ROSEMONT, IL – The Big Ten Conference and Southeastern Conference (SEC) have announced a partnership for Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week, beginning in 2026. Highlighted by a doubleheader at iconic Wrigley Field, this initiative brings together the nation's premier conferences in competition that reflects the growth and national momentum of women's college volleyball. 
 
All 18 Big Ten schools and all 16 SEC institutions will match up beginning Tuesday, September 1, culminating with a historic outdoor doubleheader at Wrigley Field on Sunday, September 6. 

Maryland will play Vanderbilt on Tuesday, September 1, at the Historic Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tennessee. This will be the two programs' first time playing each other.

Maryland will then play Arkansas on Wednesday, September 2, at the Historic Memorial Gymnasium in Nashville, Tennessee. Maryland is 2–0 all-time against Arkansas, with the last meeting coming in 2019, when the Terps won in four sets.

"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," said Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti. "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."
 
The Wrigley Field event will feature three national champions with Nebraska taking on Missouri and Penn State battling Kentucky. The matches will mark the first time volleyball has been played at Wrigley Field, creating a unique experience for teams and fans alike and adding a new chapter to one of the most recognizable venues in sports. 

"This is a historic moment for the Chicago Cubs, Big Ten and the SEC that has been months in the making," said Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney. "We're thrilled to welcome these incredible schools and student-athletes to the first-ever collegiate volleyball game at Wrigley Field."
 
Both outdoor matches will be broadcast live on FOX, with the first match scheduled for 6 p.m. CT followed by an 8 p.m. CT start time for the second match.
 
Challenge week showcases elite competition while elevating women's sports on the national stage. Various campus sites will serve as hosts to two Big Ten teams and two SEC teams, while Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas will host standalone home matches against Big Ten foes on Tuesday and Wednesday. Linear coverage will be available across FOX, FS1, Big Ten Network, ESPN and SEC Network, with additional coverage streamed on B1G+ and SECN+. 
 
"Bringing the SEC and Big Ten together for a championship-caliber volleyball showcase, culminating at an iconic venue like Wrigley Field, reflects the extraordinary momentum of the sport," said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. "This initiative not only elevates volleyball on a national stage but also underscores a continued growth and investment in women's athletics. We are proud to be part of an event that celebrates the competitive excellence of these student-athletes while helping shape an even more prominent future for women's athletics."
 
Tickets will be available to purchase starting Thursday, April 9. For more information on the two matches at Wrigley Field, visit www.cubs.com/bigtenvolleyball.
 
The complete Big Ten/SEC Volleyball Challenge Week schedule can be found below. 
 

MATCH DATE	HOME	AWAY	LOCATION
Tuesday, Sept. 1	Vanderbilt	Maryland	Historic Memorial Gymnasium (Nashville, Tenn.)
Wednesday, Sept. 2	Arkansas	Maryland	Historic Memorial Gymnasium (Nashville, Tenn.)