It’s Not a Shocking Admission Anymore

There were plenty of skeptics when the Assn. of Volleyball Professionals put a fence around the courts at West Beach in Santa Barbara and, for the first time on a Southern California beach, charged admission for its Nissan Series event last October.

But the fans showed up -- the tournament was sold out -- and the tour is back again this weekend, starting with qualifying today.

The AVP charges admission at most of its events, but the California Costal Commission prohibits charging on state beaches between Memorial Day and Labor Day -- a major reason the Santa Barbara tournament is taking place just before Memorial Day.

General admission is $15, courtside seats are $25 and beach club admission is $50. Children under 12 get in free and students with identification are charged $5.

“Sure there are people who don’t want to pay and I can respect that,” said Karch Kiraly, the all-time leader in beach victories. “But the show we put on does have value. You’re getting to see people who are the best in the world at what they do.”

The revenue gained from charging admission bolsters the prize money, but few are getting rich. Tour champions Misty May and Kerri Walsh each earned less than $75,000 last year. Jeff Nygaard and Dain Blanton, No. 5 on the men’s tour, each made less than $30,000.

The total prize money for 14 events this year is $3 million.

“Shaq makes about seven times what our entire tour -- men and women -- makes,” Kiraly said.

“There are a number of beach volleyball players that deserve to be able to make a living without needing a second job.”

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Kiraly, 44, will play this weekend with Adam Jewell. Mike Lambert, who partnered with Kiraly to form the AVP’s top team last season, is reuniting with Eric Fonoimoana. Lambert and Fonoimoana won at Santa Barbara last year while Kiraly was recovering from shoulder surgery.

On the women’s side, Nancy Mason and Dianne DeNecochea have re-formed a partnership that advanced to six semifinals in 2003. Carrie Busch and Liz Masakayan are teaming for the first time.