TO:
Parks and Recreation Commission
FROM:
Mark Leyman, Parks and Recreation Director
Archie Sherman, Senior Recreation Supervisor
Linda Robb, Senior Management Analyst
SUBJECT:Title
Consider Recommending Approval of an Agreement with Association of Beach Volleyball Professionals, LLC DBA AVP to Operate the Manhattan Beach Open
Body
_________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Parks and Recreation Commission discuss and recommend approval of an agreement with Association of Beach Volleyball Professionals, LLC DBA AVP (AVP) to Operate the Manhattan Beach Open.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
If approved, under the terms of the attached contract, AVP will reimburse the City for costs associated with the event, estimated to be $120,000.
BACKGROUND:
The 2025 Manhattan Beach Open was the final year in a three-year agreement between the City and AVP to operate the MBO.
The 2025 event included stadium seating overlooking center court, vendor booths and interactive game booths. The event set-up included one VIP “Sky Deck” on the south side of stadium court, offering beer and wine services. In addition, the volleyball matches were streamed live on Bally’s Sports throughout the event, with the men’s and women’s finals aired live on the CW channel.
Additional components to the 2025 event included VIP courtside seating, bleachers on the west and north side of stadium court for general admission, and the “Walk of Champions” Pier Ceremony and reception. Daily hours of operation began at 9:00 am and ended at 6:00 pm. Set-up for the tournament began Sunday, August 10, 2025, on the beach, and tear-down concluded Wednesday, August 20, 2025.
On an annual basis following the event, the Departments of Public Works, Police, Fire, Human Resources (Risk Management), and Parks and Recreation evaluate the event in terms of its impact on the community and City services. Overall, the feedback received from each department was positive; however, staff has asked AVP to submit construction documents in a timelier fashion and incorporated in a reasonable timeline for submittals to ensure the event site meets requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and building and fire codes. The set-up, event operation and tear-down were efficient, and the event operators worked well with City staff.
DISCUSSION:
Staff met with AVP in October of 2025 to discuss the agreement between the City and AVP to operate the Manhattan Beach Open. During the meeting, staff identified the third weekend of August as the best weekend to host the MBO. This date has also been secured for live national television coverage for either the men’s or women’s final championship matches.
The partnership with AVP brings in the top volleyball players in the world. AVP is proposing similar amenities to the 2025 event, including the VIP “Sky Deck” area with bleacher seating surrounding stadium court, VIP courtside seating, concierge deck, food booths, live entertainment and the Walk of Champions Pier Ceremony honoring the 2025 men’s and women’s champions. As in past years, AVP will provide 75% open and free seating to the public throughout the event.
Similar to the 2025 event, AVP has proposed ticketed VIP areas overlooking stadium court from the south. The VIP experience is open to the general public and available for 300 people per day. Within those elevated areas, AVP is proposing to hire a catering company to provide alcohol services. AVP will hire security to staff the area, checking identification to ensure all guests are 21 or older or accompanied by an adult. AVP will also adhere to all City requirements, including obtaining an Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) permit, provide security throughout the event and comply with all fire safety regulations. Alcohol services will only be available upon approval from Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors.
The planned hours of operation begin at 9:00 am and end at 6:00 pm on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the annual tournament.
In order to hold this event, a coastal development permit must be issued. In addition, the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors must issue a permit.
To ensure the structure is permitted by the Los Angeles County Building and Safety Department by August 7, 2026 (similar to the 2025 event), the AVP proposed setting up on the beach and in the lower South Pier Parking Lot on August 9, 2026, with tear down completed by 5pm on August 19, 2026. The AVP will comply with a similar schedule for 2027 and 2028.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2026 Proposed Schematic
2. 2025 Aerial Images