Derby Day vs Varsity which is better?

There are two approaches Universities take when playing against their rival University in a non BUCS event. The one is the traditional varsity which is implemented by Oxbridge and Russel group universities who compete against former polytechnics. This is when each sport is played over the academic year at various times and often at professional sports venues.

The other is used by the Bristol Universities and East Anglia versus Essex, to name a few. This is when a whole day is designated for every sport to be competed in various locations across either the campus or the city.

Which one is better? Does it depend on the University?

For more sport minded Universities the first one, which I will call varsity, is better. Whereas for less historically sport minded Universities the second, which I will call Derby Day, is superior.

Poster of the University of Essex's
American Football promoting 
Derby Day 2014
The reasons behind this is that Derby Day unites the University for one day a year and for those who do not necessarily enjoy sport get the urge to support their sports teams. It is for only one day a year so it feels like they have done their duty but only 24 hours of their lives has been taken up by something that they are not entirely interested in.

It also gives the opportunity for less renowned sports to get the deserved support and attention that other sports do. For example Derby Day 2014 saw a thrilling climax in the Pool matches where, normally an under supported sport, there was the same level of interest as a other more mainstream sports receive.






The sheer amount of interest across the two universities can be best explained by this tweet  from Concrete UEA Student's Newspaper: https://twitter.com/Concrete_UEA/status/445332754092134400/photo/1

No matter the results throughout the day there is always interest in each event. It just so happened that this year it was the closest in recent years.

In varsity though, because of the high level in sport at these Universities, stadiums are filled to watch the one off events. Unlike Derby Day, only first teams play which gives each match an increased edge to it.

There is also more professional coverage of the events, due to the stadia that teams played and also the detailed attention that they can give to each match. Unlike Derby Day, only one sport is played in the same week so there is huge build up for that one sport. However, coverage of Derby Day is getting significantly better each year. Soon each of the over 30 sports on derby day will have the same coverage as each specific varsity match.

This is the highlights of the Nottingham varsity Ice Hockey match: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5gp5tUJi6c4

if you look for other links there are 40 minute pre game shows and live videos of the whole match. This level of coverage epitomises the difference between the days. Derby Day joins a University in support in a more fun filled day, but still with the necessary competitive edge. Where as varsity has the feel of a professional sports team derby, often due to the standard play, coverage, lack of matches and the facilities used.

In conclusion it really depends on the University with both concepts offering a lot and are fantastic spectacles.