Manhattan Beach Council signs off on Six-Man tourney
The 2009 Six Man, which drew 65,000 people. Photo by Brent Broza
The Charlie Saikley Six-Man Volleyball Tournament will go on, the City Council decided last night, after more than two hours of discussion between heavy-hearted volleyball players, longtime South Bay residents and team sponsors.
A projected $102,000 shortfall in funds from the $202,000 cost of the tournament caused the council to contemplate the future of the event – whether consolidating it to one day or cancelling it completely.
“To cancel it at this point is the wrong answer,” said Councilmember Amy Howorth, adding that the city needs another year of data to see if police presence will decrease crowds. “Has the message gotten out? The police are not tolerating a keg in the sand.”
Last year, crowds decreased by 10,000, which council members said could be attributed to heightened security or possibly the weather.
The council decided to re-open team registration to try to bring in additional revenue. They also accepted community enthusiasm to seek additional funding and sponsors, considered a “collection hat” similar to that of concerts at Polliwog Park, and hoped that sales taxes from local businesses could help cover the deficit. So far, 92 teams have registered, including a team flying in from Italy. But registration is down from 152 teams last year.
In recent years, six-man had become a rowdy booze fest, drawing about 65,000 people at its peak in 2009. The city last year beefed up on police presence and security for the 50-year-old, two-day tournament and more strictly enforced an alcohol ban. Entry fees were increased from $600 to $1,100 for unsponsored teams and from $1,000 to $2,500 for sponsored teams. The hike left players feeling like they were being punished for the actions of unruly spectators.
The tournament, which formerly had paid for itself in revenues, ran a $54,000 deficit.
Manhattan Beach Police Chief Eve Irvine attributed the increase in crowds in past years to social media – Facebook, Twitter and blogs hyping the event. Councilmembers suggested using those same avenues to publicize the increase in security. Councilmember Howorth suggested the tagline, “Love the spirit of beach volleyball? Then leave your spirits at home.”
The council agreed to cover this year’s costs but hopes to avoid a deficit next year by planning earlier. Resident Chris Brown suggested the creation of a special taskforce dedicated to fundraising for next year’s tournament. The council agreed this committee should start meeting in the fall.
The council also discussed charging admission for next year, which was dismissed for this year, as it would require approval by the California Coastal Commission.