Varsity Cup is the sporting event of the year here at the University of Portsmouth. Varsity sees Team University of Portsmouth take on the University of Southampton's sports clubs in as many sports as possible.
The rivalry between the two universities makes for an extremely exciting, action-packed weekend of sport. Spectators are welcome to get behind our clubs and cheer them on.
The location of Varsity alternates each year between Portsmouth and Southampton. As we were the away team for Varsity 2025, we will be hosting in 2026.
As well as the main Varsity Cup vs Southampton, we also compete against the Royal Navy with our development teams. Fixtures against the Royal Navy don't count towards the main Varsity Cup scoring.
Why should you attend?
There are loads of reasons why Varsity is such a great and worthwhile event to attend.
- Access a whole day of exciting and competitive sport
- Get behind Team UOP and help to cheer them on
- Meet loads of like-minded people
- Feel part of something
- Experience an incredible atmosphere
Varsity 2026 Key Dates
- Wednesday 22 April: Navy Varsity
- Wednesday 6 May: Men's and Women's Rugby 1st Teams (Havant Rugby Club)
- Wednesday 6 May: Men's and Women's Futsal (Ravelin Sports Centre)
- Friday 8 May: Netball Development Teams and American Football (Langstone)
- Friday 8 May: Ultimate Frisbee (Ravelin Sports Centre)
- Saturday 9 May: Varsity Day One
- Sunday 10 May: Varsity Day Two
Varsity Cup 2026 Tickets and T-shirts
Main Varsity Cup tickets: £12
Varsity Cup 2026 tickets include access to all Varsity fixtures, and entry to Varsity Village
Ticket and T-Shirt bundle: £22 - Bundle sale is now closed
Your ticket for all Varsity fixtures, Varsity Village and the limited edition Varsity 2026 T-Shirt. The T-shirt is branded merch and doesn't give you access to fixtures - you'll still need your ticket during the event.
Buy your Varcity ticket online now
Varsity tickets are currently available through our Online Store. At a later date, sales will move exclusively to Ravelin Sports Centre reception.
Varsity Wristbands
Your Varsity wristband, included in the main ticket, will act as your entry to the event, so make sure you either wear it or bring it with you. Wristbands will be available for collection from Ravelin Sports Centre reception from Monday 20 April. Make sure you have your ticket confirmation with you when you come to collect your wristband.
- Spectator-only, single-day wristbands will be available from Ravelin Sports Centre in the week of the event. These tickets are for friends and family who only wish to spectate on one day of Varsity.
FAQs
When is Portsmouth Varsity 2026?
Most Varsity fixtures are on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May 2026. Some sports have earlier fixtures, including Rugby, Futsal, Netball, American Football and Ultimate Frisbee
What is Varsity?
Varsity is our annual sports competition between the University of Portsmouth and Southampton University. The event has been running for almost 20 years. All fixture results are combined to determine the overall winner of the Varsity Cup.
Varsity also includes our Navy Varsity fixtures, where development teams from Team UOP take on the Royal Navy. Navy Varsity does not count towards the overall Varsity score.
How do I take part in Varsity?
Competing teams will be selected by team captains and coaches, similar to any other competition. Only members of Team UOP sports clubs are eligible to compete in Varsity, with the exception of Darts, Pool and Powerlifting, which are managed by the University of Portsmouth Students' Union.
What can I see and do at Varsity?
Portsmouth Varsity 2026 will feature over 100 fixtures and 30 sports. With Navy Varsity and fixtures in the build-up to the event in the main week of Varsity, and two full days of fixtures at the weekend, there will be loads of sporting action to watch. We also have Varsity Village, located next to Ravelin Sports Centre, where you can get food and drink during the main Varsity weekend (9-10 May).
Is there a Varsity after party?
University of Portsmouth and the Department of Sport and Recreation are not affiliated with any Varsity after party.