Monday, 15 Jul 2024

Pittsburgh to Host 2020 Men’s Volleyball Nations League

The city of Pittsburgh is eagerly gearing up to host the prestigious FIVB Volleyball Nations League (VNL) from May 22-24 at the Petersen Events Center, located on the campus of the University of Pittsburgh. This event serves as a warmup for the U.S. Men’s National Team as they prepare for the highly anticipated Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

Ranked second in the world, the U.S. Men’s team will face off against powerhouse teams such as Brazil, Argentina, and Canada in a round-robin format. The United States, Brazil, and Argentina have already secured their spots in the 2020 Olympic Games, making this event even more exhilarating for fans.

This will be the sole opportunity for spectators to witness the U.S. Men’s team competing on home soil in 2020, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. U.S. Men’s Head Coach John Speraw expressed his enthusiasm for bringing international men’s volleyball to Pittsburgh, hoping to ignite the passion of fans and garner support as they head to Tokyo.

The selection of Pittsburgh as the first stop on the VNL tour and the only U.S. city hosting the men’s event has been met with immense excitement. Jennifer Hawkins, executive director of SportsPITTSBURGH, highlighted Pittsburgh’s vibrant volleyball community and its desire to provide an iconic experience for athletes and spectators alike.

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For the U.S. Men’s team, Pittsburgh serves as the initial destination during the preliminary round of the VNL. Scott Michaels, general manager of the Petersen Events Center, expressed his delight in hosting this world-class competition and praised the collaborative efforts of FIVB, USA Volleyball, and SportsPITTSBURGH.

The VNL features 16 top men’s volleyball teams competing in a round-robin format, with each country hosting matches over six weeks. The top six teams will advance to the final round, intensifying the competition and creating an electrifying atmosphere for fans.

The U.S. Men’s team has a strong track record in the VNL, winning silver in the 2019 final round and bronze in 2018. They claimed the gold medal in 2008 and 2014, showcasing their caliber in the sport.

Interestingly, several members of the U.S. Men’s Team have ties to Pennsylvania. Middle blocker Mitch Stahl hails from Chambersburg, while opposite Matt Anderson, middle blocker Max Holt, and outside hitter Aaron Russell all played collegiate volleyball at Penn State University.

For volleyball enthusiasts and sports fans in general, this event promises thrilling matches and an unforgettable experience. Here is the schedule for the FIVB Volleyball Nations League Matches at the Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh:

  • May 22:

    • 4 p.m. Brazil vs Argentina
    • 7:30 p.m. USA vs Canada
  • May 23:

    • 4 p.m. Argentina vs Canada
    • 7:30 p.m. USA vs Brazil
  • May 24:

    • 2 p.m. Canada vs Brazil
    • 5:30 p.m. USA vs Argentina

Make sure to mark your calendars and witness the volleyball action unfold in the vibrant city of Pittsburgh. Join us in supporting these remarkable athletes and celebrating the spirit of international men’s volleyball.

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