The action starts on Friday with the AVP Qualifier event, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Main Draw action runs on Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., continues through Sunday beginning at 9 a.m. and concludes with the women’s finals at 1:30 p.m. and the men’s finals at 3 p.m.

The Tour comes back to Fort Lauderdale after being absent since 1991 for the men and 1986 for the women. The last AVP events held in the state of Florida were in 2000 (Delray, men) and 1999 (Clearwater, women).

The return to Fort Lauderdale brings back former champions including Karch Kiraly of San Clemente, California, who won the 1990 event alongside Kent Steffes and who is now teamed with Brent Doble of Capistrano Beach, California; and for the women, Linda Hanley of Pacific Palisades, California, who won in 1986 with Nina Mathies and who is now partnered with Liz Masakayan of San Diego, California.

Last season’s Most Valuable Player, Elaine Youngs of Durango, Colorado, partners again with 2002 Best Defensive Player Holly McPeak as they lead the field in women’s play. The tandem won five of last year’s seven events compiling a dominating 32-2 match record and look to continue their success in 2003. Leading the men’s bracket is the team of last season’s MVP Eric Fonoimoana of Hermosa Beach, California, and Dax Holdren of San Diego, California, winners of four events.

Other top teams expected to compete in the season opener are 2002 Best Server Annett Davis of Tarzana, California, and Jenny Johnson Jordan also of Tarzana, along with 2002 Best Blocker Mike Whitmarsh of San Diego, California, teaming with 2002 Best Setter Canyon Ceman of Bel Air, California.

One of the most intriguing additions to the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour is that of the Misty May (Costa Mesa, California) and Kerri Walsh (Huntington Beach, California) combination. The duo, which played exclusively on the Fèdèration Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB) World Tour in 2002, faced Youngs and McPeak in three FIVB finals in 2002 with Youngs and McPeak winning twice.
"We battled all summer on the FIVB tour and look to do the same on the AVP," Youngs says. "I'm very excited to have them play domestically, we need them and they also need us. I feel they will be right there at the end of every event. I love to play against them. They are great athletes and tough competitors — I expect a lot of wars with them."

May, who partnered with McPeak in 1999 and 2000, is also thrilled at the chance of competing on the AVP.

"We are very excited to be a part of this tour. No matter where we are playing, either domestically or overseas, the team of McPeak and Youngs is tough. We have had our battles and now we can do them on home soil," says May.

"This season sports fans will get to see the best level of beach volleyball that our country has ever seen," McPeak says. "I can't wait to be a part of it."

Also on tap for the 10-stop AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour this season is six live network broadcasts on NBC. The Manhattan Beach Open Presented by Bud Light (August 7-10), the Huntington Beach Open Presented by Bud Light (August 14-17) and the Chicago Open Presented by Bud Light (August 28-31) are set to air on both Saturday and Sunday of each event from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. ET. All remaining AVP Tour events, including Fort Lauderdale, will air on cable.

The 2003 Tour culminates with the FIVB World Tour Olympic Qualifier, September 19-21. Featuring players from around the world, the season-ending event will take place at the brand new Home Depot Center nestled adjacent to the campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills, in Carson, California.

Admission to the 2003 Paul Mitchell Fort Lauderdale Open is free for general admission seating with premium AVP Beach Club Memberships also available. The limited special package includes exclusive beach seating, superb hospitality in the AVP Beach Club (including food and beverage) a limited edition commemorative T-shirt, laminated credential for exclusive access, rights to purchase valet parking and more. For information, or to purchase your Beach Club Membership, call 310-426-7171 or logon to www.avp.com .