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TCU Volleyball will have new game day home in 2020

After selling out The Rickel for years, Jill Kramer’s crew will bump, set, and spike it in the Scholly this fall.

One of the best home courts in the Big 12 will take on a larger venue when sports return.
photo courtesy of www.gofrogs.com (Ellman Photography)

TCU Volleyball is moving on up, taking their act across the road from The Rec to Schollmaier Arena when the volleyball season resumes.

The program began its playing days in the University Rec Center 24 years ago, more than quadrupling capacity for a fan base that has consistently shown up for the Horned Frogs. TCU fans sold out the final 24 regular season matches at the Rickel, including all of its 16 regular season home matches throughout the 2019 season. TCU ranked 23rd in the nation in total attendance last season, averaging a 118.03 percent capacity, the highest capacity percentage in the country.

“We are very excited for our volleyball program to call the Ed & Rae Schollmaier Arena it’s new home,” Athletic Director Jeremiah Donati said. “The possibility of playing volleyball in Schollmaier Arena has been a discussion topic for several years. Given the status of the pandemic and everyday realities, the timing makes sense. The move gives us the opportunity to provide more effective safety measures, including social distancing, and better means to protect our student-athletes, coaches, staff and fans. Schollmaier Arena is a first-class facility and has been an unbelievable home court for our men’s and women’s basketball programs. From the student-athlete and fan experience to recruiting, we believe the facility will have the same impact on our volleyball program. The Rickel was a great home for us since the inception of the program and will now be an outstanding practice venue. Moving into Schollmaier Arena is a great way for us to celebrate the 25th anniversary season of volleyball at TCU.”

Coach Jill Kramer couldn’t be more excited for her team, the fans, and the future of TCU Volleyball. “The move to Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena is a game-changer for TCU volleyball in many ways,” TCU Head Volleyball Coach Jill Kramer said. “The volleyball buzz around the DFW Metroplex is one of the most prevalent in the country. This move will allow us to maximize the strong support our program has garnered throughout its 24-year history and kick off our silver anniversary with something we will always remember. Of course, there are things about matches in the Rickel that we will miss, but if you have witnessed the exhilarating environment at one of our basketball games, you understand why our team is so excited to showcase our volleyball matches on the Walsh Family Court. I have always been impressed with how many fans would stand for a couple of hours and watch our matches in the past. Their devotion to us has been unmatched and appreciated greatly. Now, fans can count on having a comfortable seat with family and friends each time they come and watch us compete. We are looking forward to bringing the same energy and excitement from the Rickel over to Schollmaier Arena for the TCU faithful.”

The move will provide a new atmosphere and a new area of growth for the program as it begins its 25th season. The volleyball program has enjoyed a significant rise in notoriety since its inaugural season in 1996, rising with the rest of TCU’s athletic department to become a consistent contender in the Big 12 conference. The program has reached the post-season in six of its last 11 seasons, including three NCAA tournament berths (2009, 2015 & 2016).

You might have to give credit to new assistant Kyle Luong for the long-rumored move happening now:

The 2020 schedule has not yet been announced amidst the coronavirus crisis currently impacting the world. Stay tuned to www.gofrogs.com for ticketing announcements.