Opening Night Festivities set for Thursday, July 10 at Pinnacle Bank Arena
LINCOLN, Neb. (June 25, 2025) — Nebraska Sports Council officials announced today that recently-hired Nebraska Volleyball Head Coach Dani Busboom Kelly will light the caldron during Opening Night festivities for the 41st Cornhusker State Games on Thursday, July 10, outside Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln.
The Cornhusker State Games, Nebraska’s largest amateur sports festival, will take place July 10–20, with events held in Lincoln, Omaha, Columbus, Fremont, Grand Island, North Platte, and other communities across the state.
A Cortland, Nebraska native and Freeman High School graduate, Busboom Kelly recently became just the fourth head coach in the storied history of Nebraska Volleyball, succeeding her former coach and mentor John Cook. She brings an unmatched legacy as a national champion player, assistant coach, and head coach.
As a Husker, she helped Nebraska win the 2006 NCAA Championship as the team’s starting libero. Later, as an assistant coach, she helped guide the Huskers to the 2015 national title in Omaha. After being named AVCA National Assistant Coach of the Year, she went on to build the University of Louisville into a national powerhouse, compiling a 203-44 (.822) record over eight seasons, including two NCAA Championship match appearances and four ACC titles.
In February, Busboom Kelly signed a six-year contract to return home and lead her alma mater. Notably, she also participated in the Cornhusker State Games as a young athlete, making her selection as caldron-lighter a full-circle moment and an inspiration for this year’s competitors.
This year’s Cornhusker State Games will also receive national attention, as ESPN has selected the event to represent Nebraska in its “50 States in 50 Days” summer series. Coverage will highlight Nebraska’s commitment to community, wellness, and athletic excellence through this signature event.
The final registration deadline is July 2. For details or to register, visit CornhuskerStateGames.com.
The Cornhusker State Games, conducted by the Nebraska Sports Council, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission of promoting healthy, active lifestyles. The Games are powered by thousands of volunteers and supported by generous corporate sponsors.
Platinum partners include: FMNE Insurance, Grand Island Tourism, Nebraska Orthopaedic and Sports Medicine, and Pepsi-Cola of Lincoln.
Opening Night is presented by: Liberty First Credit Union, Visit Lincoln, J & H Specialty Contracting, and Arby’s of Lincoln.
