VNL 2025 in Arlington: A Missed Opportunity for Volleyball Fans
"Coming to Arlington is so fun because we get to play in front of our crowd," expressed Avery Skinner, brimming with excitement after making her VNL 2025 debut in her home country. Yet, while her joy bubbled over, the reality of the situation stood starkly in contrast. The turnout at the UT Arlington College Park Center for this international volleyball event left many feeling underwhelmed, leading fans to ponder what could have been had a different venue been chosen.
Texas: A Hotbed for Volleyball
Texas is known for its passionate sports culture, and volleyball is no exception. From the University of Texas Longhorns to clubs like LOVB Houston, the Lone Star State boasts a plethora of dedicated volleyball fans and competitive teams. However, even this fervor does little to stack up against Nebraska, widely regarded as the true epicenter of volleyball enthusiasm in the U.S. When the VNL 2025 didn’t draw impressive crowds in Arlington, discussions flared up surrounding whether a move to Nebraska—or another venue with deep-rooted volleyball support—should have been considered.
The Match Experience
During the opening match of the VNL 2025 Week 3 on July 9, Team USA triumphed over Thailand with a score of 3-1. However, while this victory edged them closer to advancing past the round-robin phase, the measly attendance figures on hand overshadowed the excitement of the win. According to a social media post from avid volleyball enthusiast Avid, the attendance for that evening was a mere 1,753—largely consisting of Thai fans. Comparatively, the post highlighted that “38 NCAA teams have a higher average than that,” emphasizing the disappointing turnout and stirring intense debate over the effectiveness of USA Volleyball’s promotional strategies.
The Fanbase Speaks Out
As news of the sparse attendance spread, numerous fans took to social media to express frustrations about the venue decision. Historically, volleyball thrives in Nebraska, where the Pro Volleyball Federation (PVF) has performed exceptionally well since its inception in 2024. The Cornhusker state recorded astonishing attendances, exemplified by the remarkable 92,003 fans who filled Memorial Stadium for a 2023 match between Nebraska and Omaha. For many fans, this strong cultural connection suggested that the VNL 2025 would have likely fared significantly better had it been hosted in Nebraska.
"Come over to Nebraska, preferably Lincoln!" urged one passionate fan, echoing sentiments shared widely among the community. This chorus of voices lamented what they perceived as a missed opportunity for vibrant support and attendance.
A Statistical Comparison
In light of the lackluster turnout in Arlington, fans couldn’t help but scrutinize how USA Volleyball could learn from successes in the NCAA, especially given the remarkable attendance figures from previous years. In 2024, a total of 751,000 fans attended the VNL group stage matches, marking a notable 13% increase from 2023 and a staggering 33% rise compared to 2022. Such numbers starkly contrast the current situation, reinforcing the feeling that the choice of venue significantly hindered the event’s potential success.
Where to Host Next?
While Nebraska emerged as the favored candidate for many, others suggested alternative locations. Locations like Omaha and Madison also surfaced as viable options that could promise enthusiastic crowds and electric atmospheres. The consensus among fans suggested a strong desire for the VNL to be hosted in areas where volleyball isn’t just a sport but a beloved tradition.
"The fact that they don’t go to the Midwest, which is the undisputed volleyball capital of the country, is just weird," commented another fan, highlighting the perplexity surrounding USA Volleyball’s decision-making process.
Community Engagement
With unwavering enthusiasm, the volleyball community continues to express their views and hopes for future events. The dialogue sparked by the VNL 2025’s attendance challenges has shown that fans are eager to support their national team in an environment that matches their fervor. As discussions unfold, it remains to be seen how USA Volleyball will adapt and respond to these sentiments moving forward.
What do you think? What would have been the ideal venue for the third week of the VNL 2025? Your thoughts are welcome.
