Nebraska Husker Volleyball Game: Why the Devaney Atmosphere is Actually Changing

Nebraska Husker Volleyball Game: Why the Devaney Atmosphere is Actually Changing

You’ve felt it if you’ve ever stood in the Coliseum or squeezed into a seat at the Devaney Center. It’s that low-frequency hum of 8,000 people wearing the same shade of scarlet, all holding their breath as Bergen Reilly tosses the ball for a serve. But things are shifting. If you’re looking to catch a Nebraska Husker volleyball game in 2026, the experience is about to look fundamentally different than it did even a year ago.

The program just wrapped up a 2025 season that was, frankly, a rollercoaster of dominance and a bittersweet ending. After holding a unanimous No. 1 ranking for a huge chunk of the year and going on a 26-match winning streak, the Huskers saw their perfect run end in a heartbreaking five-set regional final loss to Texas A&M.

That loss stung. It really did. But in Lincoln, the conversation has already pivoted. We aren't just talking about the next serve; we're talking about the massive 2026 overhaul that’s going to change how you get into the building.

The 10,000 Seat Shift at the Devaney

For years, the Bob Devaney Sports Center has capped out around 8,300 fans. It’s intimate. It’s loud. It’s also nearly impossible to get tickets for. That’s why the university is pushing forward with a massive expansion to 10,000 seats for the 2026 season.

This isn't just about adding more bleachers in the corners. They are doing a "full reseat."

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Basically, every single season ticket holder—even the ones who have had the same seats since the John Cook era began—has to go through a re-selection process. It’s causing a bit of a stir among the old guard. If you’re a donor at the "Sea of Red" level ($100), your priority is going to look a lot different than someone in the "Nebraska Leadership Society" ($25,000+).

  • New Student Section: They’re moving the students to a centralized location to maximize the noise right on the court.
  • The Libero Club: A brand new premium seating option for those who want a bit more luxury with their volleyball.
  • Loge Boxes: They’re adding 4 and 6-seat configurations with access to a private lounge and gourmet food.

If you’re trying to find a Nebraska Husker volleyball game to attend, the barrier for entry is changing from "who do you know" to "how much can you donate to the Huskers Athletic Fund." The deadline for that ranking lock is March 18, 2026. If you aren't on that list by then, you’re likely looking at the secondary market, where prices usually triple the face value.

Why the 2025 Deficit Actually Matters

Here is something most people get wrong about the program: they think it’s a massive cash cow.

While the Huskers cleared over $3.2 million in ticket sales last year—a number most football programs would envy—they actually reported a $1.38 million deficit for the 2025 fiscal year. Running a top-tier volleyball program is incredibly expensive. We’re talking nearly $1 million just for charter flights to away matches.

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The move to 10,000 seats is a direct response to this. The athletic department expects the expansion to jump volleyball revenue from roughly $4.5 million to $8 million annually.

It’s a business now. A high-stakes, high-flying business.

The Roster: Who is Staying?

Watching a Nebraska Husker volleyball game in 2026 means watching a mix of veteran grit and some of the most hyped recruits in the country. Bergen Reilly is the heart of this team. She was recently named a finalist for the Honda Sport Award and the Academic All-America Team Member of the Year. She’s the engine.

But keep an eye on the new faces arriving this January:

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  1. Gabby DiVita: A six-rotation outside hitter from Michigan who has the same "Legacy" club pedigree as Harper Murray.
  2. Keoni Williams: A middle blocker from Texas who is arguably the most athletic net-player in her class.
  3. Jayden Robinson: A physical pin player who can jump out of the gym.

Losing seniors like Rebekah Allick to the pro ranks (she recently joined LOVB Madison) creates a massive hole in the middle, but Andi Jackson and the incoming Williams are expected to fill that gap.

How to Actually Get Tickets Now

Honestly, if you want to see a Nebraska Husker volleyball game this coming fall, you need a strategy. The "Request List" opened with a $100 non-refundable deposit.

If you missed the boat on season tickets, your best bet remains the "Standing Room Only" tickets or the secondary market via SeatGeek, which is the official partner for the Huskers. Be prepared to pay. A mid-week match against a team like Maryland can still fetch $60 a seat, while a matchup against Wisconsin or Penn State will easily clear $150.

Actionable Steps for Fans:

  • Check the Reseat Timeline: If you are a current donor, your selection window happens between June 8 and July 17, 2026. Don't miss your appointment time or you'll be stuck in the nosebleeds.
  • Download the Husker App: This is the only way to manage the digital tickets. Paper is dead in Lincoln.
  • The Spring Game: Keep an eye out for the Spring 2026 schedule announcement. It’s often the only time you can get affordable, general admission seating to see the new freshmen in action before the Big Ten grind begins.

The atmosphere in the Devaney is going to feel different with 1,700 more people. It might lose a tiny bit of that "contained explosion" feeling, but the university is betting that 10,000 screaming Nebraskans is better than 8,000. We’ll find out come August.