Wrigley Field will host its first-ever volleyball matches on Sept. 6, when the historic Chicago ballpark welcomes a women’s college volleyball doubleheader featuring teams from the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference.
The event marks a new chapter for Wrigley Field, which has hosted various sports and concerts over its 114-year history but never volleyball. The doubleheader is part of the Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week, where all teams from both conferences compete against each other.
According to a news release, Nebraska will play Missouri while Penn State faces Kentucky during the evening doubleheader. The order of matches is yet to be determined, with games scheduled for 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., respectively. Tickets will go on sale April 9, and both matches will be broadcast live on FOX.
Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti said, “As women’s volleyball participation, sponsorship, attendance and viewership continue to grow, we look forward to providing this unique opportunity to showcase the exceptional competition.”
This initiative follows recent trends in collegiate athletics that highlight women’s sports in large venues. Nebraska’s team set an attendance record in 2023 for a women’s sporting event when it played at its home football stadium. Renderings released show that Wrigley Field’s court will be placed in shallow center field with standing-room areas available in the outfield.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey said, “This initiative not only elevates volleyball on a national stage but also underscores a continued growth and investment in women’s athletics. We are proud to be part of an event that celebrates the competitive excellence of these student-athletes while helping shape an even more prominent future for women’s athletics.”
The upcoming doubleheader aims to further raise visibility for women’s collegiate sports by bringing high-profile matchups into one of baseball’s most iconic stadiums.
