International Volleyball Hall of Fame - Holyoke, Massachusetts USA
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Volleyball City Battle of the Badges Volleyball Tournament

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Holyoke, Massachusetts - the Birthplace of Volleyball - plays host to the Volleyball City Battle of the Badges Volleyball Tournament.  Back for its tenth year and featuring members of the New York City Fire (FDNY) and New York City Police (NYPD) Departments going head to head with teams of first responders from Holyoke, Springfield and greater New England.
CLICK HERE FOR THE 2025 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE & RESULTS
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TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE AND INFO
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NIGHT OF HEROES RECEPTION
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TOURNAMENT HISTORY

 

2025 Event Photos

Tournament & Events Schedule

All Tournament Matches will be held at Holyoke Community College - 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke, MA
CLICK HERE FOR THE 2025 TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE & RESULTS
Friday, June 6, 2025
6pm    Night of Heroes Welcome Reception @ IVHF
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Saturday, June 7, 2025
8:30am    Battle of the Badges Tournament @ HCC

1pm    Playoffs Begin

3:00pm    Championship Match

6pm    Post-Tournament Reception @ Pic's Pub
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Ticket Information

Spectator admission to the Battle of the Badges Tournament is FREE and doors will open to the public at 8:45am with play starting at 9am sharp.

Saturday, June 7, 2025
Holyoke Community College
303 Homestead Avenue
Holyoke, MA  01040


Free parking is available in Lot M.  


For more information email [email protected] or call the International Volleyball Hall of Fame at 413-536-0926.
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Night of Heroes Reception

Participating teams are invited to join the IVHF for a private, invitation-only, tournament kick-off reception.
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2025 IVHF Night of Heroes Reception
Friday, June 6, 2025, 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM EDT
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International Volleyball Hall of Fame - 444 Dwight Street, Holyoke, MA  01040
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Join IVHF guests of honor at the Battle of the Badges Night of Heroes Reception on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 6-8pm at the International Volleyball Hall of Fame. This private, invitation-only, event celebrates the participating teams of the Battle of the Badges Tournament along with light bites and complimentary beer & wine. We look forward to having you join us to welcome these great heroes.
** REGISTRATION THROUGH SPECIAL LINK IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND THIS INVITATION-ONLY EVENT **

 

Tournament History

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In the city of Holyoke, Massachusetts, volleyball isn't just a sport—it's a legacy. This city, known as the birthplace of volleyball aka Volleyball City, embraces its historic roots with pride and joy.

​ The journey begins in the late 19th century, where the game was invented by William G. Morgan at the local YMCA. Morgan sought a game that combined the elements of basketball, baseball, tennis, and handball, resulting in the creation of "mintonette," which later became known as volleyball.


Fast forward to today, and you can see Holyoke's pride in every corner of the city. The Holyoke Police Department proudly displays an emblem featuring a graphic of a volleyball, alongside the proud declaration "birthplace of volleyball." This emblem is not just an insignia; it's a testament to the city's deep-rooted connection to the sport.

One of the most celebrated figures in Holyoke's volleyball history is John J. Lynch, who served as the Fire Chief of the city in 1896. But before his days battling blazes, Lynch captained the very first volleyball team in the world. His leadership laid the groundwork for the sport's popularity and growth in Holyoke and beyond.

Holyoke's celebration of its volleyball heritage goes beyond emblems and historical figures. The city hosts volleyball tournaments, clinics, and exhibitions that draw players and fans from across the globe. Local schools and colleges integrate volleyball into their physical education and athletic programs, nurturing new generations of players who carry the torch of the sport's rich history.

The sport has become a unifying force in the community, bridging generations and cultures, and fostering a sense of pride and belonging.  Holyoke's narrative is intertwined with volleyball, a game that has grown from a local invention to a global phenomenon. In this city, volleyball is more than a sport; it's a heritage, a source of community pride, and a continuing legacy that honors its origins every day.


Tournament Champions

2025 - NYPD (1) def Springfield Fire
2024 - Xtension (Windsor, CT) def NYPD (1)
2023 - NYPD (1) def FDNY (1)
2022 - New York United def NYPD

2021 - 
No Tournament due to Covid-19
2020 - No Tournament due to Covid-19
2019 - New York United def FDNY
2018 - New York United def FDNY
2017 - Conquest Monkey (Western Mass.) def FDNY
2016 - Conquest Monkey (Western Mass.) def FDNY
2015 - FDNY def Acton FD
2014 - FDNY def Holyoke FD
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NYPD - 2023 Battle of the Badges Champions

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International Volleyball ​Hall of Fame
444 Dwight Street
Holyoke, MA  01040  USA
Phone: +1 413.536.0926
Email: [email protected]
Volleyball is the Official Recreational and Team Sport ​of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

© 2025 INTERNATIONAL VOLLEYBALL HALL OF FAME
IVHF IS A 501 (C)(3) ORGANIZATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS & STAFF     INTERNS & VOLUNTEERS     SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES     PRIVACY POLICY
  • VB130
  • PLAN YOUR VISIT
    • Hours & Admission
    • BUY MUSEUM TICKETS
    • Group Tours
    • PRIVATE EVENT RENTALS
  • HALL OF FAMERS
    • Inductees
    • Eligibility & Nominations
    • Awards
    • Induction Celebration
  • Events
    • Induction >
      • Induction Celebration
      • Induction Tickets
      • Induction Yearbook
      • 2025 Fan Vote
    • World Volleyball Day
    • Morgan Classic
    • Girls VolleyHall Classic
    • Boys VolleyHall Classic
    • Girls W. Mass All-Star Showcase
    • Boys W. Mass All-Star Showcase
    • Battle of the Badges
    • IVHF Grass Smash
  • MUSEUM
    • Sand Stories: The Beach Volleyball Experience
    • In The Museum
    • Digital Exhibits >
      • The REAL History of Volleyball
      • William G Morgan - Father of Volleyball
      • Basketball & Volleyball
      • 1922 - First US Championship
  • SUPPORT
    • Memberships
    • VB130 - Volleyball's Global Impact
    • Sand Stories: The Beach Volleyball Experience
    • Donate Today
    • Donor Listing
  • NEWS
  • SHOP
  • About Us
    • Internship Program
    • Leadership & Staff
    • International Media Advisory Council