Kentucky to Play Nebraska on ABC in 2025 Broadway Block Party
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Kentucky Volleyball team will participate opening weekend in the inaugural Broadway Block Party at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, the Nashville Sports Commission and ESPN Events announced Tuesday afternoon.
Kentucky will face off against the Nebraska Cornhuskers on Sunday, August 31 from Music City in a match televised live on ABC at Noon ET/11 a.m. CT as the first match in a tripleheader day of volleyball inside Bridgestone Arena. In the second match, Tennessee will play Purdue on ESPN2 and closing out the Broadway Block Party will be Illinois and Vanderbilt on SEC Network as the Commodores play their inaugural season of volleyball. All three matches feature one team from the Southeastern Conference and one team from the Big Ten.
Nebraska was champions of the Big Ten conference a season ago and made it to the NCAA Final Four. The Huskers have won five national championships and will be under the direction of first-year head coach, Dani Busboom Kelly, as she transitions from her previous job at the University of Louisville. The Wildcats are coming off of a 24-8 season in which UK advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight, and won its eighth-straight SEC Championship, with it being an outright title. 2025 marks the 21st season for Craig Skinner at the helm of Kentucky Volleyball who returns AVCA All-Americans, Brooklyn DeLeye and Eva Hudson.
Tickets to the general public will go on sale through Ticketmaster on March 13 at 11 a.m. ET. Tickets will be good for all three matches of the event. The link will be available on the UK Athletics website, as well as the Ticketmaster home page and by accessing Nashville Sports Council at NashvilleSports.com.
What They’re Saying …
“Kentucky Volleyball couldn’t be more excited and grateful to participate in the inaugural Broadway Block Party in Nashville! Big Blue Nation and the city of Nashville share an incredible bond and we look forward to showing off this elite-level day of volleyball to the city. I know BBN will flock to Bridgestone Arena just like they do for SEC Tournaments and help to create an environment deserving of this event. I want to thank Scott Ramsey of the Nashville Sports Council, Nashville Mayor, Freddie O’Connell, Michelle Kennedy of the Predators and Bridgestone Arena, and ESPN events for their continued support of our sport as it grows to new heights.” –Craig Skinner, Kentucky Volleyball head coach
“We are extremely excited to showcase some of the most elite volleyball athletes in the country at Bridgestone Arena. With the national growth and interest in collegiate volleyball and women’s sports in general, we are confident we can create a great atmosphere for these matches. We appreciate the partnership of the SEC, Big Ten and ESPN in establishing this exciting new event for Nashville.” – Scott Ramsey, President and CEO of the Nashville Sports Council
“This fall, we’ll get to witness some of the top women’s volleyball talent in the country at the top of their game. “This is another great event to showcase the prominent sports city that Nashville has become.” – Freddie O’Connell, Nashville Mayor
“At Bridgestone Arena, we enjoy putting great sports and entertainment on display and this event is in perfect alignment with that objective. We are excited to serve as the host venue for this showcase of the best in collegiate women’s volleyball. With this SEC/Big Ten competition, the Sports Council has created an elite event with successful programs from powerhouse conferences. It’s an added bonus to host Vanderbilt as the Commodores begin their first season competing at the Division I level. We look forward to a great tripleheader!” – Michelle Kennedy, President and Chief Operating Officer of the Nashville Predators and Bridgestone Arena
“This event speaks to the incredible growth trajectory of the sport. Nashville is a big event town and having these teams over Labor Day Weekend will create a wonderful atmosphere for participants and fans who travel in as well as those who watch on an ESPN platform. We are proud to be working with the Nashville Sports Council in the creation and long-term development of this exciting opportunity.” – Clint Overby, Vice President of ESPN Events
For the latest on UK Volleyball, follow the Wildcats on Twitter and Instagram at @KentuckyVB.
