Tahoe's pro volleyball tour stop begins with Lakeside Beach party

The Coronas will be cold but the action hot Aug. 22-23 as pro players try to net the EVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour crown.

Lakeside Beach behind the Stateline hotels and casinos will be the site for the EVP’s South Shore debut and the accompanying beach party. A Corona Light pre-party will kick the event off.

“Having the EVP Tour here complements Lake Tahoe’s attraction to another segment of visitors,” Carol Chaplin, executive director of the Lake Tahoe Visitors Authority, said in a news release. “Whether it’s families, gamers or outdoor enthusiasts, South Shore’s appeal is wide.”

Comcast Sports Net will broadcast the tournament to more 60 million viewers in 40 states beginning Sept. 16, with reruns throughout the month. For a complete schedule, visit www.evptour.com/tvschedule.asp.

The tournament features two courts for men’s and women’s two-on-two volleyball starring the likes of Mark Paaluhi, Carrie Wright, Dan Schultz and Rasa Virsilaite. Wright has won four titles since joining the EVP Tour in 2006.

“I fell in love with Lake Tahoe years ago when I went on a winter vacation,” the former Pepperdine and Association of Volleyball Professionals star said. “I can only imagine the colors of the mountains and beautiful vegetation reflecting off of the lake in the summertime; we just can’t wait to get there, tour around, and of course get in some competitive volleyball action on the beaches of Lake Tahoe.”

Beach access is $5 per person, with parking on the top floor of the Horizon Casino Resort and a free shuttle to the beach. The Lake Tahoe Bicycle Coalition will offer a free bike valet, along with maps and riders guides. BlueGo will provide free rides on its Club Route between Lake Tahoe Vacation Resorts and the state line. For more information, visit www.bluego.com.

Lakeside Beach Grill, Cold Stone Creamery, Booster Juice and the Energy Drink Outlet will provide refreshments, and adult beverages will be available in the restaurant area.