Detroit to Host 2018 USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships

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USA Volleyball today announced that Detroit will host the 2018 USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships (GJNC) on June 25 at Cobo Center. The competition will bring more than 1,208 teams, approximately 12,000 players, and more than 25,000 spectators to the city. A total of 26 titles will be awarded in five divisions and seven different age groups ranging from 11-and-under to 17-and-under.

“When it was announced Cobo Center would undergo a $279-million renovation, we understood the future impact it could have on metro Detroit, and we’re ecstatic to see the transformation pay off by being awarded the 2018 USA Volleyball Girls’ Junior National Championships,” says Kris Smith, Detroit Sports Commission director. “We’re confident the thousands of players, coaches, and spectators will experience the tremendous energy and excitement currently taking place in our great American city.”

The GJNC has had a significant economic impact on host cities in recent years; this year’s event in Minnesota is expected to generate $55 million, including 59,000 hotel night stays. Indianapolis hosted the 2016 event and reported $59 million economic impact.

Detroit hosted the USA National Volleyball Open National Championships in 2015, concurrently with the NORCECA Men’s Champions Cup that brought teams from the U.S., Canada, Cuba, and Mexico. Detroit was also the site of the 1938 and 1967 USA Volleyball Open National Championships for adults.

“USA Volleyball was thoroughly impressed with Detroit as it hosted the 2015 USA Volleyball Open National Championships for adults,” says Tom Pingel, USA Volleyball senior director. “It is a city on the rise with a thriving downtown area where the event will be played at and most of the participants will be staying. There is no doubt in my mind that the 2018 GJNC will be one our finest.

Sport Court will be the official athletic flooring for all four events. More information can be found here.

More information on volleyball training is available here.