VEGA BAJA, Puerto Rico, June 6, 2026.- The NORCECA Confederation officially approved the Areia Sports Complex in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico, as the host venue for the NORCECA Continental Olympic Beach Volleyball Qualifier, the event that will determine the Confederation’s Olympic berths for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. The tournament will be held from November 4 to 9, 2026.
The approval followed a comprehensive technical inspection conducted under the regulations established by the FIVB, confirming that the facility meets all requirements to host a high-level continental competition.
The Areia Sports Complex, a modern facility specializing in beach sports, stood out during the evaluation for its infrastructure, strategic location, and operational capacity to host the Confederation’s top beach volleyball teams. The assessment included key areas such as regulation court dimensions, certified sand quality, broadcast-standard lighting, safety zones, medical services, anti-doping logistics, media facilities, and hospitality conditions for athletes and delegations.
During the technical visit, NORCECA First Executive Vice President Ariel Sainz explained that the inspection aimed to validate the venue where the Olympic qualifying tournament will officially take place.
“We are evaluating the facilities that will host the continental qualifying event for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. It will be a competition of the highest level, featuring 16 men’s teams and 16 women’s teams, offering a unique opportunity to enjoy NORCECA’s elite beach volleyball,” said Sainz.
He also highlighted the joint commitment between NORCECA and the local organizers to ensure a first-class competition.
“We will continue working alongside the organizers to make this a true celebration of beach volleyball while meeting all FIVB standards. We invite Puerto Rican fans to support their representatives as they pursue Olympic qualification on home sand,” he added.
For his part, Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation (FPV) President Dr. César H. Trabanco emphasized the significance of Puerto Rico hosting an event of this magnitude.
“This spectacular beach sports complex will serve as the stage for the Continental Olympic Qualifier on the road to Los Angeles 2028. In November, we will welcome NORCECA’s top men’s and women’s teams, with only one team per gender earning an Olympic berth. We hope our teams will have the opportunity to compete for qualification at home with the support of the entire Puerto Rican volleyball community,” Trabanco said.
The successful evaluation of the Areia Sports Complex reaffirms Puerto Rico’s organizational capacity to host world-class international sporting events and strengthens Vega Baja’s position as one of the region’s premier beach volleyball destinations.
The Puerto Rican Volleyball Federation reiterated its commitment to continue working alongside FIVB and NORCECA to ensure an outstanding event as part of the Olympic cycle leading to Los Angeles 2028.
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