For the first time in school history, Chattanooga volleyball will be playing matches in McKenzie Arena later this fall as the Mocs will officially host the 2025 Chattanooga Classic at the Roundhouse from September 4-6, head coach Julie Torbett Thomas announced on Friday.
Built in 1982 and entering its 43rd year of existence, McKenzie Arena has played home to wide variety of events ranging from Chattanooga men’s and women’s basketball games to Taylor Swift concerts to WWE title bouts.
The Roundhouse will now officially add Chattanooga volleyball to that list for the first time EVER, as the team’s annual Chattanooga Classic tournament is set to be played under the McKenzie Arena lights later this September.
“Getting the opportunity to play in McKenzie Arena for the first time in school history is a dream come true for our program,” Torbett Thomas said. “This moment represents growth—not just for our team, but for the sport of volleyball as a whole. We are incredibly grateful to Athletic Director Mark Wharton and SWA Laura Herron for their unwavering support and guidance in making this vision a reality.”
A total of seven matches make up the tournament slate for the 2025 Chattanooga Classic, which marks the 18th installment of the tournament all-time. The Mocs will welcome opponents from near and far alike to take part in the momentous weekend for UTC volleyball, as Alabama, Cincinnati, Ohio and Jacksonville State are all set to attend.
“Volleyball is taking the country by storm, and we hope hosting Alabama, Ohio, Cincinnati and Jacksonville State in McKenzie Arena will be a celebration that the entire university, city and surrounding communities will rally behind,” continued Torbett Thomas. “We are so excited!”
The entire weekend’s slate of matches, much like the rest of Chattanooga volleyball’s 2025 home schedule, will be free to attend for the public. All of UTC’s matches in the tournament will also be available to stream via ESPN+.
2025 Chattanooga Classic hosted at McKenzie Arena
Thursday, September 4
6:00 p.m. ET – Cincinnati vs. Ohio
Friday September 5
12:00 p.m. ET – Chattanooga vs. Ohio
3:00 p.m. ET – Cincinnati vs. Jacksonville State
6:00 p.m. ET – Chattanooga vs. Alabama
Saturday, September 6
12:00 p.m. ET – Ohio vs. Jacksonville State
3:00 p.m. ET – Cincinnati vs. Alabama
6:00 p.m. ET – Chattanooga vs. Jacksonville State