sports•Sun, September 6, 2026•4 min read

Why Nebraska Volleyball Is Making Nontraditional Venues the New Normal

Nebraska volleyball is turning the sport into a massive spectacle by taking matches to iconic, nontraditional venues like Wrigley Field. This shift reflects the growing popularity of women's college volleyball and its ability to draw massive crowds in unique settings.

A New Era for College Volleyball

College volleyball is no longer confined to the traditional hardwood of university gymnasiums. In a move that mirrors the explosive growth of women's sports, programs like Nebraska are pushing boundaries by hosting matches in iconic, nontraditional venues. From historic baseball stadiums to NFL arenas, the sport is transforming into a massive, marquee event that demands larger stages.

Nebraska volleyball continues its tradition of high-profile venue tours.

Why Venues Matter

The push toward larger, unconventional spaces is a strategic response to the sport's surging popularity. Media analysts have noted that women’s college volleyball is tracking closely with the growth trajectory of women’s college basketball, seeing higher viewership and greater demand for live event programming. By hosting matches at venues like Wrigley Field for the SEC/Big Ten Challenge, teams are not just playing for a win—they are creating cultural moments that capture national attention.

Increased visibility through major stadium events.
Breaking world records for volleyball attendance.
Strong collaboration between powerhouse conferences like the Big Ten and SEC.
Shifting fan perception of volleyball from a niche sport to a headline attraction.

The Future of the Sport

This transition to nontraditional venues is only the beginning. As we look toward 2026 and beyond, more programs are expected to explore unique locations, ranging from major league arenas to coastal beach settings. For fans, it means a more accessible and exciting match-day experience that moves beyond the campus walls and into the heart of sports culture.

Women’s college volleyball feels a lot like women’s college basketball a few years ago — people are tuning in, and the events and programming slots are increasing to account for it.
— Mike Mulvihill, Fox Ratings Insider

Key Takeaways

Nebraska volleyball is leading a trend of hosting matches in historic, nontraditional venues.
The SEC/Big Ten Challenge at Wrigley Field marks another chapter in the team's venue tour.
Growing viewership metrics suggest women's college volleyball is one of the fastest-rising sports in the U.S.
Nontraditional venue usage is expanding to include NFL stadiums and other large-scale arenas.
The shift toward bigger venues helps accommodate record-breaking crowd sizes.

FAQ

Why is Nebraska playing volleyball at Wrigley Field?

Nebraska is continuing its tradition of playing at high-profile, nontraditional venues as part of the SEC/Big Ten Challenge, aiming to showcase the sport to larger audiences.

Is women's college volleyball growing in popularity?

Yes, media analysts have noted a sharp increase in interest and viewership, often drawing comparisons to the growth trajectory of women's college basketball.

Are other teams following this venue trend?

College volleyball as a whole is increasingly looking toward nontraditional venues, including NFL stadiums, to host matches throughout the 2026 season and beyond.

How can I watch the Nebraska matches?

Matches are typically broadcast via major sports networks and streaming platforms. Fans should check local listings or official university athletics websites for the most accurate time and streaming information.