Full house expected for fast-approaching nationals

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This article was published 07/03/2025 (195 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

If you’re hoping to snag a seat for the U Sports men’s volleyball championship and don’t already have a ticket or tournament pass, it might be tough.

With the quarterfinals exactly two weeks away, athletic director Russ Paddock of the host Brandon University Bobcats isn’t expecting many last-minute ticket sales. He expects fewer than 50 tickets will become available once the eight-team field is determined and participating teams claim the ones set aside for their families.

Currently, the only ones available for the general public — at showpass.com/2025-usports-mvb-passes — are standing-room-only passes for $65 plus fees.

Paddock noted some tickets may be released for individual sessions — which include a pair of afternoon or evening matches — closer to the event. For example, if the Bobcats lose their evening quarterfinal, they’ll play in the afternoon session on March 22 and possibly free up space for the A-side semifinals.

Those tickets would be first-come, first-served on the ticketing website.

The good news is all matches are being broadcast by Westman Communications Group TV and streamed on CBC Gem, which is free.

FIELD NEARLY

DETERMINED

We’ll know the seven teams converging on the Wheat City by the end of the weekend.

The Canada West final four starts tonight in Winnipeg as the top-seed Wesmen face the Saskatchewan Huskies at 5 p.m., and the Alberta Golden Bears battle the UBC Thunderbirds at 7 o’clock.

The medal matches are at the same times on Saturday, with all three medalists securing spots in the championship.

Windsor and Queen’s have punched their tickets as Ontario University Athletics finalists, while York and Western are battling for the bronze medal and last OUA berth today. Both medal matches are at 6 p.m. CT.

The best-of-three RSEQ final between No. 3-ranked Sherbrooke and Laval opens today at 6 p.m., with Match 2 on Saturday at the same time. If necessary, a third match for the lone berth in the five-team league goes on Sunday at 12:30 p.m.

Brandon most likely plays Sherbrooke if it wins as the highest-ranked non-Canada West team. If Laval triumphs, BU probably faces the OUA champion.

OPENING-DAY

FESTIVITIES

The first serve is on March 21 but the long-awaited championship kicks off a day before with the all-Canadian breakfast at the Victoria Inn.

The two all-Canadian teams, along with the national player, rookie and coach of the year and Dr. Dale Iwanoczko community service award winner will be announced.

A media conference will follow, and then each team will have a practice session on the HLC court.

That evening, BU’s Bailey’s Cafe is hosting its “Set the Vibe” social with a “Taste of Manitoba” theme.

“We’re trying to create the best environment for a men’s volleyball tournament and have people enjoy their experience in Brandon,” Paddock said.

“We’re trying to focus on providing an experience to alumni and other guests of Manitoba.”

The cafe was once home to “SUDS,” the Student Union Drinking Spot, until it shut down in 2017.

The old red and purple neon sign will be up and classic cocktails from the old restaurant’s menu will be served.

Tickets are being reserved first for BU alumni, then the remaining ones will be available to others who have travelled for the tournament.

The day everyone around Bobcat Nation is waiting for is a fortnight away. BU has done it before, hosting the 2016 women’s national volleyball tournament, so Paddock knows a lot of work has yet to be done.

“There’s a lot of details still to work out. We have a great volunteer group,” he said. “We have probably 100 volunteers helping put on the event and co-ordinating that with existing staff and support from the university departments.

“We’re still finalizing the plan and making sure that we’re ready in two weeks.”

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