Varsity FAQs
Tickets and entry
How do I buy tickets?
You can buy tickets through the University of Manchester ticketing site from Tuesday 10 March at 12pm.
If tickets are still available, you can also purchase them on the door on the day of the event.
Who can buy tickets?
Anyone can buy a ticket for Varsity – including students, friends, family, and members of the public.
What's included in my ticket?
Your ticket gives you entry to the Varsity event at the specific venue and date you selected.
A finale ticket also includes general site access to Platt Lane during the day.
If you want to attend events at another site (e.g. the Armitage), you’ll need to buy a general site pass for that venue.
How many tickets can I buy?
You can buy up to three tickets per venue/type. For example, you can purchase three tickets for the finale at Platt Lane and three general site pass tickets for the Armitage.
I'm competing – do I still need to buy a ticket?
If you are competing or part of the coaching squad, you will be given a wristband to collect from the player access area on the day. This wristband gives you site access only at the venue where you are competing.
If you want to watch events at another venue, you must buy a ticket for that location.
Bags, food and alcohol
Can I bring food and drink?
Yes – you can bring your own food and soft drinks. However, alcohol is not allowed and will be confiscated. No food or drink is permitted in sports halls.
Please note: The Northern does not allow you to bring any food or drink in at all.
What food will be available?
Hot food options will be available at both the Armitage and Platt Lane. More details will be shared soon.
What's the alcohol policy?
No alcohol is allowed at Platt Lane, Sugden, or the Manchester Aquatics Centre. Bag checks will be carried out, and any alcohol will be removed.
The Armitage will serve alcohol in the on-site bar, with designated drinking areas open from 12pm–10pm.
Where can I smoke/vape?
No vaping or smoking is permitted at any event site. You will need to leave the premises and show your wristband to re-enter.
Venues, travel and parking
Where does Varsity take place?
Manchester Varsity takes place across multiple venues:
The Armitage (University of Manchester)
Platt Lane Sports Complex (Manchester Metropolitan University)
See the full list of fixtures for exact locations.
Is there parking available?
Most venues have limited and/or paid parking.
Where possible, we recommend walking, using public transport, or car sharing to help reduce congestion.
Please remember that some venues have parking restrictions, and it is your responsibility to follow these.
Are venues accessible?
Yes – all venues have accessible facilities.
Safety and conduct
What are the behaviour expectations at Varsity?
All attendees are expected to follow their University’s Student Behaviour Standards and show respectful conduct at all times.
What should I do if I see poor behaviour from spectators?
Varsity is a friendly competition. Antisocial or aggressive behaviour may result in removal from the venue and possible disciplinary action.
If you witness poor behaviour, please report it immediately to a member of staff or security.
What happens if I feel unwell or unsafe during an event?
Please speak to an event steward or security officer straight away. Welfare teams and first aid staff will be available across all venues.
Media
Can I take photos/video at Varsity?
Personal photography and filming are allowed.
However, flash photography and large professional recording equipment are not permitted without prior approval.
If you’d like to join the Manchester Varsity media team, please contact:
Hattie Walworth – h.walworth@mmu.ac.uk
Will the events be streamed/recorded?
Some fixtures will be streamed. More information will be shared soon.