Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge: Tickets & Schedule for Wrigley Field 2026

The Big Ten Conference and the Southeastern Conference (SEC) have announced a new partnership designed to showcase the highest level of women’s college volleyball competition. The inaugural Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge is scheduled to begin in September 2026, culminating in a historic doubleheader at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The finale is set for Sunday, September 6, 2026, marking the first time a volleyball match will be played at the historic baseball stadium.

This initiative brings together the nation’s premier conferences in competition that reflects the growth and national momentum of women’s college volleyball. All 18 Big Ten schools and all 16 SEC institutions will match up during the week of matchups leading to the main event in Chicago. The challenge kicks off for the first time on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, with teams facing off throughout the week before the final day of the challenge.

Historic Matchups at Wrigley Field

The final day of the challenge will feature marquee matchups involving programs with significant championship pedigree. The Wrigley Field event will feature three national champions across the scheduled contests. The specific matchups confirmed for the outdoor doubleheader include Nebraska taking on Missouri and Penn State battling Kentucky. These contests will add a new chapter to one of the most recognizable venues in sports, known as the Friendly Confines and home of the Chicago Cubs.

Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti highlighted the significance of the venue and the competition level in a statement regarding the partnership. He noted that the event brings together the highest level of women’s volleyball competition at one of the most iconic venues in the country.

As women’s volleyball participation, sponsorship, attendance and viewership continue to grow, we look forward to providing this unique opportunity to showcase the exceptional competition.

Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti

The arrangement has been in development for some time prior to the public announcement. Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney described the event as a historic moment for the Chicago Cubs, Big Ten and the SEC that has been months in the making. The organization expressed enthusiasm about welcoming the schools and student-athletes to the first-ever collegiate volleyball game at the venue.

We’re thrilled to welcome these incredible schools and student-athletes to the first-ever collegiate volleyball game at Wrigley Field.

Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney

Broadcast and Ticket Information

Fans looking to watch the action remotely or in person have specific options confirmed for the finale. Both outdoor matches will be broadcast live on FOX. The first match is scheduled for 6 p.m. On the day of the event. For those planning to attend Labor Day weekend activities in Chicago, tickets are already available for the Finals matchups.

Pricing for the event has been established with entry-level options available. Prices for the Finals matchups start at $267. Interested spectators can shop for tickets for the Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge taking place at Wrigley Field in Chicago through available ticketing platforms. The goal of the challenge is to highlight women’s volleyball at the college level, while bringing a new sport and experience to Wrigley Field.

Challenge Week Schedule

The Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge is a series of matchups between the volleyball programs at Big Ten and SEC schools. We see in its inaugural year with the matchups kicking off in September 2026. The week of matchups leads to the main event, ensuring broad participation across both conferences. All 18 Big Ten schools and 16 SEC programs will compete during the week.

• Challenge Start Date: Tuesday, September 1, 2026
• Finale Date: Sunday, September 6, 2026
• Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago
• Broadcast Partner: FOX

This event marks an important moment as it is the first time volleyball will be played at Wrigley Field. The initiative reflects the continued expansion of women’s college volleyball into major sporting venues traditionally associated with other sports. The partnership between the two conferences underscores a commitment to providing unique opportunities for student-athletes and fans alike during the 2026 season.