ORLANDO, Fla. – Marking the largest event to date hosted at the Orange County Convention Center (OCCC), the Amateur Athletic Union’s (AAU’s) 48th AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships welcomed more than 135,000 attendees across two weeks, from June 18-29, 2021, creating an estimated economic impact of $173.3 million for the region, according to OCCC officials.
“We appreciate the strong partnership between the AAU and the OCCC,” said venue executive director Mark Tester. “Our trusted relationship and our many years of collaboration has enhanced this event to become the largest volleyball tournament in the world. We are proud to be the premier destination for the AAU to host its events safely.”
For nearly 20 years, the esteemed volleyball tournament has been coming the OCCC to host its sporting events for players, chaperones, and coaches from around the world.
This year, the 12-day volleyball event implemented a series of modified health protocols to promote the safety of attendees. Face masks were encouraged, no handshakes or gift exchanges took place between teams, participants were encouraged to socially distance, courts were spaced apart to increase walkways, and the event spread across both OCCC buildings.
“We are pleased to have been able to yet again offer the opportunity to let athletes do what they really want to do, and that’s to play,” said Jennings “Rusty” Buchanan, president and CEO of the AAU. “The 2021 AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships at the Orange County Convention Center welcomed our biggest numbers to date, positively impacting not only the AAU organization but also the central Florida area as well. Hosting such a large event successfully would not be possible without the dedication, commitment, and tireless efforts of the Orange County Convention Center team.”
