Nebraska Aims for Global Record in Grand Volleyball Celebration
Prepare for a night of records and excitement as the University of Nebraska gears up for a remarkable volleyball celebration at Memorial Stadium on Wednesday. With thrilling matches, a performance by country artist Scotty McCreery, and an ambitious goal, this event promises to make history.
The event lineup includes an exhibition match between in-state Division II powerhouses Nebraska-Kearney and Wayne State. Following that, an intense regular-season game will pit Omaha against the formidable fourth-ranked Cornhuskers. The entertainment doesn’t stop there, as Scotty McCreery takes the stage after the matches.
Nebraska’s athletic department has set its sights on breaking the attendance record for women’s sporting events, currently set at 91,648 spectators. This record was established during a Champions League soccer match, where Barcelona triumphed over Real Madrid 5-2 at Camp Nou Stadium in 2022.
Harper Murray, a fresh face in the Huskers’ lineup, exudes confidence, stating, “If any place can do it, it’s Nebraska.” Memorial Stadium typically accommodates just over 85,000 people for football games, but this volleyball event will see higher numbers due to field seating availability. The court will be set up on the north end of the stadium, the very home field of the Huskers’ football team.
For reference, the American record attendance for a women’s sporting event stands at 90,185 attendees. This figure was achieved during the 1999 World Cup soccer final between the United States and China at Pasadena’s Rose Bowl.
Nebraska boasts an impressive streak of 306 consecutive sold-out regular-season matches. However, the upcoming event won’t contribute to this streak, as it won’t be held on the team’s usual Devaney Center court. Notably, Nebraska has led the nation in attendance every season since 2013, with eight of the top nine crowds in NCAA volleyball history involving the Huskers.
Coach John Cook draws parallels to the iconic moment when the USA soccer team played at the Rose Bowl. He believes this event could have a similarly transformative impact on women’s sports, stating, “I think this is another great chance for that to happen in the sport of volleyball.”
Nebraska’s volleyball program has clinched five national championships and is among the few Division I programs that generate a profit. The program raked in $1 million last year, as reported by athletic department CFO Doug Ewald.
Volleyball enthusiasts marked their calendars for Volleyball Day in Nebraska, with ticket sales surpassing 82,000 in just three days. Tickets are priced at $25 for adults and $5 for children.
The grandeur of this occasion prompted Chancellor Rodney Bennett to cancel classes for the day. Notable figures, including NCAA President Charlie Baker and Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti, are expected to attend. Former Husker volleyball players from the esteemed coach Terry Pettit’s teams are also slated to make appearances. High school teams across the state are even excused from classes to witness this historic event.
Volleyball has emerged as the leading girls’ high school team sport, with a whopping 455,000 players in the United States. Nebraska, in particular, has embraced the sport, leading the way. Despite ranking 38th in population, the state boasts 7,000 high school volleyball players, securing its 25th position nationally.
Get ready for an unforgettable night of volleyball and record-breaking energy at Memorial Stadium. This event not only celebrates the sport but also elevates the impact of women’s athletics on a global scale.