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A WA favourite is set to open its doors in Melbourne's east, bringing burgers, beers, live sport and a whole lot of entertainment along for the ride. Varsity, which started out as a US college-themed burger and sports bar near the University of Western Australia in 2013, has since grown to ten locations across Perth. Now, it's bringing its signature mix of food and fun to Melbs for the first time, opening in Ringwood on Friday, November 13.
Taking over the former Jooce nightclub site, the sprawling venue has a capacity of 1,100 people, with a bar pouring 52 taps and more than 30 screens, including three mega screens built for watching live sport. And if watching sport isn't your thing, there's a whole arcade waiting to test your competitive streak. The space features more than 70 games, including hydraulic racing games, virtual reality experiences, coin pushers, ticket and prize games, plus Pokémon and Metallica pinball machines. There's also a walk-through prize shop where guests can browse and redeem their winnings.
Keen for more hands-on fun? Eight tenpin bowling lanes sit beneath an HD LED video wall spanning the width of the bowling space, while a dedicated pool room gives a nod to the old-school pool hall. The venue also has three function spaces for private events, watch parties and sports team gatherings, with large-scale murals by artist Michael Hartley decorating the interior and exterior.
Of course, food is just as central to the Varsity experience as sport, beer and entertainment. The venue will bring its menu of American-style burgers and bar classics to Victoria, alongside its rotating Burger of the Month, featuring limited-edition creations, collaborations and the slightly unhinged combinations the brand has become known for.
Come for a burger, stay for a game (or ten). With this much under one roof, there's every reason to make a night of it.
To celebrate its Melbourne debut, Varsity is kicking things off with a weekend of specials and entertainment.
On Friday, November 13, expect live art by Sindy Sinn, alongside Varsity's first Friday happy hour from 5 pm-6 pm, with $8 pints on offer.
Saturday brings live screen printing by local outfit Machine from 3 pm, with a Varsity Lager pint and T-shirt combo available for $40.
And for Formula 1 fans, a replica Red Bull racing car will be parked inside all weekend, ready for its close-up. DJs will play from 6pm-10 pm on Friday and Saturday, with arcade giveaways running throughout the weekend.
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