At this point in the Major League Baseball season, Wrigley Field is typically hosting the Chicago Cubs as they make their stretch-run push toward the postseason.
This particular Sunday, however, baseball will take a back seat — and does so for a historic reason.
Headlined by powerhouse Nebraska, the Friendly Confines is set to host two outdoor volleyball matches on Sunday, Sept. 6 between the Cornhuskers and Missouri, and Penn State vs. Kentucky in the inaugural Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge.
Watch Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge at Wrigley Field with Fubo (free trial)
Sunday's match features just one of several neutral sites the Cornhuskers have played at to begin Year 2 of the Dani Busboom Kelly era in Lincoln, as Nebraska has already competed
in the Players Era and Spikes Under The Lights events. With the return of All-Americans Bergen Reilly, Harper Murray and Andi Jackson, the Cornhuskers are looking to get back to the final weekend of the NCAA Tournament after falling in the quarterfinals last season.
The historic evening at Wrigley Field gets underway with the Nittany Lions and Wildcats meeting up for the third consecutive season at 7 p.m. ET. The Cornhuskers and Tigers will then take the floor at 9 p.m. ET under the lights.
Here's what to know on the Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge at Wrigley Field:
Why is Nebraska volleyball playing Missouri at Wrigley Field?
Sunday's non-conference volleyball match between Nebraska and Missouri at Wrigley Field is part of the Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge.
It was announced back in March that the Cornhuskers and Tigers would play at "The Friendly Confines," as one of two games during the week-long showdown between Big Ten and SEC programs.
"Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week culminating at Wrigley Field brings together the highest level of women’s volleyball competition, at one of the most iconic venues in the country," Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti said in a statement."As women’s volleyball participation, sponsorship, attendance and viewership continue to grow, we look forward to providing this unique opportunity to showcase the exceptional competition."
Good morning, Chicago! 🏐
— Big Ten Conference (@bigten) September 6, 2026
Let’s play some Volleyball. pic.twitter.com/YzZ1CrTgAD
It's the first-ever outdoor volleyball game to be played at Wrigley Field, which was built in 1914.
"This is a historic moment for the Chicago Cubs, Big Ten and the SEC that has been months in the making," Cubs president of business operations Crane Kenney said in a statement. "We’re thrilled to welcome these incredible schools and student-athletes to the first-ever collegiate volleyball game at Wrigley Field."
Who is playing volleyball at Wrigley Field tonight?
Nebraska is the headliner of Sunday's volleyball doubleheader at Wrigley Field. Joining the Cornhuskers in Chicago will be Kentucky, Missouri and Penn State, who won the national championship just two seasons ago.
Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Wrigley Field schedule
Below is the schedule for Sunday's Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge at Wrigley Field:
- Game 1: No. 3 Kentucky vs. No. 13 Penn State | 7 p.m. ET on Fox (Fubo)
- Game 2: No. 1 Nebraska vs. Missouri | 9 p.m. ET on Fox (Fubo)
How to watch Nebraska-Missouri volleyball? TV channel, streaming for Big Ten/SEC Challenge
- TV channel: Fox
- Streaming options: Fox Sports Go app | Fubo (free trial)
Fox will broadcast both of Sunday's Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge matches from Wrigley Field. Streaming options include the Fox Sports Go app (with a TV login) and Fubo, which carries Fox and offers a free trial to new subscribers.
The USA TODAY app gets you to the heart of the news — fast. Download for award-winning coverage, crosswords, audio storytelling, the eNewspaper and more.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Why is Nebraska volleyball playing Missouri at Wrigley Field?
Our editors independently choose our recommendations. Some content is produced with paid support from a third party, however our editorial decisions remain independent. If you buy through our links, the USA TODAY Network may earn a commission. Prices and availability may change.
