Northern Lights Volleyball Tournament Schedule: A Guide for Players and Fans

Northern Lights, the largest girls’ volleyball tournament in the world, attracts hundreds of teams from across the country and beyond each year. With so many matches taking place over several days, it can be overwhelming for both players and fans to navigate the tournament schedule.

If you’re planning on attending the Northern Lights volleyball tournament, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about the tournament schedule.

What is the Northern Lights Volleyball Tournament?

The Northern Lights Volleyball Tournament is an annual event that takes place in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is one of the largest and most prestigious girls’ volleyball tournaments in the country. In the 2020-21 season, the tournament features teams competing in the 11s to 18s age divisions over two weekends in January.

Understanding the Schedules

The Northern Lights Volleyball Tournament schedule is organized into two weekends, called “Qualifiers.” Each team will participate in one of these weekends based on the division they are in. The first weekend is for the 11s-14s age divisions, while the second weekend is for the 15s-18s age divisions.

Within each weekend, there are several days of competition. Typically, teams will play three matches per day. The first day of competition is dedicated to pool play, where teams will play against several other teams in their pool. The results of pool play will determine the teams’ position in the bracket for the remaining days.

Once pool play is complete, the tournament moves to a bracket format. The bracket format is single elimination, meaning that teams that lose a match are eliminated from the tournament. The championship match for each division will take place on the last day of the weekend.

Tips for Navigating the Schedule

With so many matches taking place over several days, it can be challenging to keep track of the schedule. Here are some tips for navigating the Northern Lights Volleyball Tournament schedule:

– Check the schedule often: Schedules can change due to weather, teams dropping out, or other unforeseen circumstances. Be sure to check the schedule frequently to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.

– Plan for breaks: With three matches per day, it’s essential to plan for breaks in between games. Take advantage of the downtime to rest, eat, and hydrate.

– Arrive early: Arriving early will give you time to navigate the venue, find your court, and prepare for the upcoming match.

– Know the format: Knowing the format of the tournament (pool play, single elimination) can help you understand how your team can advance in the tournament.

Conclusion

The Northern Lights Volleyball Tournament can be an exciting and challenging event for players and fans alike. By understanding the schedule and following these tips, you can make the most of your experience. Whether you’re playing in the tournament or attending as a fan, we hope this guide has been helpful in navigating the Northern Lights Volleyball Tournament schedule.

An Insider’s Guide to Fairbanks, Alaska: Home of the Northern Lights Volleyball Tournament

Fairbanks, Alaska, is vibrant, diverse, and welcoming. It is home to many exciting attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, and local history. In this insider’s guide, we will provide you with an in-depth look at the city and the surrounding area. We’ll cover the best attractions, eating spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions.

Top Attractions in Fairbanks

Fairbanks has plenty to offer its visitors, from scenic hiking trails to fun indoor activities. Here are some of the must-see attractions you should add to your list when visiting Fairbanks:

• Aurora Ice Museum: Home to the world-famous ice hotel, this museum houses intricate ice sculptures and a gallery of ice carvings. The museum is open year-round and is a popular attraction for tourists.
• Pioneer Park: This park is a fun place to spend an afternoon, featuring a mini-golf course, go-kart track, and a variety of museums and exhibits.
• The Morris Thompson Cultural and Visitors Center: This center celebrates Alaska Native cultures and is an excellent place to learn about Alaska’s heritage, with many exhibits featuring modern-day Native Alaskan artists and craftspeople.
• Chena Hot Springs Resort: Located approximately one hour from Fairbanks, this resort features natural hot springs, ice sculptures, and scenic hiking trails.
• Ski Land: This family-friendly ski resort offers a variety of slopes and is a great place to learn to ski. It’s located just outside of Fairbanks.

Dining in Fairbanks

Fairbanks has a diverse range of dining options, from local Alaskan cuisine to international fare. Here are some of the top restaurants in Fairbanks:

• Lavelle’s Bistro: This charming cafe offers contemporary American cuisine, including fresh seafood and steak dishes. They also have an excellent wine selection.
• The Pump House Restaurant and Saloon: Located in a historical building, this restaurant offers Alaskan cuisine with modern twists. They feature fresh seafood, such as Alaskan King Crab and halibut, as well as classic dishes like burgers and salads.
• The Cookie Jar: This bakery and cafe is a local favorite, featuring homemade baked goods and comfort food. They are famous for their cinnamon rolls, cakes, and pies.
• Taco Azteca: This Mexican restaurant serves authentic, delicious food, including tacos, burritos, and tamales. Their food is made fresh daily, and they offer gluten-free options.

Cultural Experiences in Fairbanks

Fairbanks has a rich cultural history that can be seen in its many museums, galleries, and cultural events. Here are some of the top cultural experiences to have in Fairbanks:

• The University of Alaska Museum of the North: This museum features exhibits on the cultural and natural history of Alaska, including the impact of climate change on the state’s ecosystems.
• The Fairbanks Ice Museum: This museum showcases the artistry, science, and history of ice carving, including works by local and international artists.
• The Tanana Valley Farmers Market: This market features local produce, handmade crafts, and art from the area’s artisans. The market is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Local History in Fairbanks

Fairbanks is steeped in history, with many landmarks and museums dedicated to the city’s past. Here are some of the top places to visit to learn about Fairbanks’s history:

• The Fairbanks Community Museum: This museum showcases the city’s history, from its early days as a gold mining town to modern-day events. It’s located in the heart of downtown Fairbanks.
• The Alaska Railroad Depot: This historic train station is a hub for Alaskan transportation and commerce, dating back to the early 1900s.
• The Pioneer Air Museum: This museum highlights the history of aviation in Alaska, showcasing vintage planes and artifacts.

Off-The-Beaten-Path Suggestions

Fairbanks has many hidden gems that you won’t want to miss if you have extra time during your visit. Here are some off-the-beaten-path suggestions:

• The Gold Dredge 8 Tour: This tour takes you on a journey through the history of gold mining in Alaska. You’ll board a replica train and ride across the tundra to an active gold mine.
• Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge: This refuge is a popular spot for birdwatching and nature enthusiasts, featuring more than a hundred species of birds and wildlife. It’s open year-round.
• The Dalton Highway: This highway stretches from Fairbanks to Alaska’s North Slope and is a scenic route that takes you through arctic tundra, over mountain ranges, and past pristine rivers.

Conclusion

Fairbanks, Alaska, is a fascinating city with something for everyone. Whether you’re attending the Northern Lights Volleyball Tournament or just looking for a unique travel experience, this insider’s guide has given you a comprehensive overview of the city’s best attractions, dining spots, cultural experiences, local history, and off-the-beaten-path suggestions. Make sure to add Fairbanks to your travel itinerary as you won’t find a place quite like it anywhere else in the world.