The Kentucky Volleyball team is set to face off against Penn State on September 6, 2026, at Wrigley Field in a milestone outdoor match as part of the first-ever SEC/Big Ten Volleyball Challenge. This historic event will be hosted by the Chicago Cubs, with televised coverage on FOX, and ticket sales commencing on April 9, 2026. The challenge will feature all 18 Big Ten and 16 Southeastern Conference institutions, climaxing during Labor Day weekend in Chicago. Additionally, Kentucky will kick off its participation in the challenge against UCLA on September 2 at Historic Memorial Coliseum.

By the Numbers
  • This will be the first volleyball match ever hosted at Wrigley Field.
  • All 34 institutions from the Big Ten and SEC will compete during the challenge.
State of Play
  • Ticket sales for the Wrigley Field match will begin on April 9 at Cubs.com/BigTenVolleyball.
  • The SEC/Big Ten Volleyball Challenge will involve multiple matches held from September 1-6, 2026.
What's Next

As the inaugural event approaches, anticipation is building around the dual-county challenge format, showcasing high-level women's volleyball and increasing visibility for the sport. Details regarding specific match times and additional participating teams will be revealed as the event date draws near.

Bottom Line

The SEC/Big Ten Volleyball Challenge, culminating at Wrigley Field, signifies a significant boost for women's athletics and volleyball, promoting competitive excellence and expanding the sport's national profile. This event is set to create a unique celebration of women's sports that fans and players alike can rally around.