Ottawa police reminding Panda Game 2024 attendees to ‘celebrate responsibly’

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS) is asking Panda Game 2024 attendees to ensure they “celebrate responsibly,” building on last year’s positive celebrations. 

In partnership with Ottawa By-law and Regulatory Services, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO), the University of Ottawa, Carleton University and the Sandy Hill Community Association, OPS is working to make sure this year’s Panda Game festivities are “safe, enjoyable, and respectful for everyone.

The 2024 edition of the Panda Game marks the 55th game of the series, igniting school spirit since 1955.

The annual Panda Game signifies the rivalry in Canadian university football between Carleton University and the University of Ottawa, attracting over twenty-thousand fans to TD Place each year.

But in 2021, a street party post-Panda Game quickly became out of hand, as thousands of partygoers filled the Sandy Hill area. Police reported that a vehicle was flipped and seven people were taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Fast forward to 2022, seven people were arrested following the game, 88 tickets were handed out for open alcohol and 13 tickets were given for noise after the University of Ottawa beat Carleton.

With public safety as a priority, officers will be focusing on Criminal Code, Liquor Licence and Control Act offences, and other general conduct issues this year, added OPS.

The force is advising the public that there will be a police presence in areas impacted in previous years.

Officers will be travelling door-to-door in the Sandy Hill/ByWard Market and Old Ottawa South areas to speak with residents and businesses.  

Several addresses that have raised concerns in the past will be monitored by the OPS and bylaw.

According to police, property owners can grant officers “Agent Status” prior to the Panda Game weekend, to allow them to enforce the Trespass to Property Act if partygoers overflow onto private property. For more details, click here.

“We remind partygoers that Police and By-law Officers will enforce the law, so we encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly,” said the Ottawa Police Service.

The Ottawa Police Service has provided the following suggestions for those celebrating next weekend:

• Plan your ride: Drive sober. No alcohol. No drugs. Order a rideshare, take public transit or stay overnight. 
• Be a good neighbour: Keep the noise/music to a dull roar and respect property in your neighbourhood. 
• Keep alcohol where it belongs: Leave the booze 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. 

“We ask attendees to respect the communities where the Panda Game-related events are taking place as they did during last year’s event,” OPS added.