COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Nov. 7, 2017) – Iran, Poland and Serbia will join the U.S. Men’s National Team for three days of FIVB Volleyball Nations League matches on June 15-17, 2018 at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates, Ill.
The FIVB announced the Volleyball Nations League on Oct. 12. The two tournaments (one for men and one for women) replace the FIVB World League (for men) and the FIVB Grand Prix (for women).
In both tournaments, 12 core teams and four challenger teams will play a round-robin format, with each country hosting a weekend of matches. The men’s final round is scheduled for July 4-8.
The U.S. Men, ranked No. 2 in the world, will have a challenging weekend in Hoffman Estates, facing No. 3 Poland, No. 8 Iran and No. 11 Serbia. Each team will play the other three once during the weekend.
“The new tournament format will be a big test for our team before the 2018 World Championship,” U.S. Head Coach John Speraw said. “We will play in Hoffman Estates after three weekends in other countries, so it will feel good to be in the United States.”
Among the U.S. players expected to compete are 2016 Olympic medalists Matt Anderson, Micah Christenson, Max Holt, Thomas Jaeschke, Aaron Russell, Taylor Sander, David Smith and Erik and Kawika Shoji.
Jaeschke grew up in nearby Wheaton, Ill., and played for Loyola of Chicago. Jeff Jendryk, who is also expected to compete, also grew up in Wheaton and will finish his career at Loyola in the spring.
Friday – Day 1 (1 ticket for both matches)
5:30 p.m.: Poland v. Iran
7:30 p.m.: USA v. Serbia
Saturday – Day 2 (1 ticket per match)
2 p.m.: Serbia v. Iran
7:30 p.m.: USA v. Poland (Doors open at 6 p.m.)
Sunday – Day 3 (1 ticket per match)
Noon: Poland v. Serbia
5:30 p.m.: USA v. Iran
Price level: $55 / $48 / $33 per ticket
All Session – $275 / $215 / $150 (5 tickets)