As it has since 2003, Bud Light will continue its support of the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour as the Official Malt Beverage sponsor with a newly signed three-year contract extension announced today at The World Congress of Sports conference in Miami.

“We couldn’t be happier to have Bud Light on board with us again, particularly as our Tour expands to a new level of exposure and excitement,” said Leonard Armato, AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour CEO and Commissioner. “The Bud Light brand is synonymous with the spirit of our fans – fun, energetic and ready to have a great time. It makes this a match made in sun-soaked heaven.”

Bud Light will be the presenting sponsor at three AVP Crocs Tour events – Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Huntington Beach. In addition to on-site presence, Bud Light will have category exclusivity across broadcast, online and advertising platforms.  The sponsorship will also be brought to life through local activation and national promotional efforts.

“Our renewed support of the AVP Tour is part of our continued investment for Bud Light in lifestyle sports,” said Dan McHugh, vice president, Media, Sponsorship and Activation, Anheuser-Busch. “The AVP Tour attracts adult beer drinkers interested in the beach, sports and good times with friends. Needless to say, this is a great environment for the Bud Light brand.”

The renewed agreement comes at an exciting time for the AVP. The tour recently wrapped up an extraordinary 2009 AVP Johnsonville Hot Winter Nights Tour that saw average attendance increase 58 percent from the inaugural campaign in 2008. The AVP Crocs Tour Season is now underway, with the next event taking place April 17-19 in Riverside, Calif.

The partnership between the AVP and Anheuser-Busch dates back to 2001 when Michelob Light was named the official beer sponsor of the tour. In 2003, Bud Light took over the role given the shared attributes between the two brands – fun and sociability.