Beach volleyball event brings Olympic athletes to KC. This Royals legend helped
Childhood friends Steve Obradovich and George Brett regularly see each other, over 60 years later, since they grew up in the El Segundo, California, area, playing all kinds of sports in their younger days and into high school.
Both pursued athletics as their professional careers, with Brett becoming a Hall of Fame third baseman who played for the Kansas City Royals, and Obradovich being named a Hall of Famer by the Association of Volleyball Professionals.
But long before that, Brett was Obradovich’s first beach volleyball partner in high school. Now they’re once again partnering up on the sand.
The first George Brett 4v4 Volleyball Showdown takes place from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 13, at Shawnee Mission Beach Volleyball, 19800 Johnson Drive in Shawnee. The all-day tournament brings 24 professional and Olympic-level beach volleyball players from across the USA to form six teams — three men’s and three women’s — who will compete head-to-head for a cash prize of $100,000.
Brett, who is the Royals’ vice president of baseball operations, was tasked with helping to find a location in the Kansas City area to host the tournament, since Obradovich wanted to bring it here after starting the tournament in Newport Beach, California, three years ago. The volleyball legend had no idea the city was into the sport, and was surprised that Shawnee Mission Beach Volleyball had 18 courts alone.
Brett knew of courts in Martin City, Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs, but they both heard of the Shawnee courts through mutual friend, Ted McDonald, whose daughters all play volleyball. After visiting, he was sold on the idea of helping host it here from complex owner Lance Windholz.
“If you want to have a little league tournament, yeah, I could help put on a little league tournament for you,” Brett said. “But volleyball, I have no clue, but with Steve’s expertise playing volleyball tournaments all over the all over the country, McDonald going to watch his daughter play volleyball tournaments all over the country and this guy hosting tournaments, they were all very, very excited about it.”
Brett and Obradovich started talking about it six months ago, but Obradovich said it didn’t get serious until three months ago, when plans were confirmed and they had to get team sponsors and recruit the players. He said when it returns for 2026, he’ll start scouting around February to ensure a smooth operation.
Who will play in KC beach volleyball tournament?
The tournament will only use two of the courts, but it’ll see continuous action until a men’s and women’s champion is crowned. Obradovich said he prefers four-on-four as opposed to the traditional tag team beach volleyball setup since it’s more exciting.
Olympians Chase Budinger, Taylor Crabb and Carli Lloyd will compete, and there are two teams made up of amateurs who went through qualifying rounds to participate.
“You actually see a team effort, and the ball is in play probably 80% more than it is with doubles that you see in the Olympics,” Obradovich said. “You don’t have to know volleyball, it’s just amazing how quick they are, how high they jump and how hard they hit the ball.”
Since two of the courts will be used for the tournament, there is a chance for spectators to practice their own volleyball techniques on the other 16 courts. Obradovich said there’s even a chance they could be joined by one of the professionals competing to give them tips and advice on improving their game.
How much are tickets to the George Brett 4v4 Volleyball Showdown?
General admission tickets are $43.25, and will give ticket holders access to the general admission sand sections and bleachers. The first three rows around the main courts are sand-sitting only and, bleacher seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis. VIP tickets and tables are no longer available, according to the ticket purchasing site.
Fans can bring in lawn chairs, towels and blankets to sit or lay in the sand if they want. They can also bring seat cushions, but these can’t be used as placeholders to reserve a spot. Bags brought in will be searched when you arrive at the entry gates.
Guests can’t bring in any outside foods, beverages or glass products. Anyone who brings in a glass product will be removed from the area immediately and not allowed back in to the venue. Parking passes are also limited, and the venue recommended visitors use ride-share services to arrive.
The tournament benefits Fore the Kids Foundation, a local organization dedicated to assisting with mental health awareness for children.
