Best women’s college volleyball atmospheres, according to the experts

The national championship doesn’t occur until December, but in women’s college volleyball, the excitement is palpable in many venues throughout the regular season. NCAA Digital reporter Michella Chester and Big Ten Network’s Emily Ehman sat down together in an Instagram Live to give their take on some of the best volleyball arenas. 

Here’s a look at which home teams have the most lively atmospheres, according to the experts:

Devaney Center, Nebraska

With an original capacity of 13,595 the Devaney Center has hosted several NCAA championship events since opening its doors in 1976. After the 2012-2013 collegiate season, the Devaney Center conducted a nearly $20 million renovation, reducing capacity to 7,907 with a standing room capacity of nearly 8,500. The arena made history as recently as last season when Nebraska broke the center’s attendance record in front of a crowd of 9,198 in a five-set showdown with then-undefeated Wisconsin. 

“Players that haven’t played on that kind of stage walk in and you’re automatically thrown off because of how intense it is,” Ehman told Chester on Instagram Live. 
 

LOOK AHEAD: Early semifinal predictions 

Field House, Wisconsin

No other venue encapsulates the women’s volleyball experience quite like the Field House. Considered one of the few facilities entirely dedicated to the sport, the facility has a capacity of 7,540 — and each of those seats hosts one of the most passionate fanbases.

“There’s so many of them and they’re really rowdy, but in a really fun way,” Ehman said. “I love calling games there.”

Since 1930 the Field House has been one of the oldest athletic facilities in college sports, putting fans close to the action and creating many memorable victories. 

Gregory Gym, Texas

Known for its rowdy crowds, The Greg is home to the 2022 and 2023 national champions (28-1 in 2022 and 28-4 in 2023). Part of that could be because of the high-energy environments opponents face upon arrival until the final whistle. 

In the 2022 season, Texas achieved a perfect record in the venue and followed it up with only losing two home matches in 2023. In fact, over the past five seasons, the team’s win percentage in the Gregory Gym stands at an impressive 91% — further proving how hard it is for teams to leave Austin with a victory.

Holloway Gym, Purdue

Visiting…