New Orleans Blastoff
News: The city of New Orleans has instituted an indoors mask mandate. It changes nothing about the tournament but ALL spectators and coaches must wear masks.
When: January 15-16, 2022
Schedule: The schedule is posted at Advanced Event Systems
Club directors — and club directors only — should email [email protected] with any concerns.
When a team plays Sunday depends on what happens Saturday. As always, everything is subject to change right up to the last minute.
Where: New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center
900 Convention Center Blvd.
New Orleans, LA 70130
The tournament will be played in Halls F, G, and H, and the food court right across from F will be open.
Admission: ADMISSION IS BY CREDIT CARD ONLY, NO ADVANCE SALES. $10 per person, free for 8-and-under. Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express accepted.
Updated COVID Protocols: There are no requirements for players and coaches. They can just walk in. Everyone else aged 5 and older (as set by the city of New Orleans) must provide proof of COVID vaccination (one shot is OK) or proof of a negative test within the previous 72 hours. In our case, going back from Saturday that would include a test on Wednesday or later. COVID self-tests are not accepted. Once you are approved to enter the playing area, you will get a wristband.
Do NOT discard the wristband, because with it you do NOT need to show proof again on Sunday.
These entrance requirements are just like what New Orleans does for the Saints and Pelicans, and any other sporting event. If you live in Louisiana, we recommend you get the LA Wallet app for your smartphone. This is a great government-approved way to show proof of vaccination, and, coincidentally, to store your driver’s license.
Testing Nearby: Right across the street from the New Orleans Convention Center is U.S. Bio-Chem Medical Services. They do rapid testing and have results in less than half an hour. They normally charge $75, but when you sign up and tell them you’re with the Blastoff, the fee is only $50. You can make an appointment by using this QR code or walking in. They are prepared for Blastoff visitors on Friday and will open at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
Join us for a FREE coaching and recruiting clinic sponsored by the Bayou Regional Volleyball Association and hosted in conjunction with the New Orleans Blastoff Tournament. These clinics with Utah Coach Beth Launiere are open to all registered coaches. Sunday’s recruiting talk is open to all parents.
Registration: Advanced Event Systems
Entry Fee: $535 by 12-15-2021
$585 after 12-15-2021
Age Waivers: The Bayou Region does not grant waivers, nor are waivers from other regions accepted.
Girls Age Groups: 10s, 12s, 13s, 14s, 15s, 16s, 17s, 18s
Boys: The Bayou Region allows boys to play with and against girls teams in 10s, 12s, 13s, and 14s.
Get Your Blastoff Hotel: We are not a stay-to-play tournament, but please reserve your rooms at one of our Preferred Properties.
Parking and Directions: Click on this link. The best rates are in the MNOCC lots across from Hall H between Calliope and Henderson.
Rosters: Teams can only compete if they have a completed AES Blastoff roster printed out to present to the officials at each match. There are NO exceptions. There is no pre-tournament check-in or meeting. Club directors and coaches are responsible for this. We will not be able to assist with this on site, so please get your rosters completed and have printed copies with you for each match.
T-shirts: Every player, coach and team rep gets a free T-shirt from the Louisiana Governor’s Games. T-shirts may be picked up in the Convention Center at any point during the weekend. You must present a roster when picking up so we can be sure you get the accurate number of T-shirts.
Not allowed: Outside food, coolers, tables, chairs or audio speakers. That includes phones on speaker, bluetooth speakers and portable speakers.
Chairs: CHAIRS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN THE CONVENTION CENTER.
Lost and Found: We will do our best to keep what pops up at the championship desk.
BallerTV: Every match on every court will be streamed live at BallerTV.com
Trophies and Medals: Age-group champions and runners up should report to the awards/photo area immediately after their respective title matches.
Questions: email Lee at [email protected] or call Lee at (225)-802-2133.
