Alabama's Beaches Sports & Events, the city of Gulf Shores, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) are co-hosts of this year’s event. The three organizations have collaborated on this event since its very first tournament in 2016. This makes 2026 a milestone year for this growing tradition.

Five competition courts and five practice courts will be set up directly on the beach. The setup provides fans an up-close view of fast-paced, high-level volleyball in a setting that few other sporting events can match. Gates open one hour before the first game each day of the tournament.

The schedule starts on Friday, May 1, with double matches from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Central Time. Saturday, May 2, features the quarterfinals from 9 a.m. to noon, followed by the semifinals from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. The event concludes on Sunday, May 3, with the National Championship match at 11:30 a.m. Central Time.

Fans who cannot make it to Gulf Shores in person can still watch the action. The tournament will be broadcast on the ESPN family of networks. The championship dual will air on the main ESPN channel. Broadcast details will be updated as the competition progresses, so fans are encouraged to check back for the latest information.

Three types of tickets are available for the 2026 championship. All-session passes are already on sale, and day passes became available on Wednesday, March 18. Ticket options include the NCAA Fan Experience All-Session, Courtside Seating All-Session, and General Admission All-Session.

The NCAA Fan Experience All-Session ticket is the premium choice. It grants access to a covered, elevated platform with views of the three championship courts. Ticket holders also enjoy complimentary snacks, water, Coca-Cola products, a full-service cash bar, and a 2026 Official Program. Additionally, fan experience ticket holders get first-come, first-served access to courtside seating.

Courtside Seating All-Session tickets provide fans with access to all matches from Friday through Sunday. Seating options include a tiered setup on Courts 1 through 3 and beach-chair seating on Courts 4 and 5. All seating in this area is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

General Admission All-Session passes grant access to all matches over the three days. Fans in this area can sit on bleachers when available or bring a beach towel to enjoy the matches from the sand.

Organizers have a clear policy on what fans may and may not bring to the event. Small backpacks are allowed but will be subject to search. Beach towels are welcome, but beach chairs, tents, hammocks, and umbrellas are not permitted. No outside food or drinks may be brought in, though the event promises reasonably priced food and beverages will be available on-site. Empty water bottles are allowed, and a water station will be set up to refill them.

Coolers and glass containers are prohibited at the venue. Drones, video cameras, and professional photography equipment are also not allowed. Any items that could be used to disrupt the peace, endanger others, or cause damage to people or property are banned as well. Illegal items of any kind are not permitted.

Children aged 2 years and younger can enter free of charge. ADA seating is available for those with General Admission and NCAA Fan Experience tickets, but it is not offered to Courtside Seating ticket holders. ADA parking is provided on a first-come, first-served basis in the southeast corner of the Surf Style parking lot, which is at the southeast corner of Highway 59 and Beach Boulevard, just north of The Hangout restaurant.

Fans should be aware that all tickets are non-refundable. Attendees must present either an electronic email ticket or a printed ticket at the box office to exchange it for a wristband. 

Click here to purchase tickets. For additional information and FAQs, please click here.