Sept. 29, 2014
Champaign, Ill. - The Fighting Illini volleyball program would like to announce its newest promotional event, IlliNOISE Night, will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4, vs. No. 5 Wisconsin. It has been said by coaches, opponents, fans and media members alike that Huff Hall has the loudest volleyball atmosphere in the country, and this Saturday the Fighting Illini plan to prove it. The Marketing & Promotions Staff will take a decibel meter reading during Saturday's match to put a number to just how loud Huff Hall truly is.
Head coach Kevin Hambly and the Fighting Illini invite Illinois fans from far and wide to attend the Wisconsin match to experience Huff Hall at its finest. Touted "the best student section in the nation," by Big Ten Network announcer Mike Wolf, the Spike Squad will be out in full force, and the Marching Illini Drumline will put on a performance between sets. Ear plugs will be available free of charge at all entrances for any fans with sensitive hearing when the Illini Faithful establish the mark of Huff Hall's noise level.
In addition to marking how loud the atmosphere at Huff Hall is, Coach Hambly and the volleyball team seek to break the all-time Huff attendance record set at 4,316 back in 1992 against Stanford at the NCAA Regional. With an expanded capacity of 4,536 after this summer's renovations, that goal can become a reality. The Illini topped that total in both matches held at State Farm Center last season, but have not sold out Huff Hall since 2011.
Saturday's match could feature the highest level of competition to come to Huff Hall this season, as the 2013 NCAA Runner-Up Badgers have been ranked in the top five nationally since the first week of competition. Their only two losses came at the hands of No. 3 Penn State and No. 5 Washington, while they've already taken down No. 10 USC and swept No. 13 Colorado State. The Illini and Badgers have played in two of the last three national championships, and both teams consistently rank in the top 10 in home match attendance. The pair tied for fourth in the Big Ten standings in 2013, with Illinois knocking off Wisconsin in four sets in Madison in their sole meeting of the year.
Saturday night is a football ticket stub redemption match, so come after football with your Purdue ticket stub to receive a general admission seat (as long as seating is available). Regular admission to all Illinois home matches is $7 for reserved and $5 for general admission tickets. Youth prices are $4 (reserved) and $2 (GA), while Illinois students can gain admission for free with their student ID or pay $4 for reserved seats. Season ticket packages are also available starting at $25. To purchase, call 1-866-ILLINI-1 or visit the Illinois Ticket Office. Tickets are may also be at the ticket mobile outside the west entrance of Huff Hall beginning one hour prior to every match. Click here for more information.
