Feb. 4, 2008

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. - The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) has announced Sioux City, Iowa as the site for the 2008 and 2009 NAIA Volleyball National Championships. The events will be held at Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena from December 2-6 in 2008 and December 1-5 in 2009.

"The success of NAIA national championship events is dependent on great partnerships. Sioux City is a tremendous advocate and fan of the NAIA and is committed to the student-athlete experience," said NAIA President and CEO Jim Carr. "I look forward to the 2008 and 2009 volleyball events and thank Sioux City for carrying on the rich tradition of the NAIA."

"The NAIA is extremely excited to bring the Volleyball National Championships to Sioux City and the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena. During the site selection process, it quickly became evident that Sioux City will continue to offer the "total package" when it comes to NAIA championship events," said Ruth Stein, NAIA Manager of Championship Sports. "The 2008 and 2009 Volleyball Nationals will be supported by the city government, downtown hotels and businesses, local NAIA institutions and the region's volleyball community.  Sioux City has all of the right people on its team to create a phenomenal experience for NAIA athletes, coaches and fans."

Sioux City has a long history of hosting national championship events.  Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena has hosted the NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championships since 2004 and Sioux City Auditorium was the site from 1998-2003. Tyson Events Center also hosted NAIA Wrestling National Championships since 2005.

"We are extremely grateful to the NAIA for affording Sioux City the opportunity to host the NAIA Volleyball Championships. Sioux City has rich history of hosting NAIA Championships and we know the volleyball championship will provide an outstanding atmosphere and environment for NAIA student-athletes for the next two years," said Corey Westra, GPAC Commissioner and Sioux City Sports Authority President. "The NAIA Volleyball and NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championships are the perfect marriage for our community and we could not host either event without the tremendous community support we receive from businesses and volunteers alike."

The national championship tournament will feature 36 teams with 12 first round matches played at on-campus sites.  The top 12 teams will receive a bye in the opening round.  The final 24 teams will travel to Sioux City to play a pool-play format.

Columbia College (Mo.) hosted the tournament in 2006 and 2007 in Columbia, Mo.  Fresno Pacific (Calif.) captured the 2007 title with a 3-1 win over California Baptist, recording the Sunbirds' third title in school history.  To learn more about the NAIA visit www.naia.org.

NAIA
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is the governing body for athletics programs at its nearly 300 colleges and universities throughout the United States and Canada. The long-held mission of the NAIA is to promote the education and development of well-rounded students and productive citizens through intercollegiate athletics. The association offers equitable access and opportunities for participation in its 23 national championship events held annually throughout the country.

Today, the NAIA strengthens its commitment to student-athletes and strives to enrich their college experience by supporting academic achievement and character development. NAIA Champions of Character is the association's innovative flagship program designed to instill character values in student-athletes, coaches and youth in the communities it serves.