IRVINE, Calif. -- The 2023 UC Irvine men's volleyball regular season schedule will feature new opponents, traditional rivals, and a challenging conference lineup before culminating in hosting the Big West Championship at the Bren Events Center Apr. 20-22.
"One of the things that I love about UC Irvine volleyball and the Bren Events Center is we are an attractive place to play," head coach David Kniffin said. "We are a great opponent, and we have one of the best facilities in men's volleyball. With the new Court 21 Taraflex, it feels like you are playing international big-stage volleyball."
UCI will start the year with an exhibition match against Brandon University on Jan. 2 at the Bren Events Center then the Anteaters will officially begin the 2023 campaign at the BYU Tournament, playing Lewis and McKendree Jan. 6-7 in Smith Fieldhouse.
The home opener will feature a new opponent, Emmanuel College, from the Great Northeast Athletic Conference on Jan. 13 before traditional rival USC visits the Bren on Jan. 18. UCI will close out the homestand against Concordia Jan. 20 then the Anteaters will return the favor across town at Concordia the next night.
UC Irvine will host BYU Jan. 25 and 27 before heading on the road for a three-match series in Arizona where they will face NAIA Benedictine in an exhibition match on Feb. 2 and Grand Canyon on back-to-back nights, Feb. 3 and 4.
"BYU is traditionally such a great rivalry over the years, and we seem to bring out the best in each other," Kniffin added.
Home and away contests with Pepperdine starts in Malibu Feb. 8 and return to Irvine Feb. 10 then with UCLA at home Feb. 24 and in Westwood Feb. 26.
The final two non-conference matches are at Stanford Mar. 4 and hosting Penn State on Mar. 5.
"January and early February you will see all of the iconic opponents that we have grown accustomed to playing here. Penn State was 23-4 last year and have their whole squad back so that should be a great match-up."
The Big West schedule begins against UC San Diego at home on Mar. 10 then at La Jolla Mar. 11. A trip to Santa Barbara to meet the Gauchos on Mar. 16 takes place before UCSB comes to the Bren Center Mar. 17.
UCI will host CSUN Mar. 31 before heading up the 405 freeway for a match on Apr. 1 in Northridge. UCI will travel to Hawaii for a pair of matches on Apr. 7 and 8 and then face Long Beach State at the Walter Pyramid on Apr. 14.
The regular season will close out against Long Beach State on Apr. 15 at 5:00 p.m. at the Bren Events Center.
"We love our conference. The Big West objectively, based on results and future projections, is the toughest conference in men's volleyball. The last four champions have been a Big West team and multiple teams are playing in the NCAA semis and finals. It will once again be the conference to beat."
UC Irvine and the Bren Events Center will host The Big West Championship Apr. 20-22. The nation's premier conference tournament annually pits the top teams in the nation vying for the conference's bid to the National Championship.
"I think our recent exhibition against Hawaii was a preview of the Big West Championship atmosphere," Kniffin ended. "It was a good preview of how full the Bren can feel. Court 21 has transformed our facility. We are an elite volleyball facility and it's exciting to host the championship."
The NCAA Championship will be hosted by George Mason, May 4 and 6 at EagleBank Arena in Fairfax, VA.
FAN & TICKET INFORMATION
Buy Tickets | Ticket Information | Spectator Information
The Bren Events Center and UC Irvine Men's Volleyball offer easy access to top Division I volleyball for Orange County and Southern California residents. Spend an evening making memories in a fun, family friendly, collegiate environment! UC Irvine Men's Volleyball continues to offer an outstanding value, with tickets starting at $8 for individuals and $5 for groups, as well as flexibility with a variety of ticket options for every fan.
Ensure you are ready for game day by reviewing our Bren Events Center fan guide which includes information on mobile tickets and the clear bag policy at all UC Irvine Athletics facilities.
Season Tickets | BEST VALUE! Support the team all season for less than $70 (a 30% savings off the single game price).
Mini Plan | Pick from 3-game or 5-game packages for as little as $20!
Flex Tickets | The ultimate in flexibility. Flex tickets are discounted electronic vouchers that can be redeemed for any available game. Use them all at once or space them out throughout the season. You choose!
Group Tickets | Are you interested in a team outing, unique on-court group experiences, or organizing a fundraiser to support your organization. Then explore the variety of discounts and group experiences offered to make your visit memorable! Experiences are subject to availability so start making your plans today. (Group minimum is 15.)
To organize a group outing, please contact Ticket Sales & Service Manager, Bill Falk, at 949-824-8779 or falkb@uci.edu
Single Game Tickets | Save time and money when you purchase your game tickets in advance!
Jr. Anteater Kid's Club
Join the official kid's club of UC Irvine Athletics and get free admission to regular season home games! Gold Member Jr. Anteater's also receive complimentary hot dog, popcorn, and drink from the concession stand at any Bren Events Center home match. BUY NOW
Questions? We'll call you! Fill out the Ticket Interest Form or contact the Ticket Office at 949-824-5000 or tickets@uci.edu.
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