The national championship may not be until December, but in women’s college volleyball, the excitement is palpable in many stadiums throughout the regular season. NCAA digital reporter Michella Chester and Big Ten Network’s Emily Ehman joined in an Instagram Live to give their opinions on some of the best volleyball stadiums.
Here’s a look at which home teams have the liveliest atmosphere, according to experts:
Devaney Center, Nebraska
The Devaney Center originally had a capacity of 13,595 and has hosted several NCAA championship events since it opened in 1976. After the 2012-2013 college season, the Devaney Center underwent a nearly $20 million renovation, reducing capacity to 7,907 seats with standing room to nearly 8,500. The arena made history just last season when Nebraska broke the center’s attendance record in a five-set showdown against then-undefeated Wisconsin in front of 9,198 spectators.
“When players come in who have never played on a stage like this, you’re automatically confused because it’s so intense,” Ehman told Chester on Instagram Live.
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Fieldhouse, Wisconsin
No other venue embodies the women’s volleyball experience quite like the Field House. Considered one of the few facilities dedicated exclusively to the sport, it has a capacity of 7,540 spectators – and each of those courts is home to one of the most passionate fan bases.
“There are so many of them and they’re really loud, but in a really fun way,” Ehman said. “I love commentating games there.”
Since 1930, the Field House has been one of the oldest facilities in college sports. It brings fans close to the action and has produced many memorable victories.
Gregory Gym, Texas
Known for its loud crowds, The Greg is home to the 2022 and 2023 national champions (28-1 in 2022 and 28-4 in 2023). That could be in part due to the high-energy atmosphere opponents are subjected to from the moment they arrive until the final whistle.
Texas posted a perfect record at the venue during the 2022 season, losing just two home games in 2023. In fact, the team’s win percentage at Gregory Gym over the past five seasons is an impressive 91% – further proof of how difficult it is for teams to leave Austin with a win.
Holloway Gym, Purdue
The modest seating capacity of 2,288 should not give visiting coaches a false sense of confidence. Purdue volleyball fans fill the small arena and rarely allow more than a second of silence to hang in the air – making the arena one of the best in the home-field advantage category.
“Every time I play a game there, I actually have hearing problems,” Ehman said of Holloway. “It’s absolutely crazy.”
Recreation Hall, Penn State
Penn State is home to another notable arena known for its volume and wild activity. Rec Hall holds just over 6,500 people and is often sold out during the women’s volleyball season.
Ehman herself attended the whiteout game between Penn State and then-first-ranked Nebraska at Rec Hall last year. She described the game as another cause of the resulting hearing loss. Although the Lions lost that game to Nebraska 3-2 on Nov. 3, it was only one of two home games the team lost in the 2023 season.
