BERKELEY – The University of California, Berkeley has officially broken ground on the Banatao Family Beach Volleyball Stadium, marking a major milestone for both the university’s athletics program and its commitment to gender equity under Title IX. The facility will rise on the corner of Bancroft Street and Fulton Way, just west of Edwards Stadium, bringing the Golden Bears’ beach volleyball team a permanent, state-of-the-art home.

The project represents a significant investment in the future of Cal’s beach volleyball program, which has quietly become one of the nation’s most consistent competitors in recent years. For Cal Director of Athletics Jim Knowlton, the stadium’s construction is about more than just infrastructure—it’s about providing student-athletes the resources and environment they need to thrive.

"We are thrilled about the construction of our new state-of-the-art beach volleyball facility," Knowlton said. "It will allow our program to compete against the best and provide our student-athletes with the resources they need to have the world-class student-athlete experience that Cal offers. I'm looking forward to watching it come to life."

Currently, Cal’s beach volleyball team has been practicing and hosting matches at the Clark Kerr Sand Courts, a site that will remain available for recreational use even after the new facility opens. With the new stadium, the team will have a dedicated competition venue that meets NCAA standards, enabling them to host high-profile matches and tournaments.

The construction timeline is projected at 16-18 months, aiming for completion in time for future NCAA beach volleyball seasons. Once finished, the Banatao Family Beach Volleyball Stadium will feature five NCAA-regulation sand courts, complete with lighting, a scoreboard, and a public address system to enhance both the athlete and fan experience. A new building adjacent to the courts will house team rooms, locker rooms, restrooms, coaches’ offices, and storage space, providing critical infrastructure to support daily operations and athlete wellness.

Cal head coach Meagan Owusu emphasized how transformative the new facility will be for the program, from recruiting top talent to elevating daily training sessions.

"We are thrilled to break ground on our new facility," Owusu said. "This project will positively impact every piece of our program, from student-athlete experience to recruiting to training. Our program is grateful to Jim Knowlton, (Chancellor) Rich Lyons and the rest of the campus and athletic department for supporting this project."

Under Owusu’s leadership, Cal’s beach volleyball team has emerged as a national powerhouse, earning NCAA Tournament berths in each of the past four seasons and securing year-end national rankings for eight consecutive years. The new facility is poised to further solidify Cal’s standing among elite programs by offering athletes competitive advantages and a modern training environment.

Funding for the project is being drawn in part from Cal’s Gender Equity Campaign, an initiative that raised $8 million to help the university meet its obligations under Title IX. The landmark legislation, enacted in 1972, mandates gender equity in any educational program receiving federal financial assistance—including athletics.

"We are immeasurably grateful for the support of our Cal Family – including the campaign committee, donors and the Banatao family – that understands the significance of gender equity and helped make this project possible," Cal Chief Development Officer Beth Tafolla-Voetsch said. "I can't wait to see our student-athletes compete at what will be one of the premier facilities in the country."

Beyond serving the varsity team, the Banatao Family Beach Volleyball Stadium will also be available for other recreational activities, further extending its impact across campus life. Cal Athletics will oversee management of the facility, ensuring its long-term role as both a competitive arena and community resource.

With construction underway, the Golden Bears are one step closer to playing on a court of their own—one that symbolizes not just athletic ambition, but a broader commitment to equality, excellence, and opportunity for all student-athletes.

Originally reported by Calbears.