For the first time in collegiate women’s volleyball history, four top-ranked teams will compete in an NFL venue for the highest prize purse ever awarded in women’s college sports.
According to Huskers.com, University of Nebraska, University of Florida, Penn State University, and Southern Methodist University will compete at the inaugural ‘Spikes Under the Lights’ at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The winners will take home part of the $1 million prize pool.
"We are excited and honored to be part of this historic event that showcases the continued growth of women's volleyball," Nebraska’s head coach Dani Busboom Kelly said. "This will be a great opportunity to face some talented teams in an iconic setting as we ramp up to the start of the season. It should be an awesome night and hopefully a lot of Husker fans will be able to experience it with us in Dallas."
The event, taking place on Aug. 27, will include a three-hour exhibition airing on primetime television, with a broadcast partner to be announced in a few weeks. It will mark the first time that a woman’s sporting even that has been held at an NFL venue.
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There will be two semifinal matchups and a championship final played in volleyball’s standard best-of-three match structure.
Each team will earn a $200,000 appearance fee, and the winning team will take home an additional $200,000.
"What a great moment and event to showcase our sport," Florida’s head coach Ryan Theis said. "Year-after-year, volleyball continues to see growth in attendance, premier events, TV audiences and mainstream network airtime. To be invited to compete on the biggest stage, in front of an audience that the sport deserves, is an honor for our program and players."
