When it comes to fans, few teams can boast the sheer number of fans as Big 10 champs Nebraska Cornhuskers. The titanic size of their fan base became clear when the Nebraska volleyball team faced Omaha on August 30, 2023. That fateful day became historic for the Huskers as 92,003 fans filled Lincoln’s Memorial Stadium, setting a new world record. And since then, their momentum has not slowed.

After making women’s sports history on volleyball day in 2023, the Huskers are helping other teams break records. While they broke the women’s sports attendance world record at home, the Cornhuskers have helped other teams set attendance records at their home grounds. Now the NU team will help yet another team set a similar record.

“Nebraska will be a part of another sellout on the road,” reported Abby Barmore on X. The X-user talked about tonight’s, upcoming game between the Nebraska volleyball and Washington. “They have helped set attendance records at 4 arenas this season: SMU – Moody Coliseum, 6,673, Northwestern – Welsh-Ryan Arena, 6,003, Ohio State – Covelli Arena, 4,146, Oregon – Matthew Knight Arena, 8,566,” added Barmore.

The netizen also shared the official Washington Huskie post announcing a milestone. “The Game Keeps Growing. For the first time, Volleyball is SOLD OUT in Alaska Airlines Arena. Thank you to all the fans, young and old, diehards and first-timers, for being a part of history! See you tonight, come early, WEAR PURPLE!!” wrote the Huskies’ official X handle.

While the Huskies fans will undoubtedly help their home team create history tonight, Nebraska volleyball’s contribution cannot be denied. As Abby Barmore mentioned, the Huskers vs. Oregon game also filled Matthew Knight Arena. However, SB Nation reported that in an extremely rare occurrence, the crowd at the arena chanted “Go Big Red” in support of the away team. Yet what’s the secret behind such success?

What makes the Big 10 Conference clash between Nebraska volleyball and the Washington special

While the massive fan base that filled Lincoln’s Memorial Stadium last year is certainly responsible for NU’s success, there is more at play. Tonight’s game in Seattle, Washington, is a special night, as it will be the first time the teams meet at the Big 10 Conference. While the Huskers and the Huskies have played ball in the past, many of the current audience may not even remember their last clash.

The last time these two locked horns on the court was nearly a decade ago in 2016. It was an NCAA regional final match in which NU emerged victorious. The teams aren’t too familiar with one another’s tactics as this is the first time they’ll face one another in the Big 10 conference and have played only seven games in the past.

Although Nebraska volleyball has defeated the Huskies in their last four clashes, their opponents are no longer the same as they were a decade ago. The Washington Huskies have found success during the current season, remaining undefeated outside the conference. They’ve also racked up wins against ranked opponents such as Minnesota and the Huskers’ last opponent, Oregon.

So, it is not hard to see why Alaska Airlines Arena will be at capacity tonight. Despite being the favorites, the ESPN viewership record-holding Nebraska volleyball vs. Washington Huskies clash promises to be exciting.