Omaha was already set to host the 2020-21 NCAA Volleyball Tournament Final Four, but now every team that qualifies for the postseason will head to Omaha as CHI Health Center Omaha will host the entire tournament.
The NCAA announced the change on Wednesday after the Division I Competition Oversight Committee granted its approval. The National Collegiate Bowling and women’s ice hockey championships will also take place in a single location.
Previously, the Division I Council voted to reduce the field from 64 to 48 teams. MECA and Nebraska will host the entire tournament at CHI Health Center Arena and Convention Center April 13-24.
“The city of Omaha has proven itself time and again to be one of the best host cities for sporting events in this country,” Coach John Cook said in a release from Nebraska. “From the College World Series to the U.S. Olympic Swim Trials to NCAA Championships, they always do a phenomenal job, and I have no doubt Omaha will put its best foot forward and make it a memorable experience for all of the NCAA Volleyball teams.”
The schedule is tentative, but as of now the first round will take place April 13 with the second round to follow on April 14. The Sweet 16 is set for April 17, the Elite Eight for April 19, the Final Four for April 22 and the championship for April 24.
Omaha has hosted the Final Four three times previously, and the Huskers hoisted the trophy in two of those years. Nebraska won the 2006 and 2015 national championships and fell short in the semifinals as Penn State won the title in 2008.