WASHINGTON - Two weekends packed with home matches will open the 2023 season for American University volleyball, under the leadership of first-year head coach Ahen Kim. The Eagles have announced their fall slate of 28 matches and will host 13 of those in Bender Arena. Click
HERE to pledge your support of the volleyball program today by purchasing your season tickets! Season tickets are only $30 for adults and $20 for youth (3-14)/ seniors (65+).
"Our schedule takes us from coast to coast this year, in addition to featuring all of our local rivals and an exciting Bender Blue-Out match against Georgetown," said Kim. "I've definitely missed Bender Arena and I'm excited to have so many home matches in our first two weekends. We'll balance that with a great team-bonding trip out to California and then another to Rhode Island a week later. Patriot League play will be here before we know it, and we're all hungry to get back to the top of the conference standings this season."
The Three Georges
- Once again, American begins its season against local rivals George Washington, George Mason and Georgetown. The season opener has AU hosting George Washington at 6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 25, and the Eagles will host Georgetown for their annual Bender Blue Out on Sunday, Aug. 27 at 4 p.m., following a match at Mason on Saturday.
- Last year, AU swept the local teams during the opening weekend with 3-0 wins over Georgetown and George Mason, followed by a 3-1 win over George Washington.
- Other nearby teams on the 2023 non-conference schedule include Howard (Sept. 19) and Coppin State (Sept. 27).
15th Annual "Bender Blue Out" Pack-the-Place Match
- The Eagles will welcome district rival Georgetown to Bender Arena for the team's annual "Bender Blue Out" match on Sunday afternoon, Aug. 27.
- Wear blue and help break AU's all-time Washington, D.C. NCAA women's volleyball attendance record of 2,837 fans.
- Last year's thrilling Bender Blue Out four-set victory over George Washington on Aug. 27, 2022, was the 800th win for former head coach Barry Goldberg.
Four-Team Tournament in Bender to Start September
- The month of September begins at home for American as the Eagles host Maryland Eastern Shore, Central Connecticut State and Marist in a four-team round-robin tournament.
- After two neutral matches on Friday, Sept. 1, AU hosts UMES at 7 p.m.
- The Eagles get it started at 11 a.m. against CCSU on Saturday, Sept. 2, and will close out the weekend against Marist at 5 p.m.
Road Warriors
- Following the opening two weekends, American will play eight straight matches on the road including the first two Patriot League contests.
- On Sept. 8-9, AU heads across the country to play both Cal State Fullerton and Loyola Marymount in Fullerton and Los Angeles, respectively.
- In mid-September, the Eagles travel to Rhode Island to take on both the Rams from URI and the Skyhawks from Stonehill.
Patriot League Pride
- The parity in the Patriot League has shown itself more and more in recent seasons, with a number of teams in the mix.
- American won 16 of the 19 Patriot League Championships from 2001 when the Eagles joined the PL, until 2019.
- The shortened 2020-21 season saw Army take the title, and Colgate has followed with back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022.
- American has never failed to earn a PL Tournament berth, and has only once (2022) not appeared in the championship contest.
- The Eagles will play six of their first eight PL matches on the road before finishing the regular season with six of eight at home in Bender Arena.
Coach Kim's Season Ticket Give Back Program
- Not in the area but still want to support AU Volleyball?
- Purchase a season ticket to support the volleyball program and return any unused tickets back to the ticket office and we will donate them to a local youth volleyball club or organization.
- This program will allow the youth teams of the DMV to experience high-quality Division I volleyball in person.
- To support the give back program please purchase a season ticket(s) package and then email clawed@american.edu to notify that you will be donating your tickets.
- For questions on the program please call 202-885-2617.
Host Your Group Outing in the Bender Arena Skybox
- This luxury seating space at an affordable price seats 30 guests and includes snacks and soft drinks.
- Single-match rentals are priced at $350. Additional catering is also available.
- Call (202) 885-2617 or email Clawed@american.edu to check skybox availability.
Group Tickets
- Available for purchase for groups of 10 or more people.
- Group rates start at $3 per person.
- Group tickets must be ordered in advance of the event and these prices are not available at the ticket window on the day of the match.
Birthday Parties
- Want to host your child's birthday at a AU Volleyball home game? Birthday packages are $15 dollars per person and include party space near the court, tickets, goodie bags, pizza, juice boxes, your child's name on the scoreboard, PLUS a visit from AU mascot Clawed Z. Eagle. Parents, we do it all for you!
Single Match Ticket Information
- Adult: $8
- Youth (3-14)/Senior (65+) : $5
- Military and Veterans : Free (must present a valid ID)
- Check back in the coming weeks for promotional schedules and special events.
- Single-match tickets will go on sale two weeks prior to the first home match.
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