Panda Game returns Sunday as Ottawa prepares for crowds

Thousands of university students and football fans will descend on TD Place Sunday for the annual Panda Game, and the Ottawa Police Service and city officials say they are preparing for more than what happens on the field.

The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and Carleton Ravens kickoff at noon on Sunday and both schools' coaches told CBC they are expecting large student crowds.

There will be an increased police presence in the city on Sunday, according to the OPS, with officers focused on keeping celebrations "safe, lawful and respectful."

Rideau-Vanier Coun. Stephanie Plante said that includes Sandy Hill, where past Panda Game celebrations have spilled into residential streets and onto private property.

This year Plante's been warning students to follow the law, she said, alongside the OPS, University of Ottawa and bylaw services.

"Bylaw will be giving out fines for things like loitering, public intoxication, blocking of sidewalks, anything of the sort," said Plante.

Police have also told property owners that they can grant officers "Agent Status" in advance, which allows police to remove unwanted people from your property under the Trespass to Property Act.

Plante told CBC News that organizers have been working to avoid a repeat of the disorder seen during some past Panda Games — particularly 2021, when a car was flipped during celebrations.

Since that year, she said the annual tailgate has been moved onto campus, while police, bylaw and community partners have increased their presence.

A vehicle was flipped by partygoers after the Panda Game football match in 2021. When officers arrived, Russell Avenue had been overrun. (Steve Higham)

"We want everyone to have fun and we want to have a great game," Plante said. "We just want people to be responsible and to think of their neighbors."

Both universities have urged students to keep their celebrations away from residential neighbourhoods.

The University of Ottawa's website says students who are drinking should eat, hydrate and have a plan to get themselves and their friends home safely. It also encouraged people to participate in events on university grounds before and after the game, rather than gathering in residential areas.

Carleton University's website says it's worked with Ottawa police, the University of Ottawa, the city and Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group to dedicate additional resources to policing, enforcement and emergency response.

For the players, meanwhile, the hype is part of what makes the Panda Game different from any other game on the schedule.

Gee-Gees head coach Marcel Bellefeuille said players will have to deal with the pressure of playing in front of what he expects will be about 24,000 fans.

"It kind of plays like a championship game for players," Bellefeuille said.

Carleton head coach Corey Grant said his team is coming off a bye week (a scheduled week off when a team doesn't play any games) and says his team needs to cover all their bases if they're going to be successful.

Kickoff is scheduled for noon on Sunday at TD Place.