There are places in Lincoln that feel like they belong entirely to the city — woven into its identity the way corn fields edge the horizon or Husker red bleeds into every autumn weekend. The Bob Devaney Sports Center, tucked just northwest of Memorial Stadium on the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus, is exactly that kind of place. And if you haven’t made a point of walking through its doors, you are genuinely missing one of the most electric atmospheres this city has to offer.
Named for the legendary Nebraska football and basketball coach who transformed Husker athletics in the 1960s and 70s, the Devaney Center opened in 1976 and has been a cornerstone of Lincoln’s sports culture ever since. The arena seats roughly 13,600 fans and hosts Nebraska Volleyball, Nebraska Basketball, and a rotating calendar of concerts, wrestling tournaments, and large-scale university events throughout the year. But it’s the volleyball program that truly transforms this building into something unforgettable.
Nebraska Volleyball is not just a team — it’s a phenomenon. The Huskers have sold out virtually every home match for decades, a streak that has made Lincoln internationally famous among volleyball enthusiasts. Walking into the Devaney Center on a match night is a full-body experience. The roar of the crowd, the crisp squeak of athletic shoes on hardwood, the students packed into the upper deck waving signs — it all combines into something that feels bigger than a game. First-time visitors often describe it as overwhelming in the best possible way. Even if volleyball wasn’t previously on your radar, it will be after one evening here.
Getting there is straightforward. The arena sits at 1601 Stadium Drive, just a short walk or drive from downtown Lincoln. Parking is available in nearby campus lots, and on game nights, the entire neighborhood pulses with pre-match energy. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early to grab a concession, find your seat, and soak in the warmup routines — the players are extraordinary athletes and watching them warm up is worth the early arrival on its own.
Beyond match nights, the Devaney Center hosts Nebraska Men’s and Women’s Basketball, which brings a different but equally passionate crowd. Midwinter basketball games here have a cozy, communal feel — the kind where you strike up a conversation with the family sitting next to you and leave feeling like you’ve made friends.
If you’re visiting Lincoln between September and December, building a Nebraska Volleyball match into your itinerary is not optional — it’s essential. Tickets are reasonably priced and available through the Nebraska Huskers athletic ticket office online. Check the schedule, grab your seats early, and wear red. Trust me, you’ll fit right in.
The Bob Devaney Sports Center isn’t just a sports arena. It’s a gathering place, a tradition, and a window into what makes Lincoln the kind of city people return to. Come for the match. Stay for everything it makes you feel.
