Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Leeds Varsity student guide
The biggest sporting event of the year, Leeds Varsity, is nearly upon us and as a special treat for Beckett students we have for you the ultimate Leeds Varsity student guide.
What is Varsity?
Leeds Varsity is the annual sporting competition between undefeated champions, your university, Leeds Beckett against our inter-city rivals University of Leeds.
The event has been a staple in both universities’ sporting calendars since 2004 and has seen Beckett claim 13 Varsity victories.
There are 62 Varsity fixtures held throughout the year, with 55 match-ups taking place on Wednesday 3 October as part of the Leeds Varsity Festival.
After nearly two days of sporting action, all eyes will be focused on the men’s rugby union first team for the Varsity Finale at Emerald Headingley Stadium on Wednesday 3 October, 7pm kick-off.
Read below to see how you can come and watch all of our big Varsity fixtures.
Varsity Festival, Wednesday 3 October - all day, 52 fixtures FREE ENTRY
Varsity Festival is an all-day event that takes place across the city including Beckett’s Headingley Campus and University of Leeds’ The Edge and Sports Park at Weetwood.
The Festival will see over 50 fixtures take place and is completely free for students to come and cheer on Team Beckett to victory.
For those of you Beckett fanatics that are coming down to watch the team play at Beckett make sure to head to Carnegie Sports Centre before the big matches to pick up your Varsity maps and guides to see what matches are taking place across the campus.
We will also be encouraging all of our students to wear your colours (purple!) in support of Beckett on the day for the Festival and at the rugby finale.
Rugby Finale – Wednesday 3 October, kick-off 7pm
Varsity will once again climax at Emerald Headingley Stadium for the annual rugby union clash between Leeds Beckett and the University of Leeds.
The match is expected to be played in front of a capacity crowd at the stadium, with an electric atmosphere and spectacular action guaranteed.
Don’t miss out on your tickets for the rugby finale, make sure to buy yours before they all sell out via the Yorkshire Carnegie website.
Head to the Leeds Varsity website to see how you can buy your rugby finale ticket
Rugby Finale - stadium rules and tips you need to be aware off
- Don't be late - Emerald Headingley Stadium will open their gates from 5pm for the Rugby Finale, fans are expected to get into the stadium with plenty of time. Gates will then close at 6:45pm - 15 minutes before the match kicks off - if you arrive after 6:45pm you will be refused entry to the match - so don't be late!
- Beckett in the South Stand - Headingley's most beloved terrace - and home to Leeds Rhinos' faithful Southstanders - will be the home for all Beckett fans on the night. Fans can get through to the South Stand via St Michael's Lane - you won't be able to enter the stadium through any other turnstiles.
- Bring your student card - All fans must bring your student card to the match - along with your match ticket - if you don't have your card you might not get in
- No alcohol, food or drugs - you are not allowed to bring in any of your own drinks or food to the stadium - anybody found bringing in their own food or drinks will be ejected from the ground and if anybody is found with any drugs you will be ejected, arrested and face prosecution for possession.
- No pitch incursions or 'streaking' - Any streaking, pitch incursions or any throwing of objects or ‘missiles’ will result with a £1000 fine, potential criminal prosecution and disciplinary action from your University and respective Students’ Union.
- Plastic cup policy - fans will receive souvenir plastic cups on purchase of your first drink - will include an additional charge on your initial drink - you will then be able to re-use your same cup throughout the match
- Respect the community - Please be considerate to local residents when outside the stadium in terms of noise and litter.
- No bags or umbrellas - Small purses / small handbags will be allowed entry but will be searched. Should you refuse to have your bag searched you will be refused entry. Umbrellas will be confiscated. All items that do not comply with Emerald Headingley Stadium Ground Regulations (available online at www.leedsrugby.com) will be confiscated. Equally, if you do not comply with Emerald Headingley Stadium Ground Regulations, this will result in ejection.
- Varsity policing - There will be a police presence at the stadium who will be on hand to ensure all of our fans have a safe and fun time at the match.
Varsity supporting State of Mind charity
Varsity will once again be supporting the sporting charity State of Mind – a charity that harnesses the power of sport to raise awareness about mental health and strive to improve the mental fitness of the population with the goal of preventing suicide.