Indiana's women's volleyball landscape continues to grow, with new opportunities for athletes and fans taking shape across the state.
In Fishers, the Indy Ignite have introduced professional women's volleyball to the region. Later this month, the inaugural Big Ten Volleyball Tournament will bring some of the nation's top collegiate programs to Fishers Event Center. And in 2027, another major stage for women's volleyball will debut in downtown Indianapolis.
The latest addition is Indy Showcase presented by Lilly, a new annual Division I women's collegiate volleyball event announced by Indiana Sports Corp and Pacers Sports & Entertainment. Set to debut August 28–29, 2027, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, the event will feature two days of doubleheaders and bring leading college volleyball programs to Indianapolis.
While Indy Showcase adds another premier event to Indiana's sports calendar, its significance extends beyond the competition itself.
Building on Indiana's Volleyball Momentum
Together, these developments reflect a growing commitment to women's volleyball in central Indiana, creating opportunities for the sport to reach new audiences and build a stronger following.
Professional and collegiate competition each play an important role in that growth. By bringing talented athletes to prominent venues and creating more opportunities for fans to experience the sport, Indiana is helping strengthen the visibility of women's volleyball at multiple levels.
Indy Showcase will build on that foundation, establishing a new annual opportunity for collegiate athletes to compete on a major stage while giving fans another reason to experience high-level women's volleyball in Indiana.
For young athletes, that visibility matters. Watching collegiate and professional players compete can inspire the next generation, helping young girls see opportunities to continue pursuing their passion for the sport.
Turning the 2050 Vision Into Action
The growth of women's volleyball reflects a broader priority within Indiana Sports Corp's 2050 Vision, a 25-year statewide strategy designed to make Indiana the global epicenter of sports.
One of the strategy's five pillars focuses specifically on Women's Sports, with the goal of establishing Indiana as the Women's Sports Capital of the World.
Achieving that ambition requires more than attracting individual championships. It means building a sustainable ecosystem that creates opportunities for female athletes, elevates women's sports, and strengthens connections among organizations, communities, and fans.
Indy Showcase represents atangible step toward that goal.
"We're excited to partner with Pacers Sports & Entertainment to launch Indy Showcase and put women's college volleyball in the spotlight," said Patrick Talty, president of Indiana Sports Corp. "Elevating women's sports is a key part of our 2050 Vision, and this event gives us another opportunity to turn that commitment into action."
The event also demonstrates the importance of collaboration. Indiana Sports Corp and Pacers Sports & Entertainment are partnering to establish the annual competition, with Lilly serving as presenting sponsor.
Similar to Indy Classic, the annual men's collegiate basketball doubleheader, Indy Showcase will also serve as a fundraiser supporting Indiana Sports Corp's nonprofit mission.
Creating Opportunities for the Future
As Indiana looks toward its long-term sports ambitions, the growth of women's volleyball provides an example of how that future is taking shape.
From professional competition in Fishers to major collegiate events in Indianapolis, these opportunities are helping build a stronger foundation for women's sports while connecting athletes and fans across the state.
With Indy Showcase joining that landscape in 2027, Indiana’s commitment to women's sports continues to grow.
Fans interested in attending can sign up for volleyball ticket information to receive updates and exclusive offers as details about the inaugural Indy Showcase are announced.