New rideshare initiative and enhanced safety measures mark a milestone year for one of the West’s premier volleyball events
RENO, Nev. (April 28, 2026) – The Northern California Volleyball Association (NCVA) Far Western National Qualifier wrapped up it’s biggest year yet, welcoming nearly 2,000 teams across three weekends at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center — a more than 21% increase over last year and a new high for one of the premier girls’ junior volleyball events in the country.
The tournament has called Reno Tahoe home for more than 30 years, delivering significant economic and community impact each spring by bringing thousands of visitors who support local businesses across the region. This year’s record turnout prompted organizers and Visit Reno Tahoe to take a fresh look at how the event is managed, launching new initiatives to improve the experience for attendees while minimizing impact on surrounding neighborhoods.
Among those initiatives, Visit Reno Tahoe introduced a $5 Uber rideshare voucher program designed to reduce traffic congestion and parking demand around the convention center. Over the three weekends, the program was used 749 times by 492 unique users, effectively removing hundreds of individual vehicles from the immediate area during peak event hours.
Visit Reno Tahoe also enhanced on-site measures to support traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Increased directional signage and additional security personnel, including crossing guards stationed at the main entry point along South Virginia Street, helped create a more efficient and accessible environment for attendees.
“This year’s tournament success, and the 21% increase in participation, is a direct reflection of the collaboration and creativity that continues to elevate the experience each time we come to Reno Tahoe,” said Dr. Nicole Annaloro, Executive Director/Commissioner of the NCVA. “That level of growth requires strong, coordinated partnerships, and our collaborators were imperative in delivering a successful event. Their willingness to bring new ideas to the table helps us refine operations, improve efficiency, and ultimately create a more seamless and impactful experience for athletes, teams, families, and the community.”
The tournament continues to deliver significant economic and community impact, supporting local businesses while bringing thousands of visitors to the region each year.
Visit Reno Tahoe and its partners remain committed to improving how large-scale events are managed, balancing visitor experience with community impact as the destination continues to grow.
For more information, visit VisitRenoTahoe.com.