Dec. 11, 2013
INDIANAPOLIS – For the third time in five seasons, Memorial Coliseum is on deck to host Regional play of the NCAA Tournament in volleyball as Kentucky was selected as one of four host sites for 2015 it was announced by the national office on Wednesday afternoon.
UK first hosted the equivalent of the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight matchups in 2011 and is just two days away from hosting its second Regional round matchups in 2013.Other regional sites selected for 2015 are San Diego, Calif., Des Moines, Iowa and Austin, Texas. The winners from the four Regional sites will march on to the Final Four in Lincoln, Neb.
“Kentucky is excited again to be selected as an NCAA Regional host,” UK coach Craig Skinner said. “Our event staff does an amazing job of hosting events and makes sure the visiting participants feel like it’s a Championship environment. Volleyball has become a very popular sport in the Bluegrass and I have no doubt this event will be well supported and attended as in the past.”
Kentucky volleyball has hosted a portion of the NCAA Tournament six times in the Skinner era including NCAA First and Second round matches in 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2013. UK has hosted First and Second Rounds a total of 10 times since 1983, Regional round matchups twice and the Final Four in 1983.
“Hosting the 2015 NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Regional is an honor and a privilege,” said Kevin Saal Senior Associate AD of Event Operations and Championships. “The opportunity is a direct reflection of the respect Coach Skinner, his staff and student-athletes have earned both regionally and nationally. As volleyball continues to grow throughout the state, this event also represents another opportunity to connect with a passionate fan base.
“I want to also be sure and thank the members of our dedicated staff who spend countless hours preparing to host NCAA events and providing opportunities for our coaches and student-athletes to compete for championships at home.”
Tickets are on sale now for the NCAA Regionals being played in Memorial Dec. 13-14. The regional will get underway Dec. 13, with semifinal contests at 5 and 7 p.m. ET, while the regional final will commence Dec. 14 at 4 p.m. UK is one of four sites selected for the Sweet 16 and Elite Eight matchups with one team advancing to the Final Four in Seattle, Wash., from the Lexington Region.
Visit UKathletics.com for the most up-to-date information on the Kentucky volleyball team and all 22 varsity sports. For additional info on the volleyball team like Kentucky Volleyball on Facebook or follow the team on Twitter at @KentuckyVB.
