When you think of Kentucky Volleyball, you think of head coach Craig Skinner. Skinner has been in Lexington since 2005, bringing the volleyball program's only championship to Historic Memorial Coliseum in 2020, and thus cementing himself as a modern legend. He's never been shy about putting together a schedule that matches his reputation, but this season, the Wildcats will travel to a truly one-of-a-kind environment.
A trip to Wrigley Field wasn't on any of the Big Blue Nation's bingo card, especially not for the volleyball team. Yet, in the midst of Kentucky's brutal schedule, which has been finalized with 11 nationally televised games (per KSR), Skinner and his Cats will play Penn State in what has to be one of the bet volleyball venues of all time.
Baseball fans of every cut and cloth have countless memories with Wrigley Field, and now Kentucky Volleyball will get to contribute to the park's revered history.
Wrigley Field will Host Kentucky in a Legendary Baseball Atmosphere
When I think of Wrigley Field, I think Harry Caray, Andre Dawson, Ryne Sandberg, Ernie Banks, and a billy goat. For those unaware, until the Chicago Cubs won a World Series in 2016, Chicago fans thought the team was cursed by a billy goat.
Back in 1945, William Sianis (lovingly known as Billy Goat) took a trip to game four of the World Series, bringing along his pet goat, who had his own ticket. When everyone around him complained of the smell, the ushers kicked him, and his goat, out of the park. He then declared that the Cubs would never again win the World Series again because they insulted his beloved goat.
And for 71 years, he was right, until the Cubs finally broke the curse back in 2016. This is just one example of the long line of legends and stories attached to Wrigley Field. Adding a Kentucky victory over the Nittany Lions in such a unique match would certainly qualify.
Adding This Unique Game to Kentucky's Already Challenging Schedule
Wrigley will host its first ever volleyball game Sunday, Sep. 6, when Nebraska plays Missouri. Kentucky then takes on Penn State in front of the ivy later that same day. This duel adds juice to an already ridiculous slate this fall. Highlights include a battle with North Carolina three days later, on Sep. 9, as well as the usual brawl with Louisville on Sep. 20
That stacked month is not even counting Kentucky's SEC slate. To boot, the Wildcats will play all three of their fellow Final Four teams from one year ago. This lineup includes Wisconsin, Pittsburgh, and the defending National Champion Texas A&M, who ended Kentucky's dreams in the title game just last season.
If you can make the trip to Chicago, Cats fans, the drive time would be well worth witnessing Kentucky Volleyball compete in what may already be the greatest volleyball venue the sport has ever seen.
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