If you're looking to hang out with friends, get some exercise, and have a great time outdoors, sand volleyball is the way to go! Sadly, like most of you have already realized, Bloomington/Normal is near a beach. You've come to the right spot to find out which locations in town offer sand volleyball, and how to get in contact with these locations if interested in signing up.
GILL STREET SPORTS BAR AND GRILL
Gill Street is located at 3002 Gill Street in Bloomington. Their phone number is 309-661-NETS(6387)
Gill Street is a family friendly bar and grill that opened in 2003. They offer outdoor sand volleyball for all skill levels that runs from the end of April through September every year. Although the fee may differ slightly based on the amount of players you have, typically players must pay $30-$40 per person. Gill Street recommends signing up full teams for each league. The 2 sand volleyball courts at Gill Street are located directly next to their outdoor bar and seating area, making it easy for friends and family to watch. On days or times they do not have leagues playing, the courts are open to any person of any age to play. Kids must be accompanied by an adult. Feel free to call or head to www.gillstreet.net for more information or to sign your team up!
THE WINDJAMMER
The Windjammer Lounge is located at 2303 Stern Drive in Bloomington. Their phone number is 309-663-2233.
The Windjammer is easily accessible from the intersection of Veterans Parkway and Washington Street. They offer multi-level leagues and open volleyball when the courts are not in use. You must be at least 21 year old to play. The fee is $120 per team which can be divided up however your own team wants to split it. The Windjammer always has different food and drink specials, multiple televisions, and bar games such as darts, so let your non-volleyball playing friends know they too have a reason to come!
MAIN STREET BAR AND GRILL
Main Street is located at 517 North Main Street in downtown Bloomington. Their phone number is 309-820-9241 or contact the bar by e-mail at [email protected]
Main Street has a hometown feel right in the heart of downtown Bloomington. It is directly in the center of a row of popular downtown bars and restaurants. If you're looking for a sand volleyball court that can easily turn into a crazy party afterwards, Main Street is the place for you. Main Street's sand volleyball leagues are typically played Monday through Thursday nights. The games start between 6:00pm and 10:00pm with each game lasting an hour. You must pay a $50 deposit in order to secure a spot for your team, and then may owe between $50-$75 for the remainder of the dues depending on which sand volleyball session you sign up for. The sand volleyball at Main Street runs from the Spring until Fall, with Polar Volleyball starting in the colder months of 2014!
PHEASANT LANES FAMILY FUN CENTER & KEGLER'S PUB
Pheasant Lanes/Kegler's Pub is located at 804 North Hershey Road in Bloomington. Their phone number is 309-663-8556.
Pheasant Lanes offers more than just bowling, mini-golf, drinking, and food. They now offer sand volleyball for recreational, intermediate, and competitive levels. These leagues are 18 years and older. People under 18 are allowed to sit at the tables and chairs next to the courts and watch. Teams range from six to twelve players with games being played throughout the week starting around 6:00pm. Monday night leagues are around $125 per team, Tuesday nights are $100, and Wednesday and Thursday night leagues are around $150. All leagues are co-ed. Anthony Nelson is in charge of the sand volleyball leagues at Pheasant Lanes and can be reached at [email protected] For any other information, you can go to www.pheasantlanes.net
OTHER LOCATIONS
In addition to the locations mentioned above, the city of Bloomington and surrounding areas have other locations that have sand volleyball courts for use at any time, and by any age.
Clearwater Park is located on Clearwater Avenue near the intersection of Clearwater Ave and Airport Road in Bloomington. There are 2 sand volleyball courts always available at a first come, first serve basis. Surrounding the courts are playgrounds, trails, and wide open spaces for other activities and sports. Pets are welcome as long as they are leashed.
Evergreen Lake is located at 13001 Recreation Drive in Hudson, Illinois which is just north of us here in Bloomington/Normal. In addition to having fishing, boating, swimming, and trails, there are sand volleyball courts open to the public. These courts are all ages.
Moraine View State Park is located in Leroy, Illinois which is about 15 south east of Bloomington. If you're up for making the drive, Moraine View has an open sand volleyball court for use at no cost for any age. This park also has beautiful scenery for hiking, fishing, and camping.
As you can see above, Bloomington/Normal is not the only location you can play sand volleyball. Listed above are some of the best known locations to play in and around town. Grab your friends, family, or co-workers to blow off some steam, get some exercise, and most importantly, HAVE FUN!
