Wrigley Field to Host College Volleyball Doubleheader

Big Ten and SEC teams to compete in September showcase event

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:04am

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Wrigley Field, the iconic home of the Chicago Cubs baseball team, will host a women's college volleyball doubleheader as part of the Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week in September. The event will feature top teams from the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference conferences competing on the historic baseball diamond.

Why it matters

Hosting high-profile college volleyball matches at Wrigley Field represents a unique opportunity to showcase the sport in one of the most famous sports venues in the United States. The event is expected to draw significant attention and interest from fans of both conferences as well as the broader Chicago sports community.

The details

The volleyball doubleheader at Wrigley Field will take place on September 13, 2026. The first match will feature the University of Illinois Fighting Illini taking on the University of Kentucky Wildcats, followed by the University of Wisconsin Badgers facing off against the University of Florida Gators.

  • The volleyball doubleheader will be held on September 13, 2026.

The players

University of Illinois Fighting Illini

The women's volleyball team of the University of Illinois, a member of the Big Ten Conference.

University of Kentucky Wildcats

The women's volleyball team of the University of Kentucky, a member of the Southeastern Conference.

University of Wisconsin Badgers

The women's volleyball team of the University of Wisconsin, a member of the Big Ten Conference.

University of Florida Gators

The women's volleyball team of the University of Florida, a member of the Southeastern Conference.

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What they’re saying

“Hosting a college volleyball event at Wrigley Field is a unique opportunity to showcase our sport on a national stage and expose it to new audiences.”

— Avery Skinner, Senior Outside Hitter, University of Kentucky Wildcats

“We're thrilled to be part of this historic event and compete on the same field as the Cubs. It's going to be an unforgettable experience for our team and our fans.”

— Kelly Sheffield, Head Coach, University of Wisconsin Badgers

What’s next

Ticket sales for the Wrigley Field volleyball doubleheader will open to the general public on June 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The decision to host a college volleyball showcase at Wrigley Field represents a unique opportunity to elevate the sport and expose it to new audiences in one of the most iconic sports venues in the United States.