- Students from the University of Sheffield are gearing up for the annual Varsity ice hockey finale against Sheffield Hallam University
- More than 9,000 fans are expected at the Utilita Arena Sheffield, making it one of the biggest events in UK university sport
- The match is the showpiece final fixture of the annual Varsity series, bringing together hundreds of student athletes across dozens of sports
- Sheffield are chasing the title of Varsity Champions for the 12th year in a row
- Next year marks 30 years of the Varsity competition
Students at the University of Sheffield are preparing for one of the biggest nights in the city’s student sporting calendar as the annual Varsity ice hockey match against Sheffield Hallam University returns.
More than 9,000 fans are expected at the Utilita Arena Sheffield on Wednesday (25 March 2026) for the hugely anticipated, sold-out fixture.
The ice hockey match is the finale of the traditional Varsity competition which sees hundreds of students compete across more than 30 events including rugby, martial arts, climbing, netball, lacrosse and swimming, in a celebration of sport rivalry and University pride.
This year’s competition carries extra significance for the University of Sheffield, which is aiming to secure a 12th consecutive Varsity victory and extend a winning streak that has become one of the defining stories of the 29-year-long rivalry.
Andrew Cox, Director of Sport and Physical Activity at the University of Sheffield, said: “Varsity is one of the biggest events in the University’s calendar, and the ice hockey finale is a truly special moment for our students and for Sheffield as a whole. The atmosphere created by thousands of people coming together to support their university is something that makes this unique in UK student sport.
“There’s always huge excitement around the match, and with the possibility of a 12th consecutive Varsity win for the University of Sheffield, it promises to be another fantastic occasion. Events like this showcase the passion our students have for sport and the incredible sense of community that exists here in Sheffield.”
Next year will mark a major milestone for the competition, with Varsity set to celebrate its 30th anniversary, underlining the long-standing sporting tradition between the two universities.
Joel Bark, fourth-year medical student and ice hockey player at the University of Sheffield, said: “This will be my fourth Varsity ice hockey match and the excitement definitely hasn’t worn off – if anything, it’s grown every year. There’s something really special about stepping out in front of thousands of people and being part of such a big occasion with your teammates.
“Varsity is always a highlight of the year for me. The build-up, the atmosphere in the arena, and the support from students across the university make it an unforgettable experience. It’s not just about the game itself, but being part of something that brings so many people together.
“We’ve been working hard as a team and we’re really looking forward to getting out on the ice and putting on a strong performance. It’s a moment you think about all year, and I’m already counting down the days until we’re out there again.”
As thousands of students prepare to gather for the Varsity 2026 finale, the event is expected to once again attract one of the largest crowds in UK university sport.
Varsity athletics foster an environment where independent thinking on the field is balanced with a shared ambition for team success. This reflects the University of Sheffield’s commitment to independent thinking and a shared ambition, where creative minds are shaping solutions to global challenges.
