Summertime on Southern California beaches has long been known for blue skies, surfers and bikini-clad bodies. But one staple of the beach lifestyle may soon be on its way out.
The AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour is considering moving three of its unprofitable events off local beaches because of a dispute with the California Coastal Commission over how many fans can be charged for admission.
Under one scenario the AVP is considering, the Huntington Beach Open, Hermosa Beach Open, and the Manhattan Beach Open -- beach volleyball's crown jewel, which begins today -- would all be gone next year, The Times has learned.
Another option calls for the AVP to reschedule those events before Memorial Day or after Labor Day, to circumvent Coastal Commission regulations for that time period, as it did with its Santa Barbara tournament.
But there is no guarantee the commission would grant more such permits.
"Our Southern California events are the most economically challenging on our schedule," said Leonard Armato, AVP commissioner. "The rules that are in place make it difficult for us to turn any Southern California event into a sustainable business."
The Coastal Commission code dictates that no private entity can charge admission for events on a public beach without its approval.
Armato estimates the AVP spends about $1.2 million to stage each local event, including temporary seating, TV production costs and prize money. AVP sponsors such as Crocs, Bud Light and Gatorade pick up some of the tab, but the tour loses close to $1 million in each Southern California event, he said.
AVP events draw 7,500-10,000 spectators a day. If the tour could charge $20 per person, it would add $450,000 to $600,000 in revenue, moving the tournaments closer to break-even, he said.
In 1993, the Coastal Commission amended its no-charging policy for temporary events, such as an AVP tournament, which allows the AVP to charge for 24% of its seats at its main court.
Currently, at the three local, summertime AVP events, the tour charges admission for 24% of the seats in its 3,135-seat center court stadium, generating revenues of about $70,000 over three days. Admission is free at the 14 other outside courts.
The AVP is also not allowed to charge for parking and can't sell alcohol on the beach. "To make these events profitable, we need access to all streams of revenue," Armato said.
