Varsity 2023
Tickets on sale now
(Leeds) 69:49 (Leeds Beckett)
Varsity is here: 1 - 3 May
Varsity returns in May 2023, where the best sports teams of University of Leeds will compete against their Leeds Beckett rivals. Leeds were the champions of Varsity 2022 with the result of 64-52 – with your support, we can do it again!
Varsity kicks-off on Monday 1 May and concludes on Wednesday 3 May with the Varsity Rugby Finale at Headingley Stadium, where our men’s and women’s rugby union first teams step out in front of a crowd of 10,000 students.
Get ready for a unique spectacle not to be missed. Bring your passion, pride and friendship to this special event.
Not heard of Varsity before?
Here’s a bit of history: Leeds Varsity is the annual inter-university sports event between the University of Leeds and Leeds Beckett University.
We joined together for the first time in 2004, quickly becoming the ‘must attend’ event in the Leeds student calendar. We bring everyone together in friendship and convivial rivalry, harnessing their pride and passion for sport, and their love of Leeds.
Whether you’re a dedicated sports fan or looking to try something new, Varsity brings a unique atmosphere and is one of the most anticipated dates in the student calendar. There’s lots of ways to get involved, so make sure you play your part in helping to cheer our athletes on to victory.
Headline Sponsor for Varsity 2023
Pickard Properties – your experts in student & professional property lettings in Leeds – is our official sponsor for this year’s Varsity.
Varsity survey
How was your experience in Varsity 2023? Let us know by filling in this 10-minute survey. Thank you!
Tickets now available
With over 60,000 potential attendees at over 60 sporting events, don’t risk missing out. Secure your ticket today for the headline events taking place on 1 – 3 May.
Other than the opening Netball Match, the Rugby Finale, and the Ice Hockey Game, there will be plenty more exciting free matches and events, including tennis, waterpolo, football, golf, gymnastics, and so much more. So get involved and support your fellow student athletes!
Varsity Festival
Varsity is about more than just sport – it is an event to bring together all students and to celebrate life at Leeds. So, expect plenty of performances and social activities to enjoy!
On 2 May, don’t miss the Battle of Bands in Stylus, and the Varsi-TEA at the Riley Smith Theatre to try teas and snacks from around the world and to leave a message in your language on a Varsity banner. From 24 April to 3 May, you can also join a Photography competition by using the hashtag #leedsvarsityphotocomp2023 and tagging @leedsuniunion.
Make sure to catch our half time performances too – Street Dance Society will be performing at the Netball fixtures, Synchronised Swimming at Waterpolo, and Free Style Dance and Cheerleading at Rugby.
Netball Match
Join us on Monday 1st May at Headingley campus from 8pm for our Netball opener in Arena 1. As well as some thrilling Netball, there will be music, a bar, and halftime competitions.
Rugby Finale
Join us for the grand finale on Wednesday 3 May in Headingley Stadium. Price: £15. Gates will open at 4:30pm.
You can also watch the stream in Old Bar and Terrace. Join us and cheer on #TeamGryphons!
Leeds Ice Hockey
Leeds Uni Vs Leeds Beckett – a face-off on ice, in Planet Ice Leeds on 29 April. Doors open at 6:30pm, and game starts at 7pm.
Full Varsity 2023 Fixtures
Passion, pride & friendship: Our community impact pledges
We love Varsity, and the friendship, passion and pride that it brings to our student community. We also believe that everyone in the local area should benefit from these values. That’s why we’re asking our students to make a pledge to ensure that Varsity positively impacts our community.
– The majority of Varsity, including the final, takes place on weeknights when our neighbours are likely to be up early for school, lectures or work. We will respect our neighbours by not attending or hosting a noisy house party or afters that will affect them, sticking to clubs and designated campus celebrations instead.
– Litter and public urination have been ongoing problems when travelling to and from the stadium. Let’s be proactive and plan our journeys. We can dispose of our litter appropriately, recycling where possible. We will leave glass bottles at home to avoid injuring others and animals. We can use facilities before leaving our houses or the stadium.
– We represent the University, the Union and our clubs. We know that our universities, the police and council will be active throughout Varsity to make sure the event is safe, friendly and limit disruption to the local community. We have a responsibility act and behave appropriately, and encourage others to do the same.
