The RegNet Upstairs Downstairs Cup: Where pigeons, papers and pride collided

If you walked into RegNet on 7 May expecting a quiet Thursday, you were unfortunately (or fortunately) mistaken. The inaugural Upstairs Downstairs Cup brought to life a long-running (and entirely friendly… mostly) rivalry between Level 3 and Level 2, otherwise known as Upstairs and Downstairs. This was the first time that rivalry had been turned into a structured event of games, rules and surprising amount of competitive tossing.

For those new to the saga, Level 3 and Level 2 have long debated which is the “best floor (depending on who you ask)” of the building. The Cup exists to settle this question. Or at least to complicate it further.

In the lead-up to the main event, a highly serious building-wide treasure hunt unfolded. Ten paper pigeons were strategically placed throughout RegNet (all laminated, all deeply committed to academic life), with Downstairs searching for their blue pigeons on Level 3, and Upstairs searching for their red pigeons on Level 2.

Level 2 started strong, confidently collecting almost the entire set, while Level 3 responded with what can only be described as a late-stage academic comeback. In a dramatic final sweep, Upstairs edged ahead and claimed the pigeon hunt victory. The pigeons, for their part, remained unharmed, emotionally unavailable but well-travelled.

By 12:30pm on game day, competitors gathered on the grass area behind the RegNet building for what can only be described as a structured descent into joyful chaos.           

Participants rotated through a series of deliberately over-serious games: Cornhole Curriculum, Axe-cademic Excellence and Throw Your Thesis. Cornhole involved aiming beanbags with questionable precision, axe throwing tested accuracy and nerve, and Throw Your Thesis gave everyone a chance to symbolically launch years of research into the air. For those preferring a slightly more dignified form of competition, Croquet Coursework offered a gentler battlefield, though no less competitive in tone or strategic intent.

Highlights included Kinley securing the unofficial “best toss” title, Holly delivering what witnesses described as “lethally accurate throws”, Tia’s laser sharp Croquet focus, Mengjie revealing unexpectedly formidable axe-throwing skills, and Nicky expertly serving double duty as both participant and WHS representative, alongside others rethinking their relationship with physics.

RegNet staff, academics, PhD scholars and visitors all joined in, offering equal parts encouragement, analysis and moral support as the day unfolded. Despite Downstairs’ persistent determination and Upstairs’ unwavering confidence, the competition remained tightly matched throughout the day.

In the end, Level 3 took home the Upstairs Downstairs Trophy, following their strong finish in the pigeon hunt and a consistent performance across the day’s events. The trophy now sits as a tangible reminder that elevation occasionally correlates with victory.

Catering followed, as all good academic disputes should conclude: with food, laughter and the collective agreement that “it’s really about community anyway” (while quietly planning revenge for Spring).

The day was exactly what it set out to be: a chance to bring people together. Between games and playful rivalry, the Cup created space for connection across roles, teams and daily routines, with moments of competition, collaboration, conversation and shared laughter that tends to linger longer than any trophy.

A special thanks to our terrific organisers Sharon Friel, Maureen Klar and Tola Beavis, and everyone who supported the event, as well as Peter Grabosky for an inspirational speech reflecting on the “manifestation of many skills on display.”

The RegNet Upstairs Downstairs Cup will return in Spring 2026. Whether you align with Upstairs confidence or Downstairs determination, one thing is certain: the pigeons will be ready.