{"id":320935,"date":"2026-08-14T02:02:48","date_gmt":"2026-08-14T02:02:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/320935\/"},"modified":"2026-08-14T02:02:48","modified_gmt":"2026-08-14T02:02:48","slug":"festive-walk-of-fame-ceremony-welcomes-return-of-manhattan-beach-open-daily-breeze","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/320935\/","title":{"rendered":"Festive Walk of Fame ceremony welcomes return of Manhattan Beach Open \u2013 Daily Breeze"},"content":{"rendered":"

Athletes and fans packed the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday, Aug. 13, for the opening celebration and Volleyball Walk of Fame Red Carpet Ceremony, kicking off the 66th Manhattan Beach Open.<\/p>\n

\"Kristen<\/p>\n

Kristen Cruz speaks during the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Taryn<\/p>\n

Taryn Brasher speaks during the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The AVP and the Association of Volleyball Professionals hosts its annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony, unveiling plaques honoring defending champions Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz, along with Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Taryn<\/p>\n

Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz hold their plaques after the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Families<\/p>\n

Families and friends attend the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony, unveiling plaques honoring defending champions Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz, along with Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Mayor<\/p>\n

Mayor Joe Franklin speaks during the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony, unveiling plaques honoring defending champions Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz, along with Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Miles<\/p>\n

Miles Evans speaks during the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Chase<\/p>\n

Chase Budinger speaks during the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The AVP and the Association of Volleyball Professionals hosts its annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony, unveiling plaques honoring defending champions Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz, along with Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Families<\/p>\n

Families and friends attend the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony, unveiling plaques honoring defending champions Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz, along with Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Volleyball<\/p>\n

Volleyball legend Sean Rosenthal speaks during the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony, unveiling plaques honoring defending champions Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz, along with Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The AVP and the Association of Volleyball Professionals hosts its annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony, unveiling plaques honoring defending champions Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz, along with Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The AVP and the Association of Volleyball Professionals hosts its annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony, unveiling plaques honoring defending champions Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz, along with Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The AVP and the Association of Volleyball Professionals hosts its annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony, unveiling plaques honoring defending champions Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz, along with Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Chase<\/p>\n

Chase Budinger is joined by his family after the Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Taryn<\/p>\n

Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz are joined by Mayor Joe Franklin and council members Nina Trieu Tarnay, Amy Howorth and David Lesser after receiving their plaques during the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Taryn<\/p>\n

Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz are joined by Mayor Joe Franklin after the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Chase<\/p>\n

Chase Budinger and Miles Evans are joined by Mayor Joe Franklin and council members Nina Trieu Tarnay, Amy Howorth and David Lesser after receiving their plaques during the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Chase<\/p>\n

Chase Budinger and Miles Evans hold their plaques after the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The AVP and the Association of Volleyball Professionals hosts its annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony, unveiling plaques honoring defending champions Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz, along with Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The AVP and the Association of Volleyball Professionals hosts its annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony, unveiling plaques honoring defending champions Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz, along with Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Chase<\/p>\n

Chase Budinger and Miles Evans are joined by Mayor Joe Franklin after receiving their plaques during the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The AVP and the Association of Volleyball Professionals hosts its annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony, unveiling plaques honoring defending champions Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz, along with Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Chase<\/p>\n

Chase Budinger and Miles Evans hold their plaques after the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Defending<\/p>\n

Defending champions Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz embrace after unveiling their plaque during the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Defending<\/p>\n

Defending champions Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz unveil their plaque during the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Defending<\/p>\n

Defending champions Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz embrace after unveiling their plaque during the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Kristen<\/p>\n

Kristen Cruz speaks during the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Taryn<\/p>\n

Taryn Brasher speaks during the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

\"Defending<\/p>\n

Defending champions Taryn Brasher and Kristen Cruz unveil their plaque during the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 30<\/p>\n

Kristen Cruz speaks during the annual Manhattan Beach Open Walk of Fame Ceremony on the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday August 13, 2026. (Photo by Axel Koester, Contributing Photographer)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a><\/p>\n

Cheers and applause were frequent during the hourlong ceremony late Thursday when the plaques were unveiled on the pier.<\/p>\n

The free beach volleyball tournament runs Friday through Sunday, Aug. 14-16, following Thursday\u2019s Red Carpet Ceremony honoring the 2025 champions.<\/p>\n

Plaques were unveiled honoring defending Manhattan Beach Open champions Taryn Kloth Brasher and Kristen Nuss Cruz, as well as Chase Budinger and Miles Evans, on the Manhattan Beach Pier.<\/p>\n

The awardees \u2014 all of whom competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics \u2014 \u00a0praised others for their success, including coaches, spouses and teammates.<\/p>\n

And all will be competing again this weekend with the female team looking for a three-peat.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe most important person in my life,\u201d said Budinger, \u201c is my wife.\u201d Budinger and wife Jessica Fine married in 2021 and they have two children, Beckham and Blake. \u201cShe never complains and \u2026 I love you so much.\u201d<\/p>\n

As for his on-the-court partner: \u201cMiles,\u201d Budinger added, \u201cwhat a road it\u2019s been. There were a lot of ups and downs but when we played, we played great.\u201d<\/p>\n

When it was his turn, Evans turned to Budinger and said: \u201cThank you for teaming up with me.\u201d<\/p>\n

As for the women? \u201cThey were impossible to beat,\u201d declared their coach, Drew Hamilton.<\/p>\n

This was the second time this team received the pier plaques and they are aiming for a third. Brasher, a South Dakota native, said she\u2019d never forget walking down the pier after seeing the plaque for the first time.<\/p>\n

She thanked her husband \u2014 she married Eric Brasher last year in Sioux Falls \u2014 and her volleyball partner, \u201cKristen, my best friend.\u201d<\/p>\n

When Nuss Cruz took the stage, she shared the memory of the push \u2014 literally \u2014 that her mom gave her the first time she arrived at volleyball class.<\/p>\n

\u201cJust give it a try,\u201d her mom told her, \u201cand get out of the car,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

\"Teammates<\/p>\n

Teammates Kristen Cruz, left, and Taryn Brasher celebrate their win in three sets over Melissa Humana-Peredes and Brandie Wilderson in the quarterfinal round during the AVP\u2019s Huntington Beach Open on Saturday, May 16, 2026. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Kristen<\/p>\n

Kristen Cruz dives in the sand to dig the ball, while playing with teammate Taryn Brasher, during the quarterfinal round of the AVP\u2019s Huntington Beach Open on Saturday, May 16, 2026. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Chase<\/p>\n

Chase Budinger digs the ball, while playing with teammate Miles Evans, during the quarterfinal round of the AVP\u2019s Huntington Beach Open on Saturday, May 16, 2026. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

\"Miles<\/p>\n

Miles Evans dives in the sand to dig the ball, while playing with teammate Chase Budinger, during the AVP\u2019s Huntington Beach Open on Saturday, May 16, 2026. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

Show Caption<\/p>\n

1 of 4<\/p>\n

Teammates Kristen Cruz, left, and Taryn Brasher celebrate their win in three sets over Melissa Humana-Peredes and Brandie Wilderson in the quarterfinal round during the AVP\u2019s Huntington Beach Open on Saturday, May 16, 2026. (Photo by Jeff Antenore, Orange County Register\/SCNG)\n<\/p>\n

Expand<\/a><\/p>\n

During Thursday\u2019s pier ceremony, sponsored by the Association of Volleyball Professionals, the opening qualifier match was played, officially kicking off the competition.<\/p>\n

Beach volleyball is a game that\u2019s now deeply embedded in the South Bay beach culture. So the Manhattan Beach Open \u2014 called pro beach volleyball\u2019s \u201cgranddaddy of them all\u201d \u2014 \u00a0rolls out a weekend-long gathering of top competition that draws tens of thousands of folks to the beach.<\/p>\n

They come to cheer and to watch the free games played on multiple courts along the sand, features the best of the best competitors in the sport.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s also hailed as one of the biggest beach volleyball parties in the region.<\/p>\n

The tournament was established in 1960 and is considered the longest-running and most prestigious professional beach volleyball event in the country.<\/p>\n

Games run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. And along with the intense competition, there are food vendors and live music.<\/p>\n

General admission is free and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Organizers recommend attendees arrive early and bring sunscreen.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Avp<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Athletes and fans packed the Manhattan Beach Pier on Thursday, Aug. 13, for the opening celebration and Volleyball…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":320936,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[35],"tags":[74126,9965,68184,2136,9966,75,9967,84,83,9,24,12,63,15559,319,4863,120956,4862,904,27],"class_list":["post-320935","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-manhattan","tag-avp","tag-beach-cities","tag-beach-volleyball","tag-california","tag-los-angeles-county","tag-manhattan","tag-manhattan-beach","tag-manhattan-headlines","tag-manhattan-news","tag-new-york","tag-new-york-city","tag-news","tag-nyc","tag-olympics","tag-sports","tag-tbr-news","tag-tbr-sports","tag-the-beach-reporter","tag-things-to-do","tag-top-stories"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/320935","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=320935"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/320935\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/320936"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=320935"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=320935"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=320935"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}