Varsity opens in Ringwood on Friday 13 November
Melbourne’s eastern suburbs are about to welcome one of their biggest new entertainment venues, as Western Australian favourite Varsity opens in Ringwood on Friday 13 November 2026.
And this is much more than your average burger bar.
Taking over the former Jooce nightclub site, Varsity is bringing 2,800 square metres of food, sport and entertainment to Ringwood, with room for an impressive 1,100 guests.
From 52 beers on tap and American-style burgers to tenpin bowling, arcade games and live sport on giant screens, there’s plenty to get excited about.
What began as an underground university dive bar in Nedlands, Western Australia, 13 years ago has grown into a cult favourite with 10 venues across WA. Now Melbourne gets its turn.
Burgers, Beers and a Whole Lot of Entertainment
At the heart of the venue is a huge 70-foot bar pouring 52 beers on tap, surrounded by more than 30 screens, including three mega screens for live sport.
There’s also a 440-square-metre arcade packed with more than 70 games, from virtual reality and pinball to claw machines and classic arcade favourites.
Eight tenpin bowling lanes sit beneath a massive HD LED video wall, while a dedicated pool room adds another reason to stay a little longer.
Guests can even redeem their arcade winnings at a walk-through prize shop stocked with collectibles, figurines, skate decks and movie memorabilia.
Renowned mural artist Michael Hartley has brought his creativity to the venue, with large-scale artwork throughout the interiors and exterior.
Melbourne, Get Ready for the Burgers
Of course, the burgers are what helped put Varsity on the map.
Known for its American-style burgers and bar classics, Varsity has built a loyal following in WA, particularly for its rotating Burger of the Month, featuring limited-edition creations and some seriously adventurous combinations.
Varsity Head of Marketing Abby Rohde says the team wanted to bring everything people already love about the brand together under one roof.
“Varsity has been built around creating epic experiences. Whether you’re here to catch the game, get stuck into a burger, challenge your mates in the arcade or settle in for a big night, we bring it all together,” Rohde says.
“Ringwood is a massive milestone for us. Every part of this venue has been designed to deliver the ultimate Varsity line-up.”
An Opening Weekend Worth Checking Out
The celebrations kick off on Friday 13 November, with live art by Sindy Sinn and Varsity’s first Friday Happy Hour from 5pm to 6pm, featuring $8 pints.
DJs will keep the atmosphere going from 6pm to 10pm on Friday and Saturday, with arcade giveaways across the weekend.
On Saturday, local screen-printing favourites Machine will be creating designs live from 3pm, with a Varsity Lager pint and printed shirt combo available for $40.
And here’s something for the Formula 1 fans. A replica Red Bull racing car will be on display inside the venue throughout the entire opening weekend.
With two free car parks offering more than 100 spaces, Varsity is ready to welcome Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.
Whether you’re catching the footy, challenging your mates to bowling or simply heading out for burgers and beers, Ringwood’s newest venue looks set to bring a whole new level of entertainment to the area.
Varsity Ringwood opens Friday 13 November 2026.
More information: www.varsity.com.au
