NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt will usher in a new era of volleyball when the Commodores’ newly reinstated team brings the sport back to campus for the first time in 45 years on Aug. 29 with Match 1.
Vanderbilt will play Nashville neighbor Belmont at 7 p.m. on Wyatt Lawn on the university’s campus.
“Match 1 will be a celebration for our program, university and the volleyball community in Nashville as we return to competition after a 45-year hiatus,” head coach Anders Nelson said. “We’re proud to host this event on one of the most iconic spots on campus, Wyatt Lawn. We hope to create memories our first years, the Class of 2029, will carry with them through their time at Vanderbilt and beyond.
“Thank you to Chancellor (Daniel) Diermeier, Vice Chancellor (Candice Storey) Lee and so many others for your commitment to thinking outside the box while investing in our program’s future. Thank you to Belmont volleyball for collaborating with us on such a special occasion. We hope to see as many students and faculty as possible to welcome their new volleyball team and kick off the 2025–26 academic year.”
Nelson’s inaugural roster consists of 17 student-athletes, highlighted by Jackie Moore—who led the NCAA in hitting percentage in 2023—first-team All-West Coast Conference honoree Isabella Bareford, 2024 Ivy League Player of the Year Kamryn Chaney.
The event will not be ticketed; all entry is general admission with standing room available. Season ticket holders will have the opportunity to request seats in a reserved section based on availability and demand.
Gates will open at 6 p.m. with first serve at 7 p.m. Wristbands for the general public will be available starting at 6 p.m.
A variety of food trucks will provide concessions at the match.
Vanderbilt alumna and country music artist Julia Cole will perform about 30 minutes after the match has ended. Admission to the concert is included with entry to the match.
People interested in supporting the Vanderbilt volleyball program can do so through the program’s giving page.
Season tickets are available online, with prices starting at just $50.
Single-match tickets will go on sale Thursday at 10 a.m. and can be purchased online.
In the event of inclement weather, updates will be posted on vucommodores.com and on X and Instagram at @VandyVolleyball.
Note: Match 1 is not ticketed and is not included in the season ticket package. Season ticket holders will have the opportunity to request seats in a reserved section based on availability and demand.
