Get ready for a groundbreaking night in women's college volleyball! This August, four powerhouse programs will step onto the court at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, for a made-for-TV exhibition with a historic $1 million prize pool. The event, dubbed "Spikes Under the Lights," is set for August 27 and promises to deliver high-stakes action in an iconic venue.
The participating teams—Florida, Nebraska, Penn State, and SMU—will compete in a best-of-three set format, featuring two semifinals followed by a final, all packed into a three-hour broadcast window. While semifinal matchups and broadcast details are still to come, the excitement is already building. Organizers GSE Worldwide and Full Day Productions have teamed up to make this a reality, with each team receiving a $200,000 appearance fee. An additional $200,000 in prize money will be up for grabs, with the largest share going to the winner. Each school will decide how to distribute the earnings among its players.
This event marks a major milestone: the first volleyball competition ever held at AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys. And it's not a one-off—plans are already in place to make it an annual tradition with rotating participants. "We are excited and honored to be part of this historic event that showcases the continued growth of women's volleyball," said Nebraska coach Dani Busboom Kelly. "This will be a great opportunity to face some talented teams in an iconic setting as we ramp up to the start of the season."
Nebraska knows a thing or two about making history. In 2023, the Huskers hosted an outdoor volleyball match at Memorial Stadium that drew a record-breaking crowd of 92,003—the largest attendance ever for a women's sporting event. Now, they'll bring that momentum to Texas. Joining them are three other programs with impressive pedigrees: Penn State, with a record 45 NCAA Tournament appearances and eight national championships; Nebraska, with 44 appearances and five titles; and Florida, with 36 appearances. SMU rounds out the field as a rising force, having made five NCAA appearances overall, including three straight.
Whether you're a die-hard volleyball fan or just love seeing top-tier athletes compete on a grand stage, Spikes Under the Lights is shaping up to be an unforgettable night. Mark your calendars—this is one exhibition you won't want to miss!