ASHEVILLE, N.C. — The inaugural Asheville Grass Open brought 349 players from 10 states to HomeTrust Park October 2–4, 2026, generating more than $150,000 in economic impact during three days of grass volleyball competition.
The tournament transformed the home of the Asheville Tourists into a gathering place for volleyball players from across the country. Participants represented North Carolina, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, California, Oregon and Vermont, giving the first-year event a reach that stretched from the Southeast to the West Coast.
Competition featured reverse co-ed four-player teams on Friday, co-ed four-player teams on Saturday, and men’s and women’s three-player teams on Sunday. Across the weekend, champions emerged in 12 divisions and combined brackets.
Despite a dreary weather forecast, players and supporters turned out for the inaugural event.
“We want to send a big shout-out to every athlete, spectator, stadium employee, guest, volunteer, and those players and friends who drove hours just to be a part of the weekend. Despite the dreary weather forecast, you stood by us! We can't wait to see you in 2027 for more events!” said Tournament Director Matthieu Rodriquez.
Weekend Champions
Friday — Reverse Co-ed 4’s
Division AA: We’ll Try
Division A: Team Ragnow
Division BB: Work From Home
Saturday — Co-ed 4’s
Open/AA: Ace Holes
Division A: Yuliana’s Boo Thangs
Division BB: Average at Best
Sunday — Women’s and Men’s 3’s
Women’s AA: Beans
Women’s A: Reckless Driving
Women’s BB: RBF 2.0
Men’s AA: Nachoooo Coleboy Benjiball
Men’s A: Moorio Bros. & Yoshi
Men’s BB: Escapees
Community Support Behind the Event
The Asheville Grass Open was supported by HomeTrust Park and the staff of the Asheville Tourists, alongside AVL Hoppers, Xcel Volleyball, New Belgium, Coca-Cola and Milan Hotel Group. Their involvement, together with the contributions of volunteers and spectators, helped welcome athletes for the tournament’s debut.
With 10 states represented and more than $150,000 in economic impact, the inaugural weekend demonstrated the potential for grass volleyball to bring new visitors to Asheville and expand the range of sporting events hosted at HomeTrust Park. Organizers are already looking ahead to more events in 2027.