Police, Bylaw Services to have ‘large presence’ in neighbourhoods for Sunday’s Panda Game

Ottawa police officers at a uOttawa pre-game party for the 55th Panda Game on Oct. 6, 2024. (Katelyn Wilson/CTV News Ottawa)

Ottawa police and Bylaw Services are urging students to celebrate responsibility and “respect the communities” during this weekend’s Panda Game festivities.

The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and the Carleton Ravens meet in the annual rivalry football game on Sunday at TD Place. Kick off is 12 p.m.

This is the third straight year the Panda Game is being played on a Sunday following incidents in 2021 and 2022, when the game was played on a Saturday.

In 2021, thousands of students gathered on the streets in Sandy Hill, with a car flipped onto its roof. In 2022, seven people were arrested and dozens of tickets were issued after a street party in Sandy Hill following the football game.

In a statement on Monday, the Ottawa Police Service said it is joining its partners from Bylaw Services, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, the University of Ottawa, Carleton University and the Sandy Hill Community Association to support Panda Game festivities.

“Building on last year’s positive celebrations, the OPS’s goal is to ensure that this year’s festivities are safe, lawful, enjoyable, and respectful for everyone,” police said in a statement.

“Officers will focus on Criminal Code, Liquor Licence and Control Act offences, and other general conduct issues. As always, public safety will be the number one priority.”

Police and Bylaw officers will be going door-to-door in the Sandy Hill and Old Ottawa South areas this week to speak with residents and businesses.

“Police and Bylaw are aware of several addresses that have previously raised concerns and will monitor them,” police said.

“We remind partygoers that Police and Bylaw officers will enforce the law, so we encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly. We ask attendees to respect the communities where the Panda Game-related events are taking place as they did during last year’s event.”

Coun. Stéphanie Plante, whose ward includes Sandy Hill, is urging students to party safely.

“We want everyone to have fun at the game and during the post-game celebrations, but please be respectful of our Sandy Hill neighbours and mindful of the hot weather. Stay hydrated and take advantage of the on-campus food trucks,” she wrote on X.

Carleton University is warning students police and Bylaw Services will have a “large and sustained presence” in the ByWard Market, Old Ottawa South and Sandy Hill areas all weekend.

“Officers will be present to ensure safe and law-abiding behaviour, focusing on Liquor License Act offences and general conduct issues. There will be strict enforcement with fines,” Carleton University said.

Police offer the following tips for Panda Game festivities.

• Plan your ride. Drive sober. If you or your designated driver can’t drive sober, order a rideshare, take public transit or stay overnight. If you spot an impaired driver, call 9-1-1.
• Be a good neighbour. Keep the noise/music down and respect property in your neighbourhood.
• Keep alcohol where it belongs. Police remind people to alcohol at home or drink it at an authorized establishment.
• Don’t invite us to the party. Keep gatherings under control with visitors you know.
• Be a good friend. Watch out for the safety and well-being of one another. Call 9-1-1 in an emergency.

The Gee-Gees have won six straight Panda Games against the Carleton Ravens, including a 35-32 win over the Ravens last season.

University of Ottawa Panda Fest

The University of Ottawa is hosting pre-game and post-game parties for the Panda Game on Sunday.

The Pre-Panda Tailgate runs from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the 90U residence parking lot.

The Post-Panda Party at uOttawa runs from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

TD Place

TD Place is reminding fans of the Fan Code of Conduct for the Panda Game. It includes:

• One alcohol drink per purchase per person
• No bags or umbrellas
• Zero tolerance for intoxication or harmful behaviour
• Guests shall respect each other as well as TD Place employees, athletes, officials, and performers
• Fans shall not engage in violence, fighting, threatening, taunting, physical or verbal harassment, or any other dangerous or disruptive behaviour
• No smoking inside TD Place (including e-cigarettes or vaporizers)
• All guests and belongings entering TD Place are subject to search and inspection by pat-down and/or metal detecting equipment

History of the Panda Game

The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and the Carleton Ravens have played in the Panda Game since 1955.

According to the University of Ottawa, the Panda Game gets its name from a mythical, “but very real stuffed panda bear named Pedro.”

“He was offered up as a prize to the winners of the 1955 grudge match between the cross-town rivals, and from there a star was born,” uOttawa said.

A bronze bear was used as the trophy between 1979 and 1998.

Local artist Dale Dunning created the current Pedro the Panda trophy when the rivalry was renewed in 2013.

A record 24,600 fans watched the Panda Game in 2019 at TD Place. A total of 22,981 fans watched the 2024 Panda Game.