Nebraska state volleyball tournament adds spike to Lincoln economy

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska state high school volleyball tournament is underway in Lincoln.

It draws families from all over, and not only do they bring their school spirit, but they also bring their wallets.

“It’s an unbelievable experience,” said Will Platt, a student from Elmwood-Murdock. “The energy is always high … great time.”

Whether it’s a packed Bob Devaney Center for a Husker game or state volleyball at the Pinnacle Bank Arena, Nebraska loves volleyball.

And as fans pack into stands to watch the sport, they also take advantage of local businesses, which is great for the local economy.

“They shop in our stores, they eat in our restaurants, they might buy souvenirs before they leave.” Lincoln Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said. “So, it’s a great way to both build spirit and support for our local economy.”

Fans buy souvenirs like the ones found inside Best of Big Red, a Husker shop located in the Haymarket.

General manager Joey Rupp said she’s had customers from all over come by and check out the store.

“We had some people come in from Seward, so they’re not very far,” Rupp said. “We had some really nice ladies come in from Amherst.”

Rupp said a big seller has been name, image and likeness Nebraska volleyball jerseys that include the name and number of your favorite Husker.

“The young girls see our volleyball girls and at what they’re out doing, and that’s what they want to go do,” she said. “So they see, you know, like the Lexis and the Merritt Beasons, and they want their role models, and they want to be them. So that drives a lot of our volleyball sales.”

Barry’s Bar and Grill has also seen an uptick in clientele since the tournament began.

General manager Chloe Tyson said more people have been coming in for lunch compared with a normal week.

“It’s great just to have more bodies and people out in the Haymarket,” she said.