B.J. Hoeptner Evans
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Aug. 22, 2011) – The Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series will officially make its debut at the Manhattan Beach Open, one of the most historic beach volleyball tournaments in the world, on Aug. 26-28 in California.

IMG and USA Volleyball (USAV) are producing inaugural event of the Series in conjunction with the city of Manhattan Beach in a three-day, double-elimination tournament, with live televised coverage of the finals on VERSUS. Qualifying rounds, if necessary, will be staged on Thursday, Aug. 25.

Admission to the event for spectators is FREE.

The tournament will boast beach volleyball stars such as Sean Scott (Redondo Beach, Calif.), John Hyden (Sherman Oaks, Calif.), Aaron Wachtfogel (Hermosa Beach, Calif.), Jenny Kropp (Hawthorne, Calif.), Whitney Pavlik (Laguna Hills, Calif.), Tealle Hunkus (El Segundo, Calif.) and Heather Lowe (Redondo Beach, Calif.) in a record field of 64 teams. Both genders will battle for the largest domestic prize purse of 2011, $200,000 as well as having their names enshrined on a permanent plaque on the Manhattan Beach Pier’s “Volleyball Walk of Fame.”

After displaying his natural volleyball ability in Times Square last month, 6-foot-10 professional basketball standout Kevin Love will attempt to make his pro beach volleyball debut at the Manhattan Beach Open either through the qualifying rounds or pairing with a “seeded” partner. 

“Kevin Love has natural talent,” said Dave Williams, USAV managing director of beach programs. “A number of players could pair with him to create a formidable team.”

“We’re excited to make our official debut at the most respected volleyball tournament of the year and one of the most notable in the pro beach volleyball world,” said senior VP, IMG James Leitz. “We’d like to thank the city of Manhattan Beach for their tremendous support and welcoming IMG, USA Volleyball and Jose Cuervo into their hometown.”

“Jose Cuervo has a deep history in professional beach volleyball so returning with the most epic tournament of the year is exciting for us,” said Brian Radics, Brand Director, Jose Cuervo. “We look forward to bringing the notorious Cuervo atmosphere to Manhattan Beach to provide fans a weekend of fun, responsible celebration and most importantly, legendary competition.”

The Manhattan Beach Open boasts 50 years of beach volleyball history. Past winners of the event include a who’s who of U.S. beach volleyball greats: Sinjin Smith, Karch Kiraly, Mike Bright, Mike O’Hara, Ron Von Hagen, Mike Dodd, Tim Hovland, Kent Steffes, Randy Stoklos, Kathy Gregory, Kathy Hanley, Patty Dodd, Linda Chisholm, Jackie Silva, Angela Rock, Karolyn Kirby, Holly McPeak, Misty May-Treanor, Kerri Walsh, Phil Dalhausser and Todd Rogers.

Following the Manhattan Beach Open, the series then moves to Miami Beach on Sept. 16-18 for the $150,000 Miami Beach Pro followed by the $150,000 Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series National Championship on Sept. 23-25 in Hermosa Beach, Calif. The series offers a combined prize purse of $560,000, the most in the U.S. this year.

MANHATTAN BEACH INFORMATION

Following the Manhattan Beach Open, the series then moves to Miami Beach on Sept. 16-18 for the $150,000 Miami Beach Pro followed by the $150,000 Jose Cuervo Pro Beach Volleyball Series National Championship on Sept. 23-25 in Hermosa Beach, Calif. The series offers a combined prize purse of $560,000, the most in the U.S. this year.

MANHATTAN BEACH INFORMATION

• The registration deadline for the Manhattan Beach Open has been extended to 8 p.m. PT on Aug. 23.
• Location: South side of the Manhattan Beach Pier
• Format: 64 Team Draw - Double Elimination - 46 automatic berths and two wildcards
• Qualifier Format (if necessary): Single elimination to qualify last 16 teams into the Main Draw
• Cost: $200 per team ($100 per player – each partner registers separately)
• Prize Money: $200,000 – Top 32 teams paid
• Admission for spectators is FREE
• For men’s registration, click here
• For women’s registration, click here
• To register as a volunteer, click here
• For media questions, please e-mail BJ.Evans@usav.org
• Schedule
  • Thursday, Aug. 25: Qualifier (if necessary) 8 a.m. to approx. 6 p.m. / up to 16 courts
  • Friday, Aug. 26: Main Draw – 8 a.m. to approximately 7 p.m. / 16 courts
  • Saturday, Aug. 27: Main Draw - 8:30 a.m. to approx. 7:15 p.m. / 16 courts
  • Sunday, Aug. 28: Main draw - 9:15 a.m. to approx. 5:30 p.m. / Four courts
    • Women's final at 2:15 p.m.
    • Men's final (televised) at 4 p.m.

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