The Islander Pavilion opened to the public April 24 with 7,000 square feet of covered basketball courts as well as four beach volleyball courts (inset) at The Water’s Edge park in downtown Corpus Christi. Playing a demonstration game on the McGee Beach courts are members of the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Islander beach volleyball team. Photos courtesy of TAMUCC.

The Islander Pavilion opened to the public April 24 with 7,000 square feet of covered basketball courts as well as four beach volleyball courts (inset) at The Water’s Edge park in downtown Corpus Christi. Playing a demonstration game on the McGee Beach courts are members of the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Islander beach volleyball team. Photos courtesy of TAMUCC.

This time next year, Corpus Christi will host its first NCAA Division I Southland Conference beach volleyball championship. This newest honor for the city was announced at the ribbon cutting of Islander Pavilion at The Water’s Edge park in downtown.
The newly completed pavilion, which includes covered basketball courts as well as beach volleyball courts was built in partnership with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and the city. A donation from Fulton Coastcon General Contractors made the project possible.
“This is a great opportunity for us to perform in front of our community and leave the nets up during the summer for everyone to enjoy,” said head beach volleyball coach Gayle Stammer at the ceremony.
The Islander beach volleyball team, which was second in the 2019 Southland Showcase, gave a demonstration on the four courts at McGee Beach. Two more courts will be installed during the next academic year.
“This is what beach volleyball really looks like,” Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McComb said. “When the university isn’t using it, the public will really enjoy it. There are more and more people in the community following the Islanders. It’s the atmosphere, the attitude, and the pride.”
The 7,000 square feet of basketball courts adjacent to the volleyball sandpits will be open year-round for pickup games.
“Students from across the nation are going to see the unique offerings of the university and community,” Texas A&M-Corpus Christi President and CEO Dr. Kelly M. Quintanilla said. “They will want to go to school and live here to take advantage of our coastal resources and incredible career opportunities."
The Water’s Edge is located at 602 S. Shoreline Blvd. in Corpus Christi.