The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Volleyball to compete in inaugural Opening Spike Classic
04.17.2025 | Volleyball
Longhorns open 2025 season against Creighton and Wisconsin on Aug. 29 and 31 in Madison.
AUSTIN, TEXAS. – Texas Volleyball will launch its 2025 season at the Opening Spike Classic facing 2024 NCAA Elite Eight program Creighton and traditional power Wisconsin at the Kohl Center over Labor Day weekend (August 29-31) in Madison, Wisconsin.
The Opening Spike Classic will feature the Longhorns, Creighton, Wisconsin and Kansas for four matches. Each match will be nationally televised on Big Ten Network (BTN), while also streaming on the Fox Sports App.
Texas will open the season on Friday, August 29 against Creighton at 8:30 pm and face Wisconsin on August 31 at 1 pm. It will be just the third matchup between Longhorns and the Blue Jays (1-1) and the 14th against the Badgers with Texas leading the series, 7-4, including a 3-1opening match win last season. Creighton has earned 13-straight NCAA Tournament berths and advanced to the Elite Eight for the second time in program history last year. Wisconsin, the 2021 NCAA Champions, made it to the Elite Eight for the seventh year in a last season and has been in four Final Fours during that time. Texas (2022 & 2023) and Wisconsin have combined to win three of the last four NCAA Championships. The Longhorns have advanced to 11 Final Fours in the last 17 years including three NCAA Championships and seven NCAA Title Match appearances.
"We are thrilled to participate in the Opening Spike Classic and represent The University of Texas against two of the premiere programs in the country in Creighton and Wisconsin," head coach Jerritt Elliott, who has led the Longhorns to three National Championships in the last 13 years, said. "This is a tremendous opportunity to play elite competition and challenge our program early in the season in an NCAA Championship-sized venue. I know my staff and players are excited for the opportunity to compete and the exposure this brings our great sport."
With capacity for over 17,000 fans, the Kohl Center is one of the premier venues in collegiate athletics. The home of Wisconsin Basketball and Hockey will transform into a dynamic volleyball stage for this marquee event, offering fans a chance to witness early-season clashes between national title contenders.
Fans interested in attending can complete this INTEREST FORM to indicate their preferred ticket packages — including Friday-only, Sunday-only, or both-day options, as well as premium seating. Presale access to participating schools will begin Tuesday, April 29, with the general public on-sale launching Wednesday, April 30.