The University of Nebraska is changing how it handles season-ticket reseating for Husker volleyball at the Bob Devaney Sports Center, a move that limits some donors from increasing their allotment of seats despite higher donation levels.
Husker Athletics and the Huskers Athletic Fund notified donors that the number of season tickets available to those at the Blackshirt level — defined as donors who give $1,000 or more — will now be limited to the number of seats the donor purchased last year. Previously, the reseating information page for John Cook Arena indicated Blackshirt donors could obtain up to four tickets regardless of last season’s allotment.
That change means donors who gave at the Blackshirt level but held three or fewer season tickets last year will not be able to expand to four tickets for the 2026 season.
University says change protects other donors
A Nebraska Athletics spokesperson, writing by email, said the adjustment was made because demand exceeded expectations. The department said the change ensures all donors at the $100-plus level — the so-called Sea of Red donors — would be guaranteed the opportunity to buy tickets during reseating.
“Historic and unprecedented demand for Husker Volleyball, which exceeded even our highest volume expectations and projections,”
The athletic department told Sea of Red level donors the policy preserves the previously communicated guarantee that existing season-ticket holders with an active Huskers Athletic Fund membership would have an opportunity to select seats.
Where this fits in larger plans
NU announced a renovation in January 2025 that expands the volleyball venue from about 8,300 seats to 10,000. The school announced it would reseat season-ticket holders over the summer following that expansion.
Husker Athletics also plans reseating for men’s basketball and football after the 2026-27 season.
Why fans are upset
Fans have taken to social media to voice frustration. Many Blackshirt-level donors who expected the option to increase to four season tickets said the new cap felt like a rollback of prior guidance.
University officials tied the decision to high ticket demand and the need to retain revenue to support athletic operations. In the story’s source material, the athletic department noted the financial pressures facing college athletics, saying reseating can generate more revenue and help Nebraska remain self-sufficient while covering obligations including direct payments to players.
| Item | Previous | As announced |
|---|---|---|
| Arena capacity | ~8,300 | 10,000 |
| Blackshirt donor ticket cap | Up to 4 regardless of prior allotment | Limited to number of seats purchased last year |
| Sea of Red donor guarantee | Purchase opportunity | Preserved |
The athletics department also said time slots for Sea of Red-level donors — those contributing $100 or more annually — to purchase tickets begin next week.
What fans should know
- If you are a Blackshirt-level donor and want more seats, your reseating allotment will be limited to what you held last season.
- Sea of Red donors retain a guaranteed opportunity to purchase seats during their scheduled reseating time.
- Reseating for basketball and football will take place after the 2026-27 season.
The change follows a period of intense interest in Husker volleyball since the program announced the Devaney renovation. Athletic officials say the move is intended to balance long-standing season-ticket holder protections with a fair distribution of new seats in a market where demand has significantly increased.
Officials with Husker Athletics and the Huskers Athletic Fund provided the policy rationale; seat-selection windows and further details about the reseating process will be managed by the athletic department as the start of the 2026 season approaches.
Peter Novak, News Block.
