GULF SHORES, Ala. — The NCAA beach volleyball championships are relocating due to the effects of wildfires in Southern California.

Officials announced on Wednesday that the event, scheduled for May 2-4, will now be held in Gulf Shores, Alabama, instead of its original venue in Huntington Beach, California.

The decision to switch locations was made collaboratively between the NCAA and the Orange County Sports Commission.

The Orange County Sports Commission had worked alongside Long Beach State in their bid to secure Huntington Beach as the event’s host.

“The current recovery efforts taking place about 50 miles north in Los Angeles County are our priority, ensuring that accommodations and resources concentrate on aiding those affected,” said Anthony Brenneman, executive director of the Orange County Sports Commission, in a statement.

Despite this change, Huntington Beach is still set to host the NCAA beach volleyball championships in 2026.

Gulf Shores has been the venue for this championship since its inception in 2016 and was announced last month to continue hosting the event annually from 2027 to 2031.