Oct. 27, 2021 By Michael Dorgan
A facility offering indoor beach volleyball—as well as a bar and lounge area—will be opening in Sunnyside in the coming months.
The establishment, which will be 17,000 square feet in size, is opening on the ground floor of an industrial building at 41-20 39th St.—across the street from the brewpub Alewife.
The complex will consist of three sand-based beach volleyball courts as well as a bar and lounge.
The facility will be owned and operated by QBK Sports, The company was established recently by Leon Dubov, 41, a former hedge fund manager from Brooklyn. He said the Sunnyside venture represents his first foray into the industry.
Dubov said he decided to open his first facility in Sunnyside for several reasons.
“It is a growing neighborhood with a really nice vibe,” Dubov said. “I also needed a space with high ceilings which is surprisingly hard to find in the city.”
He added that the venue is also very accessible, since it is near the 40th Street 7 train station.
Dubov said he is aiming to open the facility by the end of the year but that his timeline is dependent on the NYC Department of Buildings. He has yet to receive the building permits necessary in order to begin construction.
He said the entire space will be an open-plan area with the three courts lined up next to one another.
A barrier will separate the courts from the bar and lounge area, which will seat around 150 people, Dubov said.
Dubov said he is looking to create a fun atmosphere and the facility will offer a full bar where customers can watch people playing on the courts.
It will also serve a variety of hot food plates, although the menu has yet to be determined. Fruit juices and smoothies will also be available, he said.
Dubov said he is hoping to attract people of all skill levels. He said he wants the facility to help knock down some of the barriers of entry to the sport.
“Some people can be intimidated to play at a beach since the players occupying the courts can be really good,” he said.
Dubov said the facility will host instruction classes where residents can learn the basics of how to play.
“The facility will also hold league tournaments as well as after-school sessions for students,” he said.
Dubov said the facility will be open seven days a week and all year round—including summer, since the space is air-conditioned.
Opening hours, however, have yet to be finalized.
16 Comments
Will it be free to play? Are special shoes or gear required? Can you bring your own volleyball? Can you bring your pets? Will there be outdoor seating? This is so exciting!!
Great way to attract even more tourists and visitors to the neighborhood who typically drive to places because the subway is unsafe. I can see the line around the block to get in full of young white adults to rate the place and take selfies for social media.
Do you know who in the neighborhood loves volleyball? Try walking past a park. Hint, it’s not rich young white adults.
Well its the Karen’s and Ken’s that rating and being a critic online.
Hope they play the Top Gun soundtrack! HAHA
With covid here to stay i worry about indoor sports activities. So many athletes have tested positive. Even Jen Psaki tested positive. Its so sad.
I hope they have good insurance. Alcohol and participating in sports activities is not a good mix. Please do not drink and drive.
Sounds like a dance hall to me, opening maybe under the guise of a beach volleyball courts, it will be converted into a club for sure.
Weird, interesting. I would give it a shot.
What I would really love in the neighborhood is swimming pools. Sadly the big complex with one in Astoria (which wasn’t that close anyway) just closed. How about it, Mr. Dubov?
Couldn’t it have been a doggy track with a bar with doggy snacks and such where dogs could meet up.
what a great idea and use of space… great for our town.. bravo
I hope he also hires people from the neighborhood
Why?
Looks like it’s going to be an awesome place!
Love it!
It will make the value of my co-op higher. Things just keep getting better and better. The last year and a half have just been spectacular for my finances!