The NCAA Volleyball Tournament is one of the most exciting events in collegiate sports. It brings together the best teams from across the country to compete for the national championship. The 2024 tournament promises to be just as thrilling, with 64 teams vying for the title. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide to the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024 bracket, including important dates, participating teams, and how to watch the games.
The NCAA Volleyball Tournament is a single-elimination tournament, meaning that each team has only one chance to win. The tournament begins with 64 teams, which are seeded based on their regular season records. The top 16 teams receive a bye into the second round, while the remaining 48 teams compete in the first round. The tournament then proceeds through four rounds until the final four teams reach the semifinals. The semifinals and championship match are held at a predetermined location, with the 2024 tournament being held in Omaha, Nebraska.
NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024 Bracket
Here are nine important points about the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024 Bracket:
- 64 teams competing
- Single-elimination tournament
- Top 16 teams receive bye
- Four rounds of competition
- Semifinals and final in Omaha, Nebraska
- Tournament dates: December 5-14, 2024
- ESPN and ESPNU to broadcast games
- Live streaming available on ESPN+
- Defending champion: Stanford University
With 64 teams vying for the title, the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024 promises to be an exciting and unpredictable event. Be sure to tune in to ESPN or ESPNU to catch all the action, or stream the games live on ESPN+.
64 teams competing
The NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024 will feature 64 teams from across the country, making it one of the largest and most competitive collegiate sporting events. These teams will represent all three divisions of the NCAA: Division I, Division II, and Division III. The majority of the teams will come from Division I, which is the highest level of collegiate volleyball. However, Division II and Division III teams can also qualify for the tournament by winning their respective conference tournaments.
The 64 teams will be divided into four regions: East, South, Midwest, and West. Each region will hold a first and second round, with the winners advancing to the regional semifinals. The regional semifinals and finals will be held at predetermined sites, with the four regional champions advancing to the semifinals and championship match in Omaha, Nebraska.
The selection process for the NCAA Volleyball Tournament is complex and takes into account a number of factors, including each team’s record, strength of schedule, and conference affiliation. The top 16 teams in the final NCAA RPI rankings will receive a bye into the second round, while the remaining 48 teams will compete in the first round.
The NCAA Volleyball Tournament is a single-elimination tournament, meaning that each team has only one chance to win. This makes every match incredibly important, as a single loss can end a team’s season. The tournament is also known for its upsets, as lower-seeded teams often defeat higher-seeded teams.
With 64 teams competing, the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024 is sure to be an exciting and unpredictable event. Be sure to tune in to ESPN or ESPNU to catch all the action, or stream the games live on ESPN+.
Single-elimination tournament
The NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024 will be a single-elimination tournament, meaning that each team has only one chance to win. This format makes every match incredibly important, as a single loss can end a team’s season.
- Win or go home: In a single-elimination tournament, there is no room for error. Every team must win their first round match in order to advance to the next round. If a team loses, their season is over.
- Upsets are common: The single-elimination format of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament often leads to upsets, as lower-seeded teams can defeat higher-seeded teams. This is because anything can happen in a single match, and the pressure is often higher on the higher-seeded team.
- Cinderella stories: The single-elimination format also allows for Cinderella stories, as teams from smaller conferences can make deep runs into the tournament. For example, in 2021, the University of Northern Iowa, a school from the Missouri Valley Conference, reached the semifinals of the tournament.
- Excitement and drama: The single-elimination format of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament makes for exciting and dramatic matches. Every match is a must-win, and the pressure is always on. This makes for great television and a memorable tournament experience for fans.
The single-elimination format of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament is sure to produce plenty of excitement and drama in 2024. With 64 teams competing for the national championship, there are sure to be plenty of upsets and Cinderella stories along the way.
Top 16 teams receive bye
The top 16 teams in the final NCAA RPI rankings will receive a bye into the second round of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024. This means that these teams will not have to compete in the first round, which will give them a much better chance of advancing to the later rounds of the tournament.
- Reward for a great regular season: The top 16 teams in the NCAA RPI rankings are typically the teams that have had the best regular seasons. They have earned their bye into the second round by consistently winning matches and performing well against tough competition.
- More time to prepare: The top 16 teams will have more time to prepare for their second round matches, as they will not have to play in the first round. This will give them a chance to rest and scout their opponents.
- Better chance of advancing: The top 16 teams will have a better chance of advancing to the later rounds of the tournament, as they will not have to face as many tough opponents in the early rounds. Additionally, they will have the home court advantage in their second round matches.
- Added pressure: While the top 16 teams will have a better chance of advancing, they will also have more pressure on them to perform well. They will be expected to win their second round matches and make a deep run into the tournament.
The top 16 teams in the NCAA RPI rankings will be announced on Selection Sunday, which is typically the Sunday before the tournament begins. These teams will then have a few days to prepare for their second round matches, which will be held on the following weekend.
Four rounds of competition
The NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024 will consist of four rounds of competition: the first round, second round, regional semifinals, and regional finals. The first two rounds will be held at predetermined sites across the country, while the regional semifinals and finals will be held at predetermined regional sites. The four regional champions will then advance to the semifinals and championship match, which will be held in Omaha, Nebraska.
First round: The first round of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament will feature 48 teams, which includes the 32 teams that did not receive a bye into the second round. These teams will be seeded based on their NCAA RPI rankings, with the top 16 teams receiving the highest seeds. The first round matches will be played on the campus of the higher-seeded team.
Second round: The second round of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament will feature 32 teams, which includes the 16 teams that received a bye into the second round and the 16 winners from the first round. The second round matches will be played on the campus of the higher-seeded team.
Regional semifinals: The regional semifinals will feature the eight winners from the second round. These teams will be seeded based on their NCAA RPI rankings, with the top four teams receiving the highest seeds. The regional semifinals will be played at predetermined regional sites.
Regional finals: The regional finals will feature the four winners from the regional semifinals. These teams will be seeded based on their NCAA RPI rankings, with the top two teams receiving the highest seeds. The regional finals will be played at predetermined regional sites.
The four regional champions will then advance to the semifinals and championship match, which will be held in Omaha, Nebraska. The semifinals will be played on December 12, 2024, and the championship match will be played on December 14, 2024.
Semifinals and final in Omaha, Nebraska
The semifinals and championship match of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024 will be held in Omaha, Nebraska, at the CHI Health Center Omaha.
- Home of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament: Omaha has been the host city for the NCAA Volleyball Tournament since 2006, and it has become a popular destination for fans of the sport. The CHI Health Center Omaha is a state-of-the-art facility that provides a great atmosphere for volleyball matches.
- Large and enthusiastic crowds: Omaha is known for its large and enthusiastic crowds for volleyball matches. The CHI Health Center Omaha can seat over 17,000 fans, and it is typically sold out for the semifinals and championship match.
- Great location: Omaha is a centrally located city, making it easy for fans from all over the country to travel to the tournament. The city also has a number of hotels and restaurants to accommodate visitors.
- Economic impact: The NCAA Volleyball Tournament has a significant economic impact on the city of Omaha. The tournament typically generates millions of dollars in revenue for local businesses.
The semifinals and championship match of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024 are sure to be exciting and memorable events. With a large and enthusiastic crowd, a great location, and a state-of-the-art facility, Omaha is the perfect host city for the tournament.
Tournament dates: December 5-14, 2024
The NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024 will be held from December 5-14, 2024. The tournament will begin with the first round on December 5 and 6, followed by the second round on December 7 and 8. The regional semifinals will be held on December 10 and 11, and the regional finals will be held on December 12. The semifinals will be held on December 12, and the championship match will be held on December 14.
The tournament dates were chosen to avoid conflicts with other major sporting events, such as the FIFA World Cup and the NFL season. The NCAA Volleyball Tournament is one of the most popular sporting events in the United States, and it typically attracts large television audiences.
Fans of college volleyball will have plenty of opportunities to watch the tournament on television or online. ESPN and ESPNU will broadcast the tournament games, and ESPN+ will offer live streaming of all the matches.
Be sure to mark your calendars for December 5-14, 2024, and tune in to ESPN or ESPNU to catch all the action of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024.
ESPN and ESPNU to broadcast games
ESPN and ESPNU will once again broadcast the NCAA Volleyball Tournament in 2024. ESPN has been the exclusive television partner of the tournament since 1996, and ESPNU was added as a secondary broadcaster in 2009.
ESPN and ESPNU will televise all 63 matches of the tournament, from the first round to the championship match. The semifinals and championship match will be broadcast on ESPN, while the other matches will be split between ESPN and ESPNU.
ESPN and ESPNU’s coverage of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament is known for its high quality and in-depth analysis. The networks’ team of experienced commentators and analysts will provide viewers with expert insights and analysis throughout the tournament.
In addition to its television coverage, ESPN will also offer live streaming of all the tournament matches on ESPN+. This will allow fans to watch the matches on their computers, smartphones, or tablets.
With ESPN and ESPNU’s comprehensive coverage, fans of college volleyball will be able to catch all the action of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024, no matter where they are.
Live streaming available on ESPN+
In addition to its television coverage, ESPN will also offer live streaming of all the NCAA Volleyball Tournament matches on ESPN+. This will allow fans to watch the matches on their computers, smartphones, or tablets.
- Subscription required: ESPN+ is a subscription service that costs $9.99 per month or $99.99 per year. However, ESPN+ is also included with a subscription to ESPN+ and Disney+. The Disney Bundle, which includes ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu, costs $13.99 per month.
- Multiple devices: ESPN+ can be streamed on a variety of devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, and streaming devices like Roku and Amazon Fire TV.
- High-quality streaming: ESPN+ offers high-quality streaming, with up to 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second.
- Multi-cam views: ESPN+ will offer multiple camera angles for some of the tournament matches, allowing viewers to choose the camera angle they want to watch.
ESPN+’s live streaming coverage of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament is a great option for fans who want to watch the matches on their own schedule or on a device of their choice.
Defending champion: Stanford University
Stanford University is the defending champion of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament. The Cardinal defeated the University of Nebraska in four sets in the 2023 championship match to win their ninth NCAA title.
- Dominant program: Stanford is one of the most dominant programs in NCAA volleyball history. They have won nine NCAA championships, the most of any school. They have also reached the Final Four in 20 of the past 22 tournaments.
- Talented roster: Stanford returns a talented roster for the 2024 season. They have four All-Americans returning, including senior outside hitter Kathryn Plummer, who was named the NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player in 2023.
- Tough schedule: Stanford will play a tough non-conference schedule in 2024, which will prepare them for the NCAA Tournament. They will face several top-10 teams, including Texas, Florida, and Wisconsin.
- High expectations: Stanford will be one of the favorites to win the NCAA Tournament in 2024. They have a talented roster, a tough schedule, and a lot of experience. They will be looking to win their 10th NCAA championship.
Stanford will be a team to watch in the 2024 NCAA Volleyball Tournament. They have the talent and experience to make a run at another national championship.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024:
Question 1: When is the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024?
Answer: The NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024 will be held from December 5-14, 2024.
Question 2: How many teams compete in the NCAA Volleyball Tournament?
Answer: 64 teams compete in the NCAA Volleyball Tournament.
Question 3: What is the format of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament?
Answer: The NCAA Volleyball Tournament is a single-elimination tournament, meaning that each team has only one chance to win. The tournament consists of four rounds: the first round, second round, regional semifinals, and regional finals. The four regional champions then advance to the semifinals and championship match.
Question 4: Where will the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024 be held?
Answer: The first and second rounds of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024 will be held at predetermined sites across the country. The regional semifinals and finals will be held at predetermined regional sites. The semifinals and championship match will be held in Omaha, Nebraska.
Question 5: How can I watch the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024?
Answer: The NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024 will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPNU. ESPN+ will also offer live streaming of all the tournament matches.
Question 6: Who is the defending champion of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament?
Answer: Stanford University is the defending champion of the NCAA Volleyball Tournament.
Question 7: Which teams are favored to win the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024?
Answer: Stanford University, Texas, and Florida are the three teams that are favored to win the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ: I hope this FAQ section has answered your questions about the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024. For more information, please visit the NCAA website.
Now that you know more about the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024, here are some tips to help you enjoy the tournament:
Tips
Here are some tips to help you enjoy the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024:
Tip 1: Pick a team to cheer for: One of the best ways to enjoy the NCAA Volleyball Tournament is to pick a team to cheer for. This will make the matches more exciting and give you something to root for. You can choose your favorite school, a team from your home state, or a team with a player that you like.
Tip 2: Learn about the teams and players: Before the tournament starts, take some time to learn about the teams and players that are competing. This will help you appreciate the matches more and make it easier to pick a team to cheer for. You can read articles, watch highlights, and follow the teams on social media to learn more about them.
Tip 3: Watch the matches live: If you can, try to watch the matches live on TV or online. This is the best way to experience the excitement of the tournament. If you can’t watch the matches live, you can always catch up on the highlights later.
Tip 4: Attend a match in person: If you have the opportunity, attending a match in person is an unforgettable experience. The atmosphere is electric, and you’ll get to see the best volleyball players in the world compete live. Tickets for the NCAA Volleyball Tournament typically go on sale in October.
Closing Paragraph for Tips: I hope these tips help you enjoy the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024. Whether you’re watching the matches at home or in person, be sure to cheer on your favorite team and enjoy the excitement of the tournament.
The NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024 is sure to be an exciting event. With 64 teams competing for the national championship, there are sure to be plenty of upsets and Cinderella stories along the way. Be sure to tune in to ESPN or ESPNU to catch all the action, or stream the games live on ESPN+.
Conclusion
The NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting event. With 64 teams competing for the national championship, there are sure to be plenty of upsets and Cinderella stories along the way. The tournament will begin with the first round on December 5 and 6, and the championship match will be held on December 14 in Omaha, Nebraska.
Some of the top teams to watch in the tournament include Stanford University, Texas, and Florida. However, anything can happen in the NCAA Tournament, and any team can make a run to the championship match. Be sure to tune in to ESPN or ESPNU to catch all the action, or stream the games live on ESPN+.
No matter who you’re cheering for, the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024 is sure to be an unforgettable event. So mark your calendars and get ready for some exciting volleyball!
Closing Message: I hope you enjoyed this article about the NCAA Volleyball Tournament 2024. I encourage you to learn more about the tournament and the teams that are competing. And be sure to tune in to ESPN or ESPNU to catch all the action.