Ivy League Volleyball Tournament Tickets On Sale for Princeton Hosted Showdown
Tickets are officially on sale for the 2025 Ivy League Volleyball Tournament, set to crown the conference’s automatic qualifier for the NCAA Division I Women’s Volleyball Championship in just over a year. The action unfolds at Dillon Gymnasium on the campus of Princeton University in Princeton, New Jersey, on Friday, November 21, and Saturday, November 22, 2025. And yes — the top-seeded Princeton Tigers are hosting. But this isn’t just home-court advantage. It’s the culmination of a season defined by precision, grit, and the emergence of one of the nation’s most dynamic setters: Sydney Draper.
The Stage Is Set: A Rivalry Rekindled
The semifinals promise fireworks. On Friday night, the undefeated Princeton Tigers (13-1 Ivy, .283 hitting percentage) face the gritty Brown Bears at 4:00 p.m. EST. Then, at 7:00 p.m., the Cornell Big Red and Yale Bulldogs clash — a rematch of last year’s thriller that ended in a five-set heartbreaker for Cornell. The championship match, slated for 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, will determine who gets the lone automatic bid to the NCAA tournament. No wild cards. No at-large hopes. Win here, and you’re in.ESPN+ will carry every serve, dig, and spike — a testament to how far the Ivy League’s women’s volleyball profile has risen. For years, these games flew under the radar. Now? Parents are booking hotel rooms in Princeton months ahead. Alumni are texting their old teammates about tickets. The buzz is real.
Behind the Numbers: Sydney Draper and the Princeton Engine
You can’t talk about this tournament without talking about Sydney Draper. The junior setter doesn’t just run the offense — she *is* the offense. Ranked eighth in Division I with 10.81 assists per set, she’s the reason Princeton leads the league in kills per set (13.95) and hitting percentage (.283). She’s also a unanimous All-Ivy First Team selection, joining teammates Valerie Nutakor and the rest of a star-studded roster.Draper’s court vision is surgical. She doesn’t just set; she anticipates. Opponents know where she’s going to send the ball — but they still can’t stop it. Her leadership has turned Princeton into a defensive powerhouse, too: the Tigers rank top-three in digs per set. And while the rest of the league scrambled to rebuild after losing key seniors last year, Princeton didn’t just hold the line — they raised it.
Who Else Is Making Noise?
The All-Ivy teams tell a story of depth. Brown’s senior libero Jessie Golden and sophomore middle Sophia Wolfson earned First Team nods, while Yale’s junior middle Laurence Abraham and freshman phenom Ava Poinsett — also a unanimous pick — give the Bulldogs a dangerous two-pronged attack. Cornell’s Eliza Konvicka is a relentless force on the right side, and Penn’s contributions on the Second Team remind you: this league doesn’t have weak spots.Even the teams that didn’t make the top four — Dartmouth, Harvard, Columbia — had moments this season that shook the standings. The Ivy League isn’t just competitive anymore. It’s unpredictable. And that’s what makes this tournament so compelling.
Tickets, Prices, and How to Get Them
Ticketing is straightforward but strategic. You’ve got three options:- Session 1 (Semifinals): $15 adults, $10 children 14 and under
- Session 2 (Championship): $10 adults, $5 children 14 and under
- Tournament Package: $20 adults, $10 children — the only way to guarantee seats for both nights
And here’s the kicker: students from participating schools get in free with ID. Kids under two? Free too. That’s not just a perk — it’s a nod to the family-friendly culture of Ivy League athletics.
Buy online at ivyleague.com, through Princeton University Athletics at athletics.tickets.princeton.edu, or via third-party vendor vivenu.com. (Yes, scalpers will be lurking — but the official channels are your safest bet.)
Why This Matters Beyond the Court
This tournament isn’t just about who gets to the NCAA. It’s about visibility. For decades, Ivy League women’s sports were treated as afterthoughts. But now? ESPN+ broadcasts, packed gyms, and All-American-caliber players like Draper are changing the narrative. Princeton’s volleyball program isn’t just winning — it’s redefining what a collegiate athletics program can look like without scholarships.And for the students? This is their moment. No NIL deals. No million-dollar contracts. Just pure, unfiltered competition — and the chance to make history in front of their own crowd.
What’s Next?
The NCAA selection show is on December 1, 2025. But for the winner of this tournament? That’s already decided. The runner-up? They’ll be watching from home, hoping for an at-large bid — but they know the odds are slim. For everyone else, the focus is on next season. And if Princeton wins? Expect a banner to go up in Dillon Gym by next fall.Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get free tickets if I’m a student on one of the participating teams?
Students from Princeton, Brown, Cornell, and Yale can enter Dillon Gymnasium for free by presenting a valid student ID at the gate for either session. No advance registration is required — just show up and show your ID. This applies to all players, managers, and team staff. Children under two also get in free, regardless of affiliation.
Is the Championship Game guaranteed to feature Princeton?
No — while Princeton is the top seed and has home advantage, the semifinals are single elimination. Brown and Yale have both beaten Princeton this season in non-conference play, and Cornell’s offense is capable of disrupting any rhythm. The Tigers are favorites, but not invincible. The last time a #1 seed lost in the Ivy League semifinals? 2019 — and the underdog went on to win the title.
Why is this tournament broadcast on ESPN+ and not ESPN?
ESPN+ is the Ivy League’s designated streaming partner for non-televised events. While major games like the championship may get picked up by ESPN2 or ESPNU if ratings surge, most Ivy League volleyball matches stream exclusively on ESPN+. This arrangement allows the conference to maintain control over distribution and grow its digital audience — a smart move for a league without athletic scholarships.
What’s the history of Princeton hosting this tournament?
Princeton has hosted the Ivy League Volleyball Tournament five times since 2012 — most recently in 2022, when they won their first title in 17 years. Dillon Gymnasium, built in 1930, seats just over 1,500 fans, making it one of the most intimate venues in Division I. The atmosphere is electric — packed with alumni, parents, and local fans who treat it like a championship game. It’s not flashy, but it’s authentic.
Can I buy tickets at the door?
Yes, but don’t count on it. Session 1 tickets sold out within 48 hours last year, and the championship game had standing-room-only crowds. Online sales are prioritized, and walk-up availability is limited to unsold seats — usually just a handful. If you want guaranteed entry, buy early. The ticketing system is first-come, first-served.
What happens if the weather is bad on game day?
Dillon Gymnasium is indoors, so weather won’t affect the games. But if a severe storm disrupts travel for teams or fans, the Ivy League may delay the start time — not cancel. There’s no precedent for cancellation in the tournament’s history. Fans are encouraged to check the Princeton Athletics website and Twitter (@PrincetonWVB) for real-time updates.