A month has passed, and the excitement surrounding NCAA volleyball is still as strong as ever! While teams like the Panthers and the Huskers continue to hold their ground at the top of the AVCA poll rankings, others are still clawing back to secure a spot. The competition is fierce, but they all share one common goal: the coveted national championship title. Now, these 18 powerhouse teams are gearing up to enter the regionals, ready to battle for glory after months of grueling conference play.

As the Big Ten matches draw to a close, the stakes rise even higher. The top teams will collide in the regional semifinals and finals, where every play matters. The winners of these four epic showdowns will secure their coveted spots in the NCAA Championship semifinals. From there, only two teams will remain, standing tall and fierce, ready to go head-to-head in the ultimate battle for glory in the NCAA Championship final. So, as the intensity ramps up, here’s everything to know about where the NCAA Volleyball Regionals will unfold!

Where are the NCAA Volleyball regionals?

As conference play arrives sooner, the NCAA Volleyball regionals are set to unfold at the iconic KFC Yum! Center in Louisville, Kentucky. Since its grand opening in 2010, this dynamic venue, managed by ASM Global, has soared in popularity, drawing some of the biggest names in entertainment and sports to Louisville. Ranked among the top 30 arenas in the U.S. by Pollstar Magazine, the KFC Yum! Center continues to impress with its stellar ticket sales for concerts and shows.

But it’s not just about music and shows here—the arena is the proud home of the University of Louisville’s men’s and women’s basketball programs. Known for its versatility, the KFC Yum! The Center also offers stunning spaces for private events, ranging from grand weddings to intimate luncheons. With the regionals scheduled for December, excitement is at an all-time high. Women’s volleyball has reached unprecedented levels of popularity, setting new attendance records and captivating national broadcasts. Unsurprisingly, this remarkable venue may soon witness yet another historic milestone.

But here’s the twist: a previously announced thrilling update has shaken the community positively—this year’s NCAA Volleyball Regional Finals and Semifinals will follow a new scheduling format, adding to the already heightened anticipation.

NCAA Volleyball and a huge update!

Just when everything seemed set, a game-changing twist dropped, igniting fresh excitement in the air! On October 23, Emily Ehman, former Northwestern volleyball star and current Big Ten Network broadcaster, took to X with some exhilarating news about the upcoming NCAA volleyball tournament. She revealed a major change in the schedule that’s bound to shake things up in a big way.

For the first time, the regional semifinals and finals will span over four days instead of three! This shift brings a refreshing twist to the competition, with teams now facing off either, on Thursday and Saturday or Friday and Sunday.

This means double the action, with four thrilling matches scheduled on Thursday and Friday, followed by two games on Saturday and Sunday. Emily couldn’t help but express her excitement, calling it a “HUGE” change—and honestly, it’s a game-changer that’s bound to elevate the tournament’s intensity and enjoyment! Gone are the days of jam-packed marathon matches that stretched on for hours. This new format offers a welcome breather, giving fans and players to catch their breath while still enjoying all the heart-pounding action.

With this change, the regional semifinals will kick off at 1 PM and continue until the final game at 9:30 PM. While it won’t be the same back-to-back thrill ride that fans have grown used to, the break between matches offers a bit of breathing room—giving everyone a chance to recharge before diving back into the excitement.

There’s still plenty of volleyball to go around, and with this shift in the schedule, it’s sure to be a more balanced and unforgettable experience for all involved. It’s a bold new chapter for the NCAA volleyball tournament—one that promises even more thrills and a bit more room to enjoy the ride!