Goodbye Rickel, Hello Schollmaier. TCU moving home volleyball matches in 2020
After 24 years at The Rickel, TCU volleyball is getting a bigger home.
And it’s right across the street.
The school announced on Wednesday that TCU home volleyball matches will be at the Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena, the same venue as the men’s and women’s basketball teams.
“The move to Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena is a game-changer for TCU volleyball in many ways,” said head coach Jill Kramer, a TCU alum whose been with the Horned Frogs since the 2015 season. “The volleyball buzz around the DFW metroplex is one of the most prevalent in the country.
“This move will allow us to maximize the strong support that our program has garnered throughout its 24-year history and kick off our silver anniversary with something we will always remember.”
The fall season will mark the 25th year of volleyball at TCU.
Kramer was the first scholarship volleyball student-athlete in program history and still holds the school records in kills.
“We are looking forward to bringing the same energy and excitement from the Rickel over to Schollmaier Arena for the TCU faithful,” she said.
The move will be a big boost to attendance with capacity at The Rickel at 1,500 while Schollmaier holds 6,800.
TCU sold out its final 24 regular-season matches at The Rickel, including all 16 home matches in 2019.
“I’m really pumped for the move,” said senior Berklie Baker. “I feel like it’s a big step for the growth of our program. I’m excited to expand our fan base with the new increased capacity and get to play my senior year in such an incredible facility.
“Match day in the fall can’t come soon enough.”
TCU ranked 23rd in the nation in total attendance last season, averaging a 118.03 percent capacity, the highest capacity percentage in the country.
“It’s a fantastic move,” said Jeff Smith, PA announcer for TCU volleyball, baseball and women’s basketball. “I’ve always maintained the idea of a bigger venue. There will be more space to work with.”
Smith started calling volleyball games in 2004.
“It’s been a great run. When TCU was doing great, that place was so loud,” Smith said. “You’d have the student section right on top of the visitors bench. Fan-based wise, it was a friendly and hostile environment.”
TCU went 12-18 overall and 4-12 in the Big 12 last season. The Horned Frogs were 8-9 at home.
The Horned Frogs reached the NIVC semifinals. They swept Colgate, 3-0, in the final game at The Rickel on Dec. 12. They beat Kansas, 3-1, in the final Big 12 home match on Nov. 9.
The Rickel will still be used as a practice facility along with its current use by the rec center for classes and intramural sports.
This story was originally published July 15, 2020 at 12:24 PM.
