I expected the competition to be played in the dingy light at the old Unipol building in Anzac Avenue.
But when I went to the front door I found it locked and a notice directing me to the new Unipol centre in the University of Otago's Plaza alongside the Forsyth Barr Stadium.
I was not the only person to be blown away by the new facilities with their airy and temperature-controlled courts.
The Antique Smash team from Christchurch has played in the New Zealand Masters Games in Dunedin since 1998.
Their captain, Garth Snell (52), an accountant, was impressed.
"It's an amazing facility. It's absolutely brilliant," he said.
"Dunedin's very lucky to have this. The floor is fantastic and the net system is good."
There are two gymnasiums where volleyball can be played and four courts.
The Antique Smash team relished the new facilities and beat Christchurch rival Roaring 40s 25-17, 25-9, 19-25 in its first match.
Their best placing in the past was a silver medal.
"We've got a medal every time, but the rest of them are bronze," Snell said.
They got the edge over their opponents because of their strong and accurate serves and by the work of their big hitters.
The most impressive hitters were electronics technician Chris Philips and Johnny Way, who were skilled with their spiking and made accurate hits.
Christchurch Airport Customs officer Karen Bleyendaal was accurate in setting up the passes for Snell, the setter, who put up the ball in the right position for the big hitters.
Another key player was polytechnic teacher Roger Bleyendaal, the blocker, who frustrated the Roaring 40s' attackers.
The Bleyendaals' son, Tyler (21), is back-up first five-eighth for Dan Carter in the Crusaders Super 15 rugby team.
The Antique Smash team played solid volleyball to win the first two sets. But their concentration lapsed and allowed Roaring 40s to win the third set.
Setter Keri Low was the Roaring 40s' best player and was assisted by David Crick, Frank Oskam and Neil Glasson who made some good smashes.
