Visit Savannah and the Savannah Sports Council Land the SEC Volleyball Championship Beginning in 2025
Thursday, September 19th, 2024
Visit Savannah and the Savannah Sports Council has officially signed a three-year agreement with the Southeastern Conference (SEC) to host the SEC Volleyball Championship at the Enmarket Arena, beginning in 2025. This agreement marks a significant milestone for Savannah's sports scene and positions the city as a hub for elite athletic events.
“With the restoration of the SEC Volleyball Tournament, we now have a championship event for every sport in the Conference, providing our programs with more competitive opportunities as they prepare for NCAA postseason play,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “We are excited to bring this event to Savannah and look forward to creating a memorable experience for SEC student-athletes, coaches, and fans for the next three years.”
Joseph Marinelli, president and CEO of Visit Savannah, shared his enthusiasm about the event, saying, "Welcoming the SEC Women's Volleyball Championships for the next three years is one of the most significant sports milestones for Savannah since the arrival of the Bananas and Ghost Pirates. Hosting this prestigious event is an honor that will draw visitors from across the country and provide our community with exciting, family-friendly entertainment."
The SEC Volleyball Championship is set to take place from November 21-25, 2025. The tournament will utilize the Enmarket Arena for games, while the newly expanded Savannah Convention Center will serve as the official practice facility for the tournaments in 2025, 2026, and 2027.
Kelvin Moore, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Savannah Convention Center expressed excitement about showcasing the expanded venue. “With the support of Savannah’s hospitality community and our partnerships with Visit Savannah, the Sports Council, Enmarket Arena, and the local hotel industry, we are committed to delivering an exceptional experience for every visitor.”
Monty Jones Jr., General Manager of Enmarket Arena, also praised the partnership. "Hosting the SEC Volleyball Tournament is a major milestone for Savannah. This event will showcase elite athleticism and elevate the city's status as a premier destination for major sports and entertainment."
Marinelli further emphasized that with the expanded Savannah Convention Center and the state-of-the-art Enmarket Arena, Savannah is now fully equipped to host high-profile events like the SEC Volleyball Championship, reflecting the city's growing capacity to compete nationally.