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City approves permits and a multi-year agreement with AVP for Manhattan Beach Open
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Summary
City Council approved coastal development and temporary use permits and a multi-year operating agreement with the Association of Volleyball Professionals for the Manhattan Beach Open and authorized limited VIP alcohol service; the vote was unanimous.
The Manhattan Beach City Council voted March 17 to adopt resolutions approving a coastal development permit, temporary use permits and an operating agreement with the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) for the Manhattan Beach Open (MBO).
Parks and Recreation Director Mark Layman and Senior Recreation Supervisor Archie Sherman reviewed the proposed setup, which keeps the stadium court aligned near the pier, retains outer courts for qualifiers and youth events, and preserves viewing from the pier. Sherman said the main draw remains 32 duos per gender with a large Thursday qualifier and roughly 3,000 seat capacity per day on the stadium court. He described operational changes intended to reduce downtown parking impacts, including staging load-in earlier in the week.
Council members pressed staff on attendance trends, VIP and ticketed-seat capacity, erosion impacts on buildout and the term of the agreement. Sherman and AVP representatives said ticketed seats account for about 25% of stadium seating (VIPs and box seats combined) and that ticketed inventory typically sells out. The staff presentation noted beach erosion has reduced available footprint in some years, limiting overall capacity.
USA Volleyball and local supporters spoke during the public hearing. John Spiroz, CEO of USA Volleyball, told the council his organization had expressed interest in operating the event and said USA Volleyball wants to continue discussions about athlete preparation for the 2028 Olympics. Local speakers, including former tournament organizers, urged continued partnerships that preserve the event'9s local character.
After public comment and council discussion, Mayor Pro Tem moved to adopt resolutions 26-0026 (coastal development permit and temporary use permits, including limited alcoholic-beverage use in VIP areas) and 26-0027 (agreement with AVP to operate the MBO 2026'28). The motion was seconded and passed 5-0.
Staff said the agreements include an opt-out provision after one year with 180 days'9 notice; AVP noted a current television agreement for this year and next with the CW network. Council members said they will continue to seek ways to preserve access for local athletes, expand vendor participation and coordinate around LA 2028 while retaining community character.
