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34th Spike & Dig Storms Dwight Merkel Park!
Spike & Dig: Spokane’s Giant Grass Volleyball Party Turns 34!
What Is Spike & Dig?
Imagine a giant playground covered in 90 volleyball courts, all on grass, filled with thousands of people playing, laughing, and cheering. That is Spike & Dig!
It is one of the biggest outdoor grass volleyball tournaments in the entire country. Every August, it takes over the Dwight Merkel Sports Complex in Spokane, Washington.
IMPORTANT POINT
This isn’t just for pros! The tournament has divisions for every single skill level—from total beginners who just learned to bump the ball, to former college and professional athletes. You sign up for the level that fits you, so you always play against similar competition.
The History: How It All Started
- 1992: Jerry Schmidt (who also co-founded the famous Hoopfest basketball tournament) started Spike & Dig.
- The Idea: Back then, almost all outdoor volleyball was played on sand (beach volleyball). Jerry wanted a 6-on-6 tournament on grass—just like indoor volleyball, but outside in the sunshine!
- Today: It is now the 34th annual tournament. It has grown from a small local event to a massive weekend expecting over 500 teams and a few thousand players.
Meet Joey: A Player Who Grew Up With the Tournament
Joey Dickinson, age 37, is the perfect example of what makes this tournament special.
- Middle School: He played his first Spike & Dig on a family team over 20 years ago.
- The Journey: He kept coming back, getting better every year, until he reached the "Open Division" (the highest, most competitive level).
- Now: He plays alongside his wife, Shelby, and best friends he met through volleyball.
- His Secret: "As my body gets older, this weekend becomes more of a social time to spend with friends and family I don’t see regularly."
IMPORTANT POINT
Joey has also volunteered for ~20 years. He says the tournament succeeds because the organizers listen to feedback and change things to make it better every year.
How the Tournament Works: The Weekend Schedule
The tournament runs Saturday and Sunday. Here is the flow:
Saturday: Pool Play (The "Warm Up")
- Every team is guaranteed 4 matches.
- You play a "pool" of teams similar to your skill level.
- It’s low pressure—just play, have fun, and find your rhythm.
Sunday: Bracket Play (The "Real Deal")
- Single Elimination: Lose once, and you’re out (for most divisions).
- Double Elimination (Open Division only): The top teams get a second chance—lose once, you drop to a "loser’s bracket" but can still fight back to win!
Why Is Spike & Dig So Unique?
1. The Rare 6-on-6 Grass Format
Most outdoor tournaments are 2-on-2 Beach Volleyball. Spike & Dig keeps the classic 6-on-6 indoor style but moves it onto the grass. It allows for bigger teams, more strategy, and a totally different vibe.
2. It’s a Family-Run, Community-First Event
- Local Roots: Founded by a Spokane local, run by his family/staff (Brandon Schmidt is the current director).
- Volunteer Powered: Only 25–30 volunteers run the entire massive event!
- Spokane Spirit: "Spokane really comes together as a community for these types of events," says Director Brandon Schmidt.
3. The "First Match" Magic
Brandon Schmidt (Director) says his favorite moment is Saturday morning kickoff:
"To see 90 courts playing at the same time and everyone just excited out on the field—that’s when it really sinks in for me."
The Secret Sauce: Why Does It Keep Growing?
| Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Volleyball Popularity | The sport is exploding nationwide; more people want to play. |
| Community Embrace | Spokane locals treat it like a holiday—businesses, families, and fans show up. |
| Flexibility | Organizers accept late sign-ups (right up to the last week!) to include everyone, even if it makes scheduling a "time crunch." |
| Inclusivity | Youth divisions, adult divisions, rec leagues, and elite pros all share the same park. |
Summary: Why You Should Care
Spike & Dig is more than a volleyball tournament. It is a summer tradition where a 12-year-old plays their first match on a family team, a 37-year-old competes for a championship with their spouse, and thousands of strangers become a community for a weekend.
- 34 Years Strong (Founded 1992).
- 500+ Teams expected (Record Breaking!).
- All Skills Welcome (Beginner to Pro).
- Unique 6-on-6 Grass Format.
- Heart of Spokane (Family-run, Volunteer-powered).
Whether you want to spike a ball, volunteer, or just watch 90 courts of pure joy—this is where Spokane shines.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Do I have to be good at volleyball to play?
Absolutely not! There are divisions for complete beginners ("Rec" levels) all the way up to "Open" (ex-pros). You play against people at your exact same level.
Is this beach volleyball?
Nope! It is 6-on-6 on grass. Think indoor volleyball rules, but outside on a soccer/football field. No sand in your shoes!
Can I just show up and watch?
Yes! It is free for spectators. Bring a lawn chair, find some shade, and watch 90 games happening at once. It’s a great family outing.
How do I sign up a team?
Registration usually opens months in advance (check the official Spike & Dig website). You need a roster of roughly 8–12 players for a 6-on-6 team. Pro Tip: Sign up early! Late registration creates a scheduling scramble for the volunteers.
I don’t have a team. Can I still help?
YES! They rely on 25–30 volunteers to run the show. It’s a fantastic way to be part of the action, meet people, and get a behind-the-scenes look at a major sporting event.
