WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue Volleyball is set to join the first-of-its-kind destination tournament in September in Nassau, Bahamas, for the Paradise Invitational.
Set to take place September 11-13 at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar resort, the showcase features elite competition with three 2025 NCAA Regional teams with Houston, Kentucky and SMU set to appear alongside Purdue. Tickets will go on sale to the general public March 16 at ParadiseInvitational.com, and an exclusive VIP package for John Purdue Club members and Purdue Volleyball season-ticket holders available on March 9.
The trip will mark Purdue volleyball's first-ever match played outside the country that will count towards their regular-season record. Led by head coach Dave Shondell, the Boilermakers have also set firsts recently as the first collegiate volleyball team to play at Gainbridge Fieldhouse (October 2025 vs. Indiana), Fishers Event Center (April 2025 vs. Vanderbilt) and participated in the first volleyball tournament at Bridgestone Arena (August 2025), all coming in addition to setting the Big Ten match attendance record of 14,876 fans on two separate occasions (2024).
“Volleyball is an exciting sport to watch. The amount of TV viewership or attendance records being set the last few years leaves no question about it," said Shondell. "From our players to our coaching staff – we have dedicated ourselves to the sport we love – and to see others investing in it now the way we do is very fulfilling. We’ve known how great the sport is, and being able to participate in the first-of-its-kind destination tournament for collegiate volleyball is something we’re proud to be a part of.”
The Paradise Invitational will make its debut as a first-of-its-kind, premium destination, four-team NCAA women’s volleyball showcase, bringing one elite program from each Power 4 conference, to compete. The weekend promises top-tier competition and immersive fan experiences that provide an unforgettable weekend for teams, supporters, and the sport itself.
Designed to reimagine what a collegiate volleyball event can be, the Paradise Invitational is built to bring in elite programs from across the country each year, creating a consistent, marquee early-season stage for NCAA women’s volleyball. With its blend of high-level competition, premium hospitality, and exclusive fan access, the showcase is set to become a must-attend fixture on the collegiate volleyball calendar as a new annual destination event.
“The Paradise Invitational is about elevating the entire experience,” said Glenn Smith, CEO of GS Global Sports. “This isn’t just matches on a court—it’s access, atmosphere, and world-class volleyball coming together in a way that hasn’t been done before in a beautiful setting. We want players, coaches and fans to be able to experience and enjoy playing elite level competition while also providing an opportunity to experience beautiful scenery and culture.”
Beyond the competition, fans will experience a full weekend of programming, including interactive events and opportunities to engage with teams and players. Hosted at one of the Caribbean’s premier resorts, the Paradise Invitational offers a rare combination of high-stakes competition, exclusive fan access, and destination-driven programming. VIP Packages and general tickets are available March 16.
Additional details, including ticket packages, match schedules, media rights and fan programming, will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information and updates, follow The Paradise Invitational on social media at @ParadiseInvitational or visit www.paradiseinvitational.com.