WAVEFEST 2018 had 153 teams participating with 130 traveling from out of town. The tournament was one of the largest in it’s 21 year history.

Founded in 1997, known as Lizardfest, the tournament has grown to be one of the premier youth girls travel volleyball tournaments in the South. Hosted and managed by the West Florida Waves, formerly the Volleyball Pensacola Leaping Lizards, the tournament is an opportunity for teams to experience competition from far and wide.

“We are thrilled to have this event in Pensacola,” said Ray Palmer, Pensacola Sports Association’s Executive Director. “From our surveys and research, we know a lot of people travel to this tournament; a lot of hotel rooms are reserved. The feedback from parents and coaches is always very positive of the area, facilities, and tournament organizers.”

In total, more than 3,000 people will be in Pensacola for the tournament, staying in hotels, eating in area restaurants, and shopping at local stores resulting in over $1,000,000 in direct spending in the Pensacola area. Many teams plan their Spring Break around WAVEFEST, leading to an increased love and appreciation for our Gulf Coast.

1. The schedule is now live on AES .
2. The site locations  are included in the schedule. We are using both Pensacola State College (PSC) campuses. One is in PSC – Milton is in Milton, FL and PSC Ross Center is on the Pensacola, FL campus parents should check this carefully.
3. We are not using paper “day of rosters”. Rosters MUST be updated online in AES and current by Friday 3/15. Players not listed on AES rosters may be deemed ineligible for the tournament.
4. Coaches meetings will take place at each location 30 minutes prior to each wave start time.
5. Food tables are NOT provided nor allowed inside either Pensacola State College site, but are allowed at all other sites. Tables are provided at some sites on a first come first serve basis.
6. Coaches are responsible for confirming any tournament seeding/officiating responsibilities with their site director before taking the team out of the gym for the day. It is important to confirm what you believe to be correct.
7. There is a $5 per day admission charge for person’s 13 and older at all Gulf Coast region events. This is a Gulf Coast Region policy, harassing the gate staff is inappropriate and embarrassing. Coaches and athletes are admitted free of charge.
8. WATER ONLY is permitted in the gym spaces. This includes your morning coffee.
9. Please park in a marked parking spot.