HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Huntsville already plays host to the AHSAA state soccer and wrestling tournaments, as well as the North Super Regional softball tournament.

Add volleyball to the list after the AHSAA Central Board of Control on Wednesday approved the city as one of its two Super Regional sites for the sport's new postseason format, set to begin with the 2012-13 school year.

The Von Braun Center will be the site of the North Super Regional Oct. 26-27. Montgomery's new multi-purpose complex at Cramton Bowl was approved to host the South Super Regional, contingent on a site visit scheduled later this week.

The new volleyball playoff format will include three rounds beginning next season - area tournaments to be played any time Oct. 18-20; Super Regional tournaments with 96 teams in six classifications at the north site and 96 teams in six classifications at the south site Oct. 26-27; and the Elite Eight state tournament to be held Oct. 31-Nov. 1

The new format streamlines the volleyball playoffs by combining two regional tournaments into one and eliminating the sub-state round, thus reducing travel costs. The 2012 format will advance the winner and runner-up from each area tournament to a Super Regional. The top four finishers in each Super Regional will then advance to the Elite Eight state tournament in each classification.

"We think this will elevate the championship program to a new level for volleyball and provide a memorable and positive experience for our student-athletes and schools," AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese said.

COBRA SPORT