‘No major incidents’ reported during Panda Game celebrations in Ottawa

University of Ottawa students ahead of the Panda Game on Sunday. (Katelyn Wilson/CTV News Ottawa)

The Ottawa Police Service reports “no major incidents” following the 56th Panda Game on Sunday, but 14 tickets were issued for various offences.

The Carleton Ravens beat the uOttawa Gee-Gees 20-14 on Sunday to win the annual football rivalry game between Ottawa’s two universities. More than 24,000 tickets were sold for the game at TD Place, and uOttawa hosted pre-game and post-game activities for students.

Police and Bylaw Services maintained a strong presence in the Sandy Hill, ByWard Market and Old Ottawa South neighbourhoods on Sunday, with officers monitoring festivities around the Panda Game.

An Ottawa police spokesperson told CTV News Ottawa, “there were no major incidents to report” from Sunday.

“There were numerous alcohol pour outs throughout the day and evening. 14 provincial offence notices were issued,” police said in an email.

“We thank attendees for remaining respectful of the community and neighbourhoods surrounding the sanctioned events.”

Bylaw Services said there were no tickets issued for loud parties and noise over the weekend.

“Bylaw and Regulatory Services (BLRS) worked closely with its partners at the Ottawa Police Service, Carleton University and the University of Ottawa to ensure this year’s Panda Game festivities were positive and enjoyable for the entire community,” Roger Chapman, director of Bylaw and Regulatory Services, said in an email.

“BLRS is pleased to report that no noise-related tickets were issued in relation to Panda Game celebrations. We thank students and fans for their cooperation with BLRS officers throughout the weekend.”

This was 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.