SAN DIEGO, Calif. -- Forget about freezing winter nights in 2009 as the AVP is hitting the road again to heat things up inside at an arena near you starting in January.

"Hot Winter Nights is a terrific concept because it allows us to bring the AVP Crocs Tour competition and lifestyle to markets that don't get to experience it first hand," said AVP Commissioner Leonard Armato. "We want to make sure they can really see these athletes up close and personal even though it is the winter time. It also takes them away from the winter for a night and makes them feel warm and connected with the beach experience. We believe that the beach experienced coupled with this authentic competition would be well received all over the country. We are excited about Hot Winter Nights and feel it will become a growing property for years to come."

Starting on January 15 in Albany, N.Y., the men and women of the AVP Tour will recreate the outdoor game in selected markets and arenas around the country. The players participating in Hot Winter Nights 2009 have not been announced, but there could be some Olympic medal winning players for the fans to see.

"I think year two of Hot Winter Nights will be an exciting year and a year of growth," said Armato. "There are a few things that will help us dramatically. One, we understand how to market this product better in these markets that haven't experienced the AVP Crocs Tour and we are coming off a year of dramatic exposure as these athletes are going to be on center stage at the Olympic Games and shining in front of the whole world. That will translate into additional exposure and excitement for the sport. It will make people want to see these athletes up close and personal so we are excited about year two of Hot Winter Nights."

Just as AVP officials are excited to see the second year of Hot Winter Nights, so are the players.

"I loved it," said Casey Jennings, who had three first-place, two third-place and two fourth-place finishes during the 2008 Hot Winter Nights tour. "It was awesome as we got to hang out with the fans. I would be done with a match, go hang out with the fans and talk. Twenty minutes later I would have another match. It was a good energy for all the players as well."

Playing beach volleyball in an enclosed arena may sound like unusual, but it's a great environment for this exciting sporting event.

"Being from Vegas I played on the indoor sand courts a lot during the winters," said Jennings. There wasn't snow on the ground, but it was the same where you couldn't play outside."

For more information on where the Hot Winter Nights Tour will be going in 2009, please click here