Nebraska volleyball is so popular because of a combination of factors: a long history of excellence with multiple national championships, exceptional fan support evidenced by consistent sellout streaks and record attendance, and strong community engagement from small towns where volleyball is a key sport. The passion for volleyball in Nebraska is deeply rooted in local pride, widespread youth participation, and a culture that embraces women's sports, bolstered by the success of Title IX. The program's prominence is also due to its tradition of recruiting top talent and maintaining high competitive standards, which keeps fans invested year after year.
Key reasons for Nebraska volleyball's popularity:
- The Nebraska Cornhuskers have won five NCAA championships and consistently rank among the top teams nationally, with the most wins in NCAA Division I history and numerous conference titles. Their competitive success drives fan enthusiasm.
- The program holds an extraordinary home sellout streak of over 300 matches, drawing an average attendance that leads the nation, including setting a world record with over 92,000 fans attending a game at Memorial Stadium in 2023.
- Small-town Nebraska's community pride and widespread youth participation fuel grassroots support. Volleyball is the primary sport for many girls, and communities rally around local and university teams alike, creating a vibrant culture around the sport.
- Title IX's impact is notable, facilitating gender equality in athletics and allowing women's volleyball to flourish in Nebraska, where it is embraced at all levels and generates significant financial success uncommon in women's sports.
- The venue and fan experience also contribute—moving to the larger Bob Devaney Sports Center and extensive modernization has allowed more fans to attend and support the team, enhancing the spectator atmosphere.
Together, these elements create a statewide "volleyball culture" that makes Nebraska volleyball stand out as uniquely popular in the U.S. for women's sports.
