Minneapolis (April 14, 2020) – The largest intercollegiate volleyball tournament in the world will be coming to Minneapolis. The 2021 National Collegiate Volleyball Federation (NCVF) Championships will take place at the Minneapolis Convention Center on April 1-3, 2021. The men’s and women’s tournaments will feature 500 college club volleyball teams and more than 6,500 student-athletes from across the nation.

“As we move through one of the most challenging times in our history, the NCVF family looks forward to gathering at a place known worldwide for its warmth, hospitality, accessibility, and world-class amenities – Minneapolis is that place,” said NCVF President Sante Perrelli.

“We’re excited to bring the 2021 NCVF Championships to Minneapolis and look forward to showcasing our city to more than 10,000 athletes, coaches and fans,” said Melvin Tennant, Executive Director of Sports Minneapolis. “The Minneapolis Convention Center is an extremely versatile venue that has a long history of hosting large volleyball events, and the NCVF Championships will add to that legacy.”

The NCVF Championships will feature tournaments for men’s and women’s teams competing in five divisions. The teams are from four-year colleges and universities, junior colleges and community colleges. The tournament begins with pool play on the first two days of competition; it ends with bracket competition on the final day.

The season-ending NCVF tournament was founded in 1985 by Minnesota native Gary Colberg, a long-time administrator of the UC Davis intramural program, a coach of the Sacramento State men’s club team and an internationally certified official. Colberg, who passed away in 2016, was honored with USA Volleyball’s Harold T. Friermood “Frier” Award in 2003 for his significant contributions to volleyball.

“In Gary’s memory, we will be dedicating the 2021 NCVF Championships to the strength, unity and resilience of our remarkable student-athletes,” Perelli said.

The NCVF is comprised of over 800 self-governed collegiate club teams and 22 collegiate club leagues that run competitions throughout the United States. The NCVF Championships has grown to become the largest intercollegiate volleyball tournament in the world.

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Sports Minneapolis leads the region in bidding, winning and executing major professional and amateur sporting events that impact the city of Minneapolis and beyond. Sports Minneapolis, a division within Meet Minneapolis, has played a major role in securing events such as the Super Bowl, NCAA Men’s Final Four, Major League Baseball All-Star Game, USA Girls’ Jr. Volleyball, CONCACAF Gold Cup soccer, X Games and more. Amateur and professional sports events increase visitor spending and tax revenue that benefits the local community.

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