Varsity Arena

Varsity Arena

Varsity Arena is an indoor sports complex at the University of Toronto, with a standard ice rink for hockey and a multi-purpose arena during the summer. Its primary activities include ice hockey, figure skating, figure skating, and stick and puck training, and is open to official teams, student leagues, and the public. At certain times, it is available for figure skating and "Stick ’n’ Puck". In addition, in the summer, when the ice is ready, the arena can host indoor and multi-purpose sports. The complex also offers group or public use for practice and tournaments. As a result, Varsity Arena combines professional hockey facilities with a multi-purpose space for sports and recreation on campus.

Key Features & Amenities

• Ice Rink — Varsity Arena has an ice rink for skating and hockey.
• Showers / Change Rooms / Team Rooms / Visiting Team Rooms — The arena has a men’s change room, women’s change room, team rooms.
• Sports Medicine / Trainer’s Room / Therapy Room — For teams, the trainer’s room is located next to the locker room.
• Sport Court Conversion in Summer — When the ice is ready, the Arena will be converted to a multi-purpose arena.
• Improved Air Quality/Air Conditioning — The use of an electric Zamboni has improved the quality of the ice and the air inside the arena.

Programs & Activities

• Drop-in ice skating / free skate — Public skating for those who want to practice or have fun on the ice freely.
• Drop-in figure skating — For show skating / personal practice of figure skating skills.
• Drop-in “Stick ’n’ Puck” — Practice with a stick and puck on the ice for those who want to improve their hockey skills.
• Drop-in “Shinny” (Informal / Recreational Hockey) — Informal ice hockey for enthusiasts of various skill levels.
• Drop-in ice hockey — Public hockey sessions for students and authorized members.
• Skating lessons for children / teenagers / beginners — From introductory to intermediate (Introductory / Junior Skating & Power Skating) — Covers basic to advanced skating skills.
• Intramurals / Recreational leagues / tournaments / club sports / student-group rentals — The Arena is available for bookings for college leagues, group programs, official teams, and ice rentals by groups.

How to book

1. To participate in a “drop-in” or “public skate / ice sports” skate, you must visit the Faculty of Kinesiology & Physical Education (KPE) website at the University of Toronto and go to the Drop-In Skate Programs section.
2. To make a reservation or register, visit recreation.utoronto.ca and log in with the appropriate account (students with a UTORID and community members with a shared account).
3. Select your sport of choice (Skate, Figure Skating, Stick ’n’ Puck, Hockey, etc.) from the “Sports” menu. Then view available times and click “Register” for the time you want. Reservations are usually available up to 2 days in advance.
4. If you would like to reserve the ice or rink for a group, team or private event, you can request “community rentals” or “Student Group Access” (for student clubs/groups).
5. When you arrive: You must be at the venue no later than 15 minutes before your reserved time starts, and check-in upon arrival.

Location & Accessibility & Contact 

1. Address and Contact Information

• Exact address: 299 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON, M5S 1W2, Canada
• Entrance: The main entrance is from the Varsity Centre Pavilion at Devonshire Place.
• Contact number: +1 416‑978‑6428
• Email / General contact: sportandrec[at]utoronto[dot]ca

2. Access by public transport (subway / bus / foot):

• The closest metro station to Varsity Arena is St. George Station. Take the Bedford Street exit, then a few minutes walk to Bloor St West and Devonshire Place.
• If you are coming by bus or other public transport — University map + Directions from the metro station to the entrance of the hall are clear: from the St. George exit, walk to the Pavilion entrance.

3. Opening hours: Open every day of the week from 7am to 11pm.

FAQs

How do I reserve a rink or hall?

Book through the KPE website and select “Drop-in Skate” or “Community / Student Group Rentals.”

What sports are played at the complex?

Ice hockey, figure skating, figure skating, “Stick ’n’ Puck,” “Shinny,” and in the summer, multi-sport.

Is there equipment for rent?

Yes, skates and helmets are available for public use.