The popularity of volleyball tournaments at the SMG-managed Greater Columbus Convention Center (GCCC) continues May 26-28 with the 2017 North American Gay Volleyball Association (NAGVA) Championships XXXV. “This is very special to me because I live here in Columbus,” said Jason Fallon, president of the NAGVA Board of Directors. “This is a very serious event for us. We’re super excited to be here.” |
Utilizing 15 courts in the exhibit halls, the tournament begins with pool play on May 26, with bracket play beginning May 27 and continuing May 28. Play begins at 8 a.m. each day.
The players will enjoy a beer garden, barbecue, Sunday evening banquet and awards celebration in the Union Station Ballroom, and events in the local community.
The tournament was previously held in Columbus in 1998.
NAGVA includes more than 17,500 members throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico and Puerto Rico developing and supporting volleyball in the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender (GLBT) community.
“We welcome the return of NAVGA to Columbus. NAGVA and our Ohio Region Volleyball client are collaborating on logistics for the NAGVA tournament, which furthers the visibility of volleyball on an international scope,” said Greater Columbus Convention Center General Manager John R. Page.
The Greater Columbus Convention Center, located in downtown Columbus, is owned by the Franklin County Convention Facilities Authority and is managed by SMG. The facility’s $140 million expansion and renovation will be complete in July 2017.
SMG turns 40 in 2017! Celebrating its 40th anniversary and founded in 1977, SMG provides management services to 233 public assembly facilities including convention and exhibition centers, arenas, stadiums, theaters, performing arts centers, amphitheaters, equestrian facilities, science centers and a variety of other venues. With facilities across the globe, SMG manages more than 15 million square feet of exhibition space and more than 1.5 million sports and entertainment seats. As the recognized global industry leader, SMG provides venue management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services for such landmark facilities as McCormick Place & Soldier Field in Chicago, Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco, Houston’s NRG Park and the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. SMG also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering companies, currently serving more than 140 accounts worldwide.
Visit www.columbusconventions.com and www.smgworld.com for more information.