LOVB Nebraska hosts community Block Party featuring Dani Busboom Kelly and Jordan Larson

Fans packed Gateway Mall as the pro volleyball franchise celebrated the state's volleyball culture with food, music and on-stage conversations.

LINCOLN, Neb. — Volleyball fans from across Nebraska gathered Friday evening as LOVB Nebraska hosted its highly anticipated Block Party at Gateway Mall, bringing together families, local organizations, and two of the state's most recognizable volleyball figures — Nebraska head coach Dani Busboom Kelly and Olympic gold medalist Jordan Larson.

The free community event ran from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., featuring food trucks, local vendors, live music, family-friendly activities, lawn games, and on-stage conversations celebrating the future of volleyball in Nebraska. Live coverage of the evening's featured program began at 6 p.m. as fans packed the venue to hear from Busboom Kelly and Larson.

Volleyball icons take the stage

One of the evening's highlights was an on-stage discussion between Nebraska volleyball head coach Dani Busboom Kelly and LOVB Nebraska President of Business Operations Kirsten Bernthal Booth. The conversation focused on the continued growth of volleyball in Nebraska and the expanding role of League One Volleyball (LOVB) in developing the sport throughout the state.

Later in the evening, four-time Olympic medalist Jordan Larson joined Booth for a separate conversation, making her first public appearance since announcing that she will return to LOVB Nebraska for the 2027 professional season after previously planning to retire earlier this year.

Community celebration

Beyond the volleyball stars, the Block Party emphasized community engagement. Attendees enjoyed appearances from local businesses, interactive games, inflatables, food vendors, and music throughout the evening.

LOVB Nebraska also partnered with TeamMates Mentoring, Project Pink'd, and Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska. A charitable raffle benefiting the three nonprofit organizations gave attendees the opportunity to support local causes while competing for prizes provided by community partners.

Building momentum for Season Three

The event served as both a fan celebration and a preview of what's ahead for LOVB Nebraska as the organization prepares for its third professional season. Organizers used the evening to share updates about the franchise, connect with supporters, and continue building excitement around professional volleyball in Nebraska.

The Block Party also reinforced LOVB's mission of growing the sport through youth engagement, community partnerships, and increased visibility for elite women's volleyball.

Strong fan turnout

Fans of all ages attended the free event, many wearing Nebraska and LOVB apparel while lining up for activities, food trucks, and opportunities to hear directly from two of the most influential figures in Nebraska volleyball.

For many attendees, the combination of Busboom Kelly's leadership of the Huskers and Larson's decorated international career highlighted Nebraska's longstanding reputation as one of the nation's premier volleyball states. With Season 3 preparations underway and Larson returning to the court, the Block Party provided an early glimpse of the excitement surrounding the next chapter of LOVB Nebraska.