Gator Invitational is a two-day event hosted by LOVB Youth Tournaments and Events that is part of The Florida Championship Series. This is an AAU Sanctioned Event.

General Information:

Date: April 17-18, 2027

Location: Alachua County Sports and Events Center
4870 Celebration Pointe Ave, Gainesville, FL 32608

Special Divisions:
The tournament will feature exclusive Open Divisions for the 13U, 14U, and 15U age groups. Participation in these divisions is by invitation only, based on the following criteria:

Eligibility: 

Teams must have placed in the top 10 at the USAV Nationals or AAU Nationals within the past two years.

At-Large Bids: 

Teams that do not meet these benchmarks may still be considered through at-large bids, awarded at the discretion of the tournament organizers based on select performance factors.

Awards:

Champions of the 13U, 14U, and 15U Open Divisions will each earn a $600.00 grant for their club in recognition of their outstanding performance and success in the tournament.

Divisions:

• Girls 10U-18U
• No age waivers will be issued or accepted

Entry Fee: $550 per team

Entry Deadline: November 1, 2026

• Register through Advanced Event Systems (AES)
• Registration may close early once capacity is reached.
• No refunds will be issued.

The Florida Championship Series

ONE SERIES. ONE SEASON. TWO CHAMPIONSHIPS

• Connected Regional Events
• Reduced Travel and Expenses
• Incentives for Playing in Multiple Events
• Quality Competition All Season
• Two Championship Pathways

Championship Incentives

Play in 2 Series Events - Receive 50% rebate on the Championship Finals entry fee.

Play 3 or More Series Events - Pay just $100 for your Championship Finals entry fee.

HOW TO QUALIFY FOR A REBATE

• Step 1: Register for a Championship Finals event and pay the entry fee in full.
• Step 2: Participate in the required number of Series Events.

After the Series concludes, participation will be verified and eligible rebates will be issued.

2027 QUALIFYING TOURNAMENTS

• The Kickoff Championship - Ft. Lauderdale (January 9-10)
• AAU January Jamboree - Orlando (January 9-10)
• MLK Volleyball Summit - Miami (January 16-18)
• USA Lightning Bolt at Wiregrass - Wesley Chapel (February 6-7)
• USA Wellington Classic - Wellington (February 6-7)
• JJVA Aces Wild Volleyball Challenge - Jacksonville (February 6-7)
• AAU Presidents Day Showcase Invitational - Orlando (February 13-14)
• Presidents Day Volleyball Summit - Ft. Lauderdale (February 13-15)
• JJVA Jax Jam Invitational - Jacksonville (February 27-28)
• Wellington Open - Wellington (February 27-28)
• Wiregrass Classic - Wesley Chapel (March 13-14)
• AAU Sunshine State Grand Prix - Orlando (April 10-11)
• JJVA First Coast Festival - Jacksonville (April 17-18)
• Gator Invitational - Gainesville (April 17-18)
• JJVA Spring Classic - Jacksonville (May 1-2)

CHAMPIONSHIP FINALS

2027 The Showcase Championship - Tampa (May 15-16)

2027 The Grand Championship - Orlando (May 29-31)

Tournament Format

• Pool play followed by bracket play
• USAV rules apply
• Certified officials on every court

Waves & Admissions

Waves: TBA

Spectator Admission: TBA

Admission passes will be available through:

www.buymypass.com

• QR Code required for entry
• All spectator passes must be purchased online

Live Streaming

Can't attend in person?

Every match will be streamed live on BallerTV and available for replay after the event.

Live Stream Link: Coming Soon

This is a Stay and Save event.

We Offer a Stay and Play Hotel Company to help with your Hotel Reservations

Vinny J. Agostino III

Legacy Sports Travel

vinny@legacyti.net

954-296-2247
Hotel Booking Link: Click here

Team Check-In 

• Check in 30 minutes before your first scheduled match
• Coaches must check in to receive team wristbands
• Coaches will receive a QR Code during check-in
  

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Officials

Certified officials will be provided for every match.

Each team must also provide:

• Down Referee
• Scorer
• Libero Tracker
• Two Line Judges

Failure to provide the required officiating crew will result in a forfeit of the first set of the team's next scheduled match.

Athletic Trainers

Certified athletic trainers will be available throughout the tournament.

Athletes should bring:

• Athletic tape
• Pre-wrap

Tournament medical supplies are reserved for emergency use only.

Facility Policies

To ensure a safe and enjoyable event for everyone:

• No tolerance for unsportsmanlike conduct by players, coaches, or spectators.
• Ball handling is permitted only on competition courts.
• No outside food, drinks, or coolers inside the facility.
• Water and sports drinks are permitted.

Violations may result in removal from the tournament.

Contact Information

Sindee Snow

orlvb@aol.com

407-466-9009

Event Policy

AAU Membership Guidelines

This event is officially licensed by the Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) of the U.S., Inc.

Membership Requirements

• All participants must have a current AAU membership before the competition begins.
  Pending memberships will not be accepted.
• Membership types required: Club, Non-Athlete, and Athlete.
• Memberships can be obtained at www.aauvolleyball.org
• Membership is not included in the event entry fee.

Important Notes

• Be Prepared: Adult and Non-Athlete memberships are no longer issued instantly and cannot be obtained at the event. (Please allow up to 10 days for processing.)
• Rosters for this AAU licensed event must be imported directly from the AAU website.

Roster Disclaimer

AAU Event Roster Form – Requirements

1. Player Eligibility
2. • All players listed on the roster must be registered AAU members in good standing.
   • Players must meet AAU age classification requirements for their division.
2. Staff Eligibility
3. • All coaches and staff members listed on the roster must also be registered AAU members in good standing.
   • All coaches are required to be at a minimum impact certified.
   • A staff member listed on the roster for the team will be with this team and have in their immediate possession at all times during this competition a complete and legible copy of the medical/emergency release form for each player listed on the official roster.
   • The team understands it is subject to any and all penalties for incorrect or incomplete information on this form or incomplete or incorrect results information.

Notes

 This is an AAU Licensed Event. All participants must be current AAU Members. AES rosters are required. Rosters must be imported from the AAU website.

Entry fee may be paid online