ATLANTA- One of the most exciting developments to the Georgia State athletic facilities landscape is now underway as the athletic department has broken ground on its state of the art Sand Volleyball Complex.
The site is located behind the GSU Sports Arena where a pair of tennis courts stood and will be home to the Panthers newest squad, beginning with the inaugural 2013 season.
Construction began late last week on the project that will become one of the premier facilities around the nation.
The venue will feature a tiered, three-court structure with permanent seating for 340 spectators and additional berm/sand seating around each court. An additional feature is lighting for night competition as the Panthers begin play in the NCAA emerging sport.
The facility entrance will be located off Piedmont Avenue, as shown in the accompanying illustrations.
"We are thrilled to be able to see the physical changes happening out behind the Sports Arena," says head GSU sand volleyball coach Tami Audia. "I think this is going to be a fun and exciting process to watch as our beautiful facility emerges."
Audia has signed eight student-athletes so far for the inaugural squad from around the nation, with many representing the best sand volleyball talent in their respective states.
"Our administration has worked tirelessly to get this up and running and we are very grateful for their efforts," Audia adds. "To be able to practice and play at our own facility on campus is a great advantage for our program, not to mention adding beautiful aesthetics to the GSU campus."
The new facility is scheduled to be completed this fall in anticipation of the Panthers' spring 2013 season.
This inaugural 2012 collegiate season saw 20 schools field sand volleyball teams with Pepperdine winning the national tournament. Sand volleyball is a spring sport and consists of five doubles teams competing.
