Times have been set for the historic “Frontier Volleyball Stadium Series” contests on Saturday, September 6 at the Frontier High School Football Field.
The Varsity Girls Volleyball match between Frontier and rival Hamburg is scheduled for noon. The Varsity Boys Volleyball match between Frontier and Hamburg takes place 45 minutes after the Girls match. A recognition ceremony and Cheerleader routine takes place between the two contests.
It is the first sanctioned high school boys and girls volleyball match to be held outdoors in New York State. It is also believed to be the first sanctioned high school boys volleyball match to be played outdoors in the United States. The football field will be overlaid with a sport court for the contests.
"We're going to be making history here at Frontier," said Frontier Athletic Director Jim Helmicki. "This is unique -- 99.9 percent of high school volleyball players will never have this opportunity."
The event stems from the August 30, 2023 historic outdoor volleyball match between Nebraska and Omaha held at Memorial Stadium in Lincoln, Nebraska, in front of 92,003 fans, the largest crowd to see a women’s sporting event in U.S. history.
Helmicki discussed innovative ways to continue to grow volleyball with Frontier Boys Varsity Volleyball Coach Nick Penberthy and brought up the idea of hosting an outdoor match at Frontier. That led to Penberthy initiating conversations with athletic directors and volleyball coaches from around the country to learn more about hosting an outdoor volleyball match.
“The volleyball community is amazing. Everyone has been very receptive and helpful in sharing their experiences to ensure that we can host this event successfully,” Penberthy said.
Frontier officials hope to fill the stadium bleachers. There will also be a seating area around the court. In addition to the volleyball matches, there will be a Kids Zone featuring “Touch a Truck,” bounce houses, face painting and food trucks.
“We’re writing a new and exciting chapter in the history of Frontier Volleyball,” Penberthy said. “The District has made a significant investment in this event and the Frontier Volleyball program.”
Volleyball in the United States is the most popular team sport for girls in high school while boys volleyball has grown by 40% since 2017 and is the fastest growing team sport nationwide, according to the American Volleyball Coaches Association.
“The sport of volleyball is experiencing extraordinary growth nationally and locally, especially within our Frontier Central School District,” Penberthy said. “We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to showcase the sport on this big stage while uniting the school community for this historic event.”