Host Cities and Venues

Finals - Host City and Venue

Host country: Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan are making their seventh FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix appearance. In 2015, they were ranked sixth in Group 3. Their best result was 10th place on their debut in 2007.

Kazakhstan has a rich volleyball tradition with some notable players from the Kazakhstan region who won international championships with the Soviet Union teams. After the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991, the new national side made their debut in 1993 at the Asian Championship with a fifth place finish. Twelve years later they won a silver medal, and in 2012, they added an Asian Cup bronze. They became known in international volleyball when they qualified for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

Kazakhstan hosted preliminary round legs of the World Grand Prix in 2011, 2013, 2014 and 2015. This year, Kazakhstan will host their first World Grand Prix Finals in Group 3.

Host city: Almaty

Almaty is a major commercial and cultural centre of Kazakhstan. The former capital of Kazakhstan is a world-renowned centre for sports. Almaty gained international recognition from hosting prestigious events such as the Asian Winter Games in 2011, World Boxing Championships, World Cups in Judo and Ski Jumping, professional cycling races, and the FIVB Volleyball World Grand Prix in 2013.

Venue: Baluan Sholak Sports Palace

The FIVB World Grand Prix Final will be played at the Baluan Sholak Sports Palace in Almaty, the former capital of Kazakhstan. The stadium was built in 1967 and was renovated from 2009 to 2011 for the 2011 Asian Winter Games. It is named after Baluan Sholak, a celebrated Kazakh composer, singer, poet and wrestler. The stadium has a seating capacity of 5,000 and has top-level support facilities.

Preliminary Round - Host Cities and Venues