SYDNEY, Australia (AP) -- The Olympic beach volleyball venue at Bondi Beach, the subject of protests and criticisms since it was proposed, was unveiled Sunday to lavish praise from athletes.

 A small number of spectators turned out at the 10,000-seat stadium to see Australia's five Olympic volleyball teams work out. Seats at the top of the stands offer a view of the ocean.

 The response from players, spectators and officials was overwhelmingly positive after question marks had been raised about the stadium's environmental impact and the state of Bondi's sand.

 "We played for the first time this morning. I was asked about the sand and I actually truthfully said it's the best sand we have ever played on in the world," Atlanta bronze medallist Kerri Pottharst said.

 Angelo Squeo, the International Beach Volleyball Federation technical director, called the site the "best ever in beach volleyball history."