The professional volleyball franchise LOVB Nebraska announced it will play two matches at the BigIron Events Center in Grand Island during the 2026-27 season, the team said Monday, expanding on an appearance this spring that organizers say attracted more than 5,000 fans and boosted local hotels, restaurants and retailers.
LOVB Nebraska made its Grand Island debut on March 7, 2026, and team officials said more than half of the franchise’s season-ticket holders traveled from elsewhere in the region for that single contest. The turnout, they said, convinced the franchise to return with an expanded slate.
“Coming back to Grand Island was a no-brainer,” said Kirsten Bernthal Booth, president of business operations for LOVB Nebraska. “Last season’s match was so much fun for our players and everyone who was part of it. The crowd brought incredible energy, and we’re excited to share that experience again.”
Economic impact and facility changes
Team officials said the additional match dates are expected to drive more visitor spending at area hotels, restaurants and retail businesses. The BigIron Events Center’s executive director, Kyler Tarwater, pointed to recent capital improvements aimed at accommodating larger sports and entertainment bookings.
“The atmosphere for that first match showed how much professional volleyball means to this community,” Tarwater said. “We’re excited to welcome LOVB Nebraska back for two matches and give even more people the chance to experience that energy here in Grand Island.”
The venue approved new arena lighting in July to support major sports and entertainment events, officials said. The stadium upgrades were described by local organizers as a factor in attracting repeat professional-level contests.
Local ties on the roster
LOVB Nebraska’s 2026-27 roster includes several players with Nebraska connections. The team cited four-time Olympian and Hooper native Jordan Larson and former Nebraska Cornhuskers Rebekah Allick, Lindsay Krause-Wildeman and Lexi Rodriguez among its players. The roster also includes middle blocker Sabrina Starks; team officials said four players on the squad were born in Nebraska.
- More than 5,000 fans attended the franchise’s March 7, 2026, Grand Island match, according to team officials.
- BigIron Events Center approved new arena lighting in July to support larger events.
- LOVB Nebraska says more than half of its season-ticket holders traveled to Grand Island for last season’s contest.
The team said match dates, start times and opponents will be announced at a later date. Team and venue officials characterized the move as an opportunity to give more central Nebraska residents access to professional volleyball and to support local businesses through increased event-related spending.
