#Varsity

Varsity 2022 Ground Rules: Our top 10 tips & guidance

If you’ve booked tickets for the Varsity finale matches at Headingley Stadium, you should have noticed that there are some important rules and guidance that apply. Below, we’ve gone into a little more detail to ensure your spectator experience goes smoothly, so you can enjoy the passion, pride and friendship of Varsity without any hiccups.

The full Headingley Stadium Ground Regulations are available on our Varsity page, as well as on the ticketing site where you can also discover terms and conditions.

Discover Varsity Visit the ticketing site
  1. Gates will open at 4:30pm and you must be in the ground by 6:45pm or you will be denied entry. Make sure to make a plan for the day, especially if you’re heading to the stadium with a big group of mates with different schedules. Factor in time to meet anyone outside the busy stadium, get through the turnstiles and find your seat, as well as to queue up for drinks or the bathroom before kick off.
  2. You will only gain access via the relevant turnstile to the area you have purchased a ticket for. Your turnstile entry point and area of the ground are stated on the front of your ticket. Once you have entered the stadium you are not permitted to leave and re-enter. Again, planning is key – make sure you know your turnstile, and be careful not to get swept up with others and go to the wrong entrance by mistake – you won’t necessarily have the same turnstile on your ticket. Many students will know the area and can easily walk or catch the bus, but if you’re not familiar with Headingley, check out the stadium’s getting there guidance.
  3. Bring your student card OR a form of photo ID along to the match or you will be refused entry. This one’s fairly self explanatory. Stadium staff will need to see your student card or other photo ID (e.g. driving licence) to let you into the stadium. If you forget it, your money (and seat) will be wasted, so it’s a really important one. You’ll also need your normal photo ID if you want to buy alcoholic drinks from the bar, so it’s wise to bring both along.
  4. No large bags or umbrellas will be allowed into the stadium. Leaving the bulky bags at home will make for a more enjoyable match for you and everyone around you. You’re welcome to bring in small handbags, but they – as well as purses and wallets – may be searched, so ensure you’re not carrying anything you shouldn’t be – if you refuse a bag search, you won’t be let in. This one’s for your own safety and security, in line with any large event.
  5. You can’t bring any food, alcohol or drugs into the stadium. It’s a no-brainer to not bring drugs with you – anyone found with them will be ejected from the ground and could be arrested and face prosecution. We ask that you don’t bring food or alcohol either, as it’ll be taken off you at the entrance and wasted. But don’t worry – you can get food and drinks from vendors in the stadium.  You will not be allowed to leave the stadium with alcohol, so drink up or dispose of it in the stadium – and in line with our community impact pledges, use the loos before you leave if you need to.

6. Don’t streak, invade the pitch or throw anything. We know it’s easy to get a bit carried away with all the buzz and excitement that comes with Varsity, but all these actions will result in a £1000 on the spot fine, plus potential criminal prosecution and disciplinary action from the Uni or Union. Save your passion for cheering on the Gryphons, not creating a disturbance.

7. Remember that Headingley Stadium is cashless. Bring your credit or debit card, or pay with your smartphone if you want to purchase refreshments at the match.

8. Stay on your best behaviour. There will be a police presence and CCTV in operation both inside and outside of the stadium at the Varsity finale, so bear that in mind in the way you behave, and follow all the rules listed here.

9. Be prepared for the use of pyrotechnics, special effects and flash photography during the games. If these effects are likely to cause an issue for you, we advise that you prioritise your wellbeing and do not attend the games. If you’ve already booked your ticket, you can check out terms and conditions, including the refund policy, here.

10. Keep it considerate. It’s really important that we maintain a positive relationship with local residents. That means keeping the noise down (you can make all the noise you want at our designated after party!) and not dropping litter. You can discover our community pledges in full at the end of this page.

Failure to adhere to the Headingley Stadium Ground Regulations will result in ejection and disciplinary from either University and/or their respective Students’ Union.