OMAHA, Neb. – The first match has been played and the first record has been broken as 11,624 fans filled the CHI Center in Omaha for the first match in Pro Volleyball Federation history. The attendance mark from the contest between the Atlanta Vibe and Omaha Supernovas sets a record for a women’s professional volleyball match in the United States.
“What a fantastic turnout by volleyball fans for our first match,” boasted Jen Spicher, CEO of Pro Volleyball Federation. “Every past, current and future volleyball player throughout the country should be proud to see this support for a sport we all love so much.”
The previous high attendance for a women’s professional volleyball match in the United States was 10,213 fans at an Olympic qualifier on January 9, 2016. The contest, held at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Neb. was a 3-0 U.S. Women’s National Team victory over the Dominican Republic. It concluded the NORCECA Olympic Qualification Tournament and earned the USA a berth in the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
“This historic moment is all about the players and our amazing fans who are making this dream a reality,” said Omaha Supernovas co-owner Danny White. “It’s an honor to host the inaugural match and allow Nebraskans to set the bar high.”
Omaha co-owner Chris Erickson added, “It is an honor to provide these athletes an opportunity to showcase their talents at the world-class level, here in Nebraska and throughout the United States. Tonight’s attendance of our League’s inaugural match proves that the time for professional volleyball in America is now.”
The day was one of many highlights for volleyball – led by two of the highest-profile women leaders in the state. The First Lady of Nebraska, Suzanne Pillen, read a proclamation declaring today “Professional Volleyball Day” in Nebraska. In addition, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert presented the Supernovas’ owners a Key to the City.
“Playing in the first match in Pro Volleyball Federation history is a testament to the work both of our organizations have done to build a platform that allows our top-level athletes to shine,” said Colleen Craig, owner of the Atlanta Vibe. “The volleyball community really showed out here for this monumental moment in volleyball history and we feel so grateful to be a part of it.”
ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION
Pro Volleyball Federation is REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation begins play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our entire focus is on ensuring that our level and quality of play, our treatment of players, the quality of our event presentations, and our day-to-day fan experience is world class and the very best offered in North America. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.