Poland - July 31 to August 2
Host country: Poland
The FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix will mark the 11th year in a row that Poland have competed in the tournament. It will also be the second time they host a final in the world’s premier annual women’s volleyball tournament after welcoming the Group 2 Final in 2014, finishing fourth.
Poland has seen some success in the tournament, finishing a high of sixth at the 2007 and 2010 editions. They have also medalled three times at continental level since 2000, including back-to-back golds at the 2003 and 2005 European Championship.
Although not as successful as the country’s men’s team, Poland will be hoping to use that home support in the Finals as they campaign for a coveted spot in Group 1.
Host city: Lublin
Whilst it may be one of Poland’s smaller cities, Lublin is still one of the country’s most vibrant. Although it doesn’t boast the same volleyball tradition that Krakow or Gdansk might, it is still home to some of the country’s most passionate sports fans.
The city is home to many professional sports teams including men’s basketball side Start Lublin, women’s handball team SPR Safo iCom Lublin and football club Motor Lublin.
This will be the first time the city has hosted any stage of the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix.
Venue: Hala Globus
The Hala Globus is the biggest multi-sports venue in the Lublin region with an 1800 m2 surface.
The hall has hosted many major sporting events including qualification matches for the EuroBasket 2013, the Polish Basketball Cup final, the 2008 European Snooker Championships as well as numerous boxing and kickboxing matches.