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Inglewood’s newest arena turned into a pop-up beach last weekend, as the AVP League brought high-level professional volleyball to the Intuit Dome—and the L.A. Launch gave hometown fans plenty to cheer about.
By Earl Heath | Contributing Sports Writer
Inglewood’s newest arena turned into a pop-up beach last weekend, as the AVP League brought high-level professional volleyball to the Intuit Dome—and the L.A. Launch gave hometown fans plenty to cheer about.
All-Trojan Showdown on Center Sand
In Week 5 action, former USC standouts Megan Kraft and Terese Cannon of the L.A. Launch faced off against fellow Trojan alum Geena Urango and UCLA rookie Devon Newberry, representing the San Diego Smash.
The match was tight from the start and went the full three sets. With friends and family in the stands, the Launch found their rhythm and clinched the win: 15–13, 10–15, 15–8. Cannon’s serve late in the final set sealed the momentum, with L.A. pulling away after leading 11–6 and 13–8.
A Beach Inside the Dome
The AVP transformed the Intuit Dome by pouring in 300 tons of sand, creating what players and fans alike described as a one-of-a-kind experience.
“This place is amazing—a brand-new building, totally different energy,” said Chaim Schalk. “To get to play at such an iconic arena is an honor.”
Former NBA player-turned-AVP pro Chase Budinger added, “This will get more people in the stands because it’s so new and so different.”
Fans were a mix of longtime AVP supporters and curious newcomers looking for a unique Friday night event. The indoor setting—with no wind and tightly packed sand—also made for faster rallies and more precise play.
Canadian Olympic silver medalist Brandie Wilkerson noted the shift: “It’s a very unique experience. I wouldn’t be surprised if other sports follow and start expanding their ideas of where they could play.”
Rethinking the Beach Vibe
While the AVP Tour still includes its traditional California beach stops—like Huntington Beach in May and Manhattan Beach in August—the League format features eight city-based teams playing in a mix of indoor and outdoor venues for a second straight year.
The Intuit Dome offered a polished, professional showcase for beach volleyball—especially for younger players like Devon Newberry, who is adjusting to life as a pro.
Newberry Finds Her Moment
Newberry, who starred at UCLA, is still finding her place in the sport. Until now, “professional” often meant dragging gear across sandy beaches, weaving through sunbathers and surfboards, and playing under the creak of portable bleachers.
That all changed when she walked into the Intuit Dome.
“I walked in and I was like, ‘I feel like a professional athlete,’” Newberry said. “There are very rare moments in beach volleyball when you feel that way. But when I went underground and looked around, I thought—this is it. This is what it means to be a pro. And that’s because we’re playing at the Intuit Dome.”