PHOENIX – West Valley sports fans will soon have another place to play volleyball.
The city of Avondale held a groundbreaking ceremony for a new volleyball complex on Wednesday. Avondale leaders and elected officials were among the people grabbing shovels and throwing dirt to celebrate the upcoming courthouse.
The future volleyball destination will be created on a one-acre parcel of land at The BLVD, an entertainment district featuring dining, retail and entertainment options. Located near Avondale Avenue and Van Buren Street.
This sports complex will be “the first of its kind in the West Valley,” according to the city’s announcement.
“This groundbreaking concert marks the beginning of a transformative project that will enhance our city’s entertainment landscape,” Avondale Mayor Ken Wise said in a statement. “We look forward to completing the Sands Volleyball Complex, which will serve as a hub for greater sporting and community engagement.”
Members of Avondale Parks and Recreation – including Brian Hughes, the department’s director – also participated in the event.
“This groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of a transformative project that will enhance our city’s entertainment landscape. We look forward to completing the Sands Volleyball Complex, which will serve as a hub for greater sports and community engagement,” Hughes said.
Arizona Sports Tourism awarded the city a $162,500 grant to help fund this project. Overall, it will cost $2.9 million.
Officials expect the new volleyball complex to be completed by June 2024.
What to expect from the new volleyball complex in Avondale
The city said there will be about five “new competition sand volleyball courts” for people to play on.
There will also be a rest house building and landscaping upgraded to beautify the areas surrounding the courts and security cameras.
Players can also rehydrate in drinking establishments and an automatic water system. There will also be shade structures so people can cool off while watching the matches and spectator seating. A perimeter fence will also keep balls safe from flying into the streets.