Mead and Mt. Spokane to Play Outdoor Volleyball Match at Union Stadium

The rival Panthers and Wildcats will meet Tuesday at 6 p.m. on a temporary court at Union Stadium in Spokane, weather permitting.

Mead (2-2) and Mt. Spokane (3-1) are set to play a nonleague volleyball match on a temporary outdoor court at Union Stadium on Tuesday at 6 p.m. The setup is part of a growing national trend of outdoor high school volleyball games played in stadiums under the lights.

Mt. Spokane athletic director Bobby Lee said plans for an outdoor game began last year but did not come together until this season, when the district partnered with Pacific Northwest Qualifier, which is supplying the sport court and helping with setup. Wildcats coach Darcy McMurray said players are familiar with outdoor conditions, noting that beach volleyball is popular in Spokane and many athletes compete on temporary surfaces in club play.

Weather appears favorable, with a forecast high of 79 degrees, cloud cover, a 1% chance of rain and wind gusts up to 10 mph, per AccuWeather. If weather forces a cancellation, the match will not be rescheduled because it is a nonleague contest. Officials from both schools said player safety remains the priority in monitoring conditions.

Tickets are available at the gate: $10 for adults and $5 for students, seniors and military, with GSL Sports Passes and ASB cards accepted. Part of the proceeds will benefit those affected by last month's Spokane Complex fires. Mt. Spokane is also scheduled to play another outdoor match at Lake City High School in Coeur d'Alene on Oct. 3.

In other area action, the Sheridan-Welch Crossover Tournament runs Friday and Saturday with 56 teams from Washington and Idaho. Pool play begins at 7 p.m. Friday and 8 a.m. Saturday at Shadle Park, Lewis and Clark, Ferris and Rogers, with bracket play Saturday afternoon at those same sites. Friday entry is free; Saturday tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students.