For the first time in program history, the Texas Longhorns volleyball team will take the court at the Moody Center in 2025, ushering in a new era for one of the nation’s most elite programs. In a move that blends the historic tradition of Texas volleyball with the modern grandeur of the university’s state-of-the-art arena, this milestone marks a significant evolution for both the team and the fans who have supported them through decades of dominance.
The announcement came with a sense of excitement and anticipation. The Moody Center, which opened its doors in 2022 and primarily serves as the home for Texas men’s and women’s basketball, has quickly become one of the crown jewels in collegiate athletics facilities. With a capacity exceeding 15,000 and a design tailored for high-energy atmospheres, the arena promises to deliver an unparalleled experience when it transforms into the Longhorns’ new home court for select volleyball matches in 2025.
This isn’t just a venue change. It’s a declaration.
Texas Volleyball has long been synonymous with excellence. Led by head coach Jerritt Elliott, the program has consistently ranked among the best in the country, winning national championships, producing All-Americans, and setting attendance records in Gregory Gymnasium, the historic but intimate setting that has hosted the team for decades. While Gregory will still serve as the primary home for the Longhorns, the decision to play at least one marquee match at the Moody Center signals the program’s growing ambitions and its desire to elevate the sport on a grander stage.
In many ways, this move mirrors the national rise of women’s sports and, more specifically, the surging popularity of women’s college volleyball. From sell-out crowds in traditionally smaller volleyball arenas to jaw-dropping attendance numbers at football stadiums—like Nebraska’s historic “Volleyball Day in Nebraska”—the sport has seen a remarkable uptick in visibility and fan engagement. The Moody Center appearance gives Texas a chance to write its own chapter in that unfolding narrative, right in the heart of Austin.
What makes this moment particularly symbolic is the setting itself. The Moody Center is a modern marvel, designed not just for capacity but for spectacle. From its cutting-edge sound system to its 360-degree LED ribbon boards, every inch of the venue is engineered to heighten the fan experience. For the players, the chance to compete under the bright lights of such a venue offers a unique kind of inspiration—one that speaks to the legitimacy of the sport and the platform they’ve earned through relentless excellence.
The Moody Center match is expected to be more than just a game—it’s shaping up to be an event. University officials have hinted at plans to build an entire day around the match, complete with fan zones, pregame entertainment, and in-arena experiences that reflect the magnitude of the occasion. It’s a moment that transcends sport. It’s a celebration of everything the Texas Volleyball program stands for: resilience, excellence, and the drive to set new standards.
This moment also holds significant recruiting implications. One of the defining features of Elliott’s tenure has been his ability to consistently attract top-tier talent to Austin. The Moody Center experience will now become a new bullet point on the recruiting pitch, a tangible example of how the program invests in its athletes and strives to offer them the best of everything. Playing in a world-class arena is not just a luxury—it’s a statement of intent, and one that resonates deeply with the next generation of volleyball stars.
The players, for their part, are embracing the challenge and the spotlight. Senior leaders have expressed excitement about taking the court in front of what could be the largest home crowd in program history. For many of them, this is the kind of experience they dreamed of when they first picked up a volleyball—playing for a national powerhouse in a venue that mirrors the grandeur of their goals. It’s a culmination of years of hard work, sweat, and sacrifice.
Fans too are gearing up for a one-of-a-kind experience. Gregory Gym has long been considered one of the most electric environments in college volleyball, with its tight seating and vocal crowd creating an intimidating backdrop for visiting teams. The transition to the Moody Center brings a different kind of energy—more space, more fans, more spectacle. It’s a tradeoff, but one that many believe will pay off in growing the fan base and creating unforgettable memories.
Texas Athletics has shown a keen understanding of the cultural shift happening across the sports landscape. There’s a growing recognition that women’s sports are not a secondary product—they’re front and center, and they deserve to be treated as such. The Moody Center volleyball match embodies that ethos. It’s not just about accommodating a bigger crowd—it’s about recognizing the immense value these athletes bring to the university, to the sport, and to the broader conversation about equality in athletics.
This development is also a win for the city of Austin. A major volleyball match at the Moody Center means more foot traffic, more local engagement, and more opportunities to showcase the vibrant culture that makes Austin unique. From food trucks to live music to community initiatives, the possibilities for integrating the event into the fabric of the city are endless. It’s an invitation for the entire community to rally around a shared source of pride: Texas Volleyball.
While the specific opponent for the inaugural Moody Center match has not yet been announced, speculation is already swirling. Will it be a Big 12 rival in the program’s final season before joining the SEC? Or will it be a powerhouse from another conference, a top-10 showdown worthy of the spotlight? Whoever the opponent, one thing is certain: the match will be a showcase of elite talent and an opportunity for Texas to reaffirm its position at the pinnacle of the sport.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the vision and leadership of the program’s staff, the university’s athletic department, and the unwavering support of Longhorn Nation. Behind the scenes, countless hours of planning, coordination, and investment have gone into making this dream a reality. From logistical considerations like court setup and sightlines to larger questions about how to maintain the intimacy and intensity of Gregory in a larger space, the transition has required strategic thinking and a willingness to innovate.
But then again, innovation is nothing new for Texas Volleyball. This is a program that has always looked forward, always pushed boundaries, and always dared to dream big. Whether it’s competing for national championships, developing professional-level talent, or setting new standards for what college volleyball can be, Texas continues to blaze its own trail. The Moody Center is simply the next step in that journey.
As the 2025 season approaches, excitement will only continue to build. Ticket sales are expected to surge, media coverage will intensify, and volleyball will take its place alongside football and basketball as one of the premier sporting events on campus. For the players, it’s a once-in-a-career opportunity. For the fans, it’s a chance to witness history. For the university, it’s a powerful symbol of progress.
And when that first serve goes up in the air, and the roar of the crowd fills every corner of the Moody Center, it won’t just be about a volleyball match. It will be about legacy, vision, and the unshakeable belief that greatness deserves a stage worthy of its ambition.