[Source: Greater Orlando Sports Commission] – Orlando has reaffirmed why it’s one of the world’s premier international sports destinations, hosting the 2025 Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Junior National Volleyball Championships, the world’s largest volleyball tournament. The event, which ran from June 13 to July 7, attracted over 6,500 teams and 325,500 estimated athletes, coaches, and spectators from all 50 states and multiple countries to Orlando, setting new participation and attendance records.
Hosted at the Orange County Convention Center, one of more than 40 elite venues in the Greater Orlando region, the event will drive significant economic impact. Simultaneously, Orlando hosted matches for the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, demonstrating the region’s unmatched ability to accommodate an influx of visitors for overlapping events and reinforcing its status as a leader in sports tourism.
The conclusion of this year’s tournament coincided with the International Volleyball Federation’s (FIVB) World Volleyball Day, a global celebration of the sport’s unifying power and cultural impact on July 7. The alignment underscores Orlando’s commitment to volleyball at all levels and highlights the city’s role on the international stage in promoting the growth of the game.
“We are so thankful for our community partners when it comes to arranging the AAU Jr. National Volleyball Championships,” said Jo Mirza, President of AAU. “Without the Orange County Convention Center, Greater Orlando Sports Commission and Visit Orlando, we wouldn’t be able to host this premier event for AAU’s largest sport.”
“The AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships have become a cornerstone event in our region’s sports tourism portfolio,” said Greater Orlando Sports Commission President and CEO Jason Siegel. “This year’s record-setting tournament underscores the power of strategic, long-term collaboration with partners like Visit Orlando, Orange County, and the Orange County Convention Center. As the trusted host destination for nearly three decades, Orlando takes great pride in consistently delivering elevated experiences that set a national benchmark for youth sports.”
The successful execution of the 2025 AAU Junior National Volleyball Championships adds to Orlando’s growing portfolio of major sports events and showcases the region’s ability to host competitions at the highest level. With a growing calendar of athletic events, Orlando has built a strong track record in delivering major competitions across a wide range of sports. The region’s continued investment in premier venues, visitor experience, and a collaborative hosting approach has helped attract and sustain both amateur and professional events.
