By Annie Walker
February 18, 2024
Omaha Welcomed 11,918 Fans Sunday At The CHI Health Center As The Supernovas Faced The Orlando Valkyries
OMAHA, Neb. – The Omaha Supernovas, Nebraska’s first major professional volleyball team as part of the Pro Volleyball Federation, have broken the attendance record for an indoor women’s professional volleyball match in the United States for the second time this season as 11,918 fans filled the CHI Health Center Sunday night.
“From the sellout Vegas Thrill home opener against the Omaha Supernovas last week to tonight’s third U.S. record-setting match, the athletes and fans of the Omaha Supernovas are leading the way to show that the dream of the highest level of professional volleyball is now a reality in the United States,” co-owner Danny White said. “Beyond the work of the athletes, it takes a tremendous lift from staff behind-the-scenes to reach fans in dozens of states and set these records. And we will continue to grow and expand with the support of our fans.”
Fellow Supernovas co-owner Chris Erickson said, “We are thankful to help continue to grow the sport and create opportunities for these athletes, which allows them to experience the tremendous support for the Supernovas throughout our entire state. The quality and level of play on the court is truly world-class and it’s great for us to have this in Nebraska.”
Supernovas Team President Diane Mendenhall said, “This reflects the passion our state has for the sport of volleyball. We are honored that they have embraced the Supernovas as Nebraska’s Pro Volleyball team and our players feel that love and cherish the opportunity to play for them.”
The previous U.S. record was set on January 24, 2024, as 11,624 fans watched the Atlanta Vibe upend the Supernovas in a five-set thriller in the first Pro Volleyball Federation match also at the CHI Health Center.
The four biggest crowds to watch a women’s professional volleyball match have now all taken place in Nebraska. The Supernovas hosted 11,403 fans inside CHI as Omaha earned its first win in franchise history with a sweep over the San Diego Mojo on Saturday, February 3, 2024.
On January 9, 2016, a total of 10,213 fans watched an Olympic qualifier between the U.S. Women’s National Team and the Dominican Republic at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska.
“It’s so exciting to see the fans continue to show up to watch REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL in person,” noted Pro Volleyball Federation CEO Jen Spicher. “The crowds these amazing athletes have played in front of so far during our inaugural season shows that professional volleyball in our country is here to stay.”
The Supernovas are one of seven U.S. teams for the 2024 Pro Volleyball Federation inaugural season: Omaha Supernovas, Atlanta Vibe, Columbus Fury, Grand Rapids Rise, Orlando Valkyries, San Diego Mojo and Vegas Thrill. Three expansion teams, Dallas Pro Volleyball, Indianapolis Pro Volleyball and Kansas City Pro Volleyball, have been announced for 2025. The Supernovas will have 12 home and 12 away matches as part of a 24-match schedule across a 16-week regular season.
When the regular season concludes, the Supernovas are aiming to be one of the top four teams in the standings that will compete for the Pro Volleyball Federation Championship in May. The location of the championship will be determined and announced later this season.
ABOUT OMAHA SUPERNOVAS
The Omaha Supernovas aims to be the premier home of professional volleyball throughout the world. The team is owned by global music sensation Jason Derulo, as well as business leaders and entrepreneurs Danny White and Chris Erickson, co-founders of City+Ventures, an investment and business acceleration organization headquartered in Omaha, Nebraska. More team information is available at Supernovas.com.
ABOUT PRO VOLLEYBALL FEDERATION
Pro Volleyball Federation is REAL PRO VOLLEYBALL and the premier women’s professional volleyball league in North America. Pro Volleyball Federation began play in January 2024 with world class players and coaches, including some of America’s greatest volleyball players and elite players from around the world. Our focus is on ensuring that the level and quality of play, treatment of players, quality of event presentations, and day-to-day fan experience is world class and the very best offered in North America. For more information, visit ProVolleyball.com.
COURTESY OMAHA SUPERNOVAS COMMUNICATIONS
