EIU Beach Volleyball Hosts First Home Game at New Facility

The university's young beach volleyball program celebrates a milestone in its third season.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 11:30am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented, multi-angle view of a beach volleyball match, with sharp planes of blue sky, sandy courts, and dynamic player movements.A new home court gives EIU's beach volleyball team a dedicated venue to build their program and attract local fans.Charleston Today

When Lilli Amettis joined Eastern Illinois University's beach volleyball program as a freshman in 2023, the team was just one year old and preparing for its first-ever home game that spring. After playing their first two seasons on a temporary two-court site at Charleston's Sister City Park, the Panthers now have a brand-new, dedicated beach volleyball facility to host their inaugural home match.

Why it matters

The opening of a new, permanent beach volleyball facility at EIU marks a significant milestone for the university's young program, which is still establishing itself within the competitive landscape of college beach volleyball. The new courts provide the team with a dedicated home venue to host matches and attract local fans and supporters.

The details

Eastern Illinois University's beach volleyball team was founded in 2022 and played its first two seasons on a temporary two-court site at Charleston's Sister City Park. This spring, the team is celebrating the opening of a brand-new, dedicated beach volleyball facility on the EIU campus, allowing them to host their first-ever home match.

  • Lilli Amettis joined the EIU beach volleyball program as a freshman in 2023.
  • The team played its first two seasons on a temporary site at Sister City Park.
  • The new EIU beach volleyball facility opened in 2026 ahead of the team's third season.

The players

Lilli Amettis

A freshman who joined the EIU beach volleyball program in 2023.

Eastern Illinois University

The university that founded its beach volleyball program in 2022 and recently opened a new dedicated facility for the team.

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The takeaway

The opening of a new, permanent beach volleyball facility at Eastern Illinois University represents an important milestone for the university's young program, providing the team with a dedicated home venue to host matches and grow their fan base in the local community.