Louisville is gearing up to host one of the biggest events in women’s sports this year – the NCAA Division I women’s volleyball Final Four at the KFC Yum! Center. The semifinals are scheduled for Friday, December 19, with the championship match taking place on Sunday, December 22 at 3:30 p.m. The University of Louisville, along with Louisville Tourism and the Louisville Sports Commission, is excited to bring this prestigious event to the heart of downtown.
Presales for the championship have already begun. Fans can also upgrade their experience with the NCAA Fan Experience package, which offers premium seating, exclusive hospitality, appearances by NCAA legends, and even a photo op with the national championship trophy.
For Louisville volleyball star Anna DeBeer, the championship represents her chance to end her college career with a national title. A fifth-year standout, DeBeer is already considered one of the most decorated athletes in Cardinals history. “Going out with a bang means being the last team standing,” DeBeer said.
Head Coach Dani Busboom Kelly couldn’t agree more. “I think she’s the best Cardinal ever,” she said. “She doesn’t take plays or practices off.”
DeBeer, who has led Louisville to multiple top-20 wins this season, including victories over Wisconsin, Kentucky, Stanford and Creighton, is constantly looking to improve. “There’s always something I can get better at – leadership by my voice and my play,” DeBeer said.
The Cardinals are no strangers to success, and Busboom Kelly believes the team has what it takes to make a deep tournament run. “There’s a little extra pressure when you’re hosting, but we’re ready,” she said. Busboom Kelly has high praise for DeBeer, who has been a key part of the program’s success since her high school days at Assumption, where she won three state titles.
This season, Louisville looks to build on the momentum it’s gained over the years, including a program-defining 2018 victory over Texas in the NCAA tournament. “That win showed how far Louisville volleyball had come,” DeBeer reflected. “I wanted to see how far we could take it.”
City officials and sports fans alike are thrilled that Louisville has been chosen to host this event for the first time since 2012, when Texas took home the title. Greg Fante, president and CEO of the Louisville Sports Commission, emphasized how volleyball has long been a cornerstone of women’s sports in the city. “It’s great for our community to host a women’s sports event at this level,” Fante said. “These athletes inspire us all.”
Visitors to the championship will have plenty of opportunities to explore Louisville’s vibrant downtown, including historic Museum Row, the Louisville Slugger Museum, and the city’s world-famous bourbon distilleries. Louisville has also earned accolades from Travel + Leisure and Southern Living, making it a must-see destination.
With volleyball at its highest level and the eyes of the nation on Louisville, the city is poised to shine. The tournament selection show will air on Sunday, December 1, 2024, at 6 p.m., and it promises to kick off what will be an unforgettable week of volleyball action. For more information on the NCAA women’s volleyball championship, visit ncaa.com/volleyball.
