WHAT IS VARSITY CENTRE?

Varsity Centre is the University of Toronto’s newest athletic complex. With state-of-the-art facilities, the Varsity Centre enhances our intercollegiate and intramural programs, and creates opportunities for recreational activities for students. Varsity Centre boasts:

World-class playing field
The artificial turf field – with soft fibres that mimic grass and a one-inch elastic support layer – boasts a FIFA 2-star rating, the highest mark of quality given by the international governing body of soccer.  Varsity Centre is one of only four FIFA 2-star fields in North America, making it an international stand-out and one of the best new places in Canada to compete and play.

State-of-the-art track and field facilities
The 400m eight-lane John L. Davenport Track track features a surface (Polytan M) that has generated a wealth of world records and will meet International Association Athletics Federations (IAAF) Class-2 standards. The pole vault and jumping areas are made of a completely water-permeable system that is widely viewed as the best for training and competition.

Dome for winter use
One of the largest of its kind in Canada, the air-supported dome covers the field from December to April.  The dome has greatly expanded U of T’s ability to offer year-round recreation and training, including intramural sports, Varsity team training and a golf driving range that is FREE to U of T students.

The refurbished Varsity Arena is also part of the Varsity Centre complex, offering an historic venue for recreational skating, intramural hockey and Blues competition.

WHO CAN USE IT?

All U of T students! 

Students are automatically members of the Athletic Centre and Varsity Centre, which gives them access to a range of activities and opportunities.

A new home for the Varsity Blues intercollegiate teams, Varsity Centre also hosts a range of expanded intramural sports, from indoor soccer to ultimate Frisbee, and offers instruction and open recreation time for all students. 

The world-class track is available for a recreational walk, run or jog.  The stands offer wireless Internet access for studying between classes.  All students have free access to the golf driving range in the dome during the winter season.  And don’t forget about the Varsity Blues – come cheer on your fellow students in an incredible new venue – tickets for U of T students are free! 
 
WHAT’S NEXT?

The new stadium is complete and already getting a good workout – from recreational jogging to Varsity Blues practices to intercollegiate and international competitions. 

The next step is the development of a multi-storey Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport located on Devonshire Place immediately across the street from Varsity Stadium.  This new facility will include:

•  A 2000-seat basketball and volleyball court on the ground level
• Laboratories for teaching, testing and research
• State-of-the-art equipment to monitor athletes’ ongoing progress
• A dedicated strength training and assessment area
• The relocated and expanded David L. MacIntosh Sport Medicine Clinic
• Offices and meeting rooms for sport scientists and coaches
• Team rooms and support services
• Athlete dressing rooms

Located right next to the proposed new Student Commons, the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport will offer another world-class place for all U of T students to train, play, watch a game and hang out with their friends.

Back to Varsity Centre for Students mainpage.