MASSIVE OPENING NIGHT ON THE STAGE AND SAND AT FIVB BEACH VOLLEYBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS ADELAIDE 2025

It was a massive opening night at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships, with the party extending from the stage to the sand and packed crowds filling out Centre Court at The Drive.

Adelaide CBD has been transformed into the ‘central beach district’ as fans flocked to the opening day of action at the FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships.

Award winning artist Baker Boy took to the stage to open the night session, followed by back-to-back-to-back Australian games.

Olympic silver medalist Taliqua Clancy and local South Australian athlete Jana Milutinovic played their first World Championships game as a pair, falling short against China’s Yan X./X. Y. Xia.

The opportunity to play in front of family, friends and a passionate  home crowd is one that’s not lost on Milutinovic.

“It’s a great atmosphere, music was loud, the crowd was loud and behind us the whole way – we’re really grateful for everyone showing up.

“There were definitely nerves on the first three points…once the game was rolling we had to lock in and forget the crowd was there,” she said.

“I think we did some really good stuff, even though the scoreline doesn’t show that,” Clancy said.

“We’ll just take all of the good stuff and make sure we keep growing into the next match,” she said.

With the Adelaide crowd packing into The Drive for opening-night action, Thomas Hodges said the home support created a special atmosphere from the very first serve.

“It was awesome, first time playing at a big event like this in Australia so very special to have so many friends and family in the crowd,” Hodges said.

“The atmosphere out there on the first night was awesome so looking forward to getting out there for our next two games.”

After a hard-fought opener, Paul Burnett said the energy from the stands played a big role in lifting the team throughout the match.

“It felt really cool to be in front of friends and family, obviously a bit disappointed we didn’t give the performance we wanted but anything good we did do the crowd got up and about it and it’s really nice,” Burnett said. 

“I think it’s a huge advantage, it just gives you that little boost, especially when things aren’t going well to hear the crowd still getting behind you is great.”

Every Australian match will be broadcast live and free on SBS Viceland and SBS On Demand, with tickets and hospitality available via Ticketek.

The Australian action at the 2025 FIVB Beach Volleyball World Championships continues on Saturday 15 November:

10:00pm ACDT – Taliqua Clancy / Jana Milutinovic

10am ACDT – Ben Hood / Oliver Merritt 

12:00pm ACDT – Kayla Mears / Tara Phillips

2:00pm ACDT – Paul Burnett / Thomas Hodges

3:00pm ACDT – Jack Pearse / D’artagnan Potts

5:00pm ACDT – Jasmine Fleming / Stefie Fejes

8:00pm ACDT – Mark Nicolaidis / Izac Carracher

8:30pm ACDT – Lizzie Alchin / Georgia Johnson