Ravens football players charge out onto the field at the Panda Game with flags, a shield, and other Ravens-themed props

Panda Post

Get ready to cheer on the Ravens! Wear your Ravens apparel, grab your friends and prepare for an epic clash on the field.

The Panda Game is the most significant rivalry in Canadian university football and the largest university sporting event in Canada. This annual game between the Carleton Ravens and the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees kicks off at 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at TD Place.

Game Day Logistics

The Panda Game is on Sunday, October 1, 2023 at TD Place (at Lansdowne in the Glebe).

The game begins at 12:00 p.m. and gates open at 10:30 a.m. Attendees are encouraged to arrive at 10:30 a.m.

Ravens football player kicking a football at the Panda Game.

Transportation

Plan a safe ride to and from the event.

OC Transpo is free for Panda Game ticket holders three hours before and after the event. Bus service increases from Carleton after 10:00 a.m.

TD Place rules

As per TD Place’s Panda policies, there are no bags or umbrellas allowed, no re-entry, zero tolerance for intoxication or harmful behaviour and one drink per purchase per person. TD Place is also a cashless venue, accepting debit or credit cards.

Attendees can text TD Place Guest Relations during events at 613-777-6759 to report any issues, ask for information or assistance, or send a comment.

An excited fan in a red Ravens hoodie raises their arms to cheer among crowded bleachers at the Panda Game

Watch Online

If you can’t make it in person, catch the livestream on OUA.tv or CBC Sports!

Be a Good Neighbour

It is important to represent the Ravens with pride before, during and after the Panda game. If you are planning to host or attend any gatherings, be sure to remain respectful of neighbours by:

Limiting the number of guests and stick to the people you know and trust.
Letting your neighbours know about the gathering in advance and ask if they have any concerns.
Keeping noise levels low; excessive noise at any time of the day is illegal if it is considered a nuisance by your neighbours and the fines can be significant.
Cleaning up after yourself and refraining from disruptive actions like littering and vandalism.
Reminding your guests to be considerate of the community.

The responsibility is yours whether you are a guest or are hosting a pre/post-game gathering.

Party Safe(r)

Panda is a fun celebration – and with a few strategies, it can be a safe event. Plan ahead and follow Canada's guidance on alcohol (PDF, 739 KB), and:

Try to stick to one substance. Mixing multiple substances, including prescription medications, can have harmful short- and long-term effects as well as increase the risk of overdose.
Know the signs of an overdose and carrying naloxone to temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose.
Stay hydrated before, during and after drinking or using other substances. This will help to reduce the harmful after effects of substances such as alcohol. Try having one glass of water between every one to two alcoholic beverages.
Eat a nutritious meal prior to consuming substances and make sure to snack throughout the day.
Avoid consuming substances alone.
Let a friend know what your plans are and where you will be in advance. Be sure to have a plan to contact help if you need it.
Set limits for yourself and stick to them.

For more harm reduction tips and additional information on specific substances visit the Carleton Mental Health and Wellness website.

Consent is Crucial

No one deserves or asks to be sexually assaulted, no matter their use of drugs or alcohol. Consent can not be given while high, drunk, or otherwise impaired. Period.

Remember that consent:

Is freely and expressly given. It’s not just about ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Coercion and pressure are not a part of consent.
Is current and can be taken away at any point in time. Just because someone has consented to sexual acts in the past does not automatically mean they are currently consenting. Ask and check in consistently with your partner.
Is enthusiastic and enjoyable. Sex should be fun for everyone involved! Ask if they are comfortable, are enjoying themselves, if it feels good, etc.

Check out this Consensual Sex Guide (PDF, 212 KB), a resource from the Carleton University Sexual Assault Support Centre (CUSASC).

Visit the CUSASC team on game day at TD Place for info and support – look for staff near Gate 6, near Kings Club.

Panda Fest is written in bold font over a colourful background with Panda Game football icons on either side.

PandaFest Post-Game Party

The fun doesn’t stop at the sidelines – get ready to celebrate Pedro and the Ravens at the first-ever PandaFest! Join the post-Panda party on the uOttawa campus (90U Residence parking lot) beginning at 8:00 p.m.

You can bring your own beverages (BYOB), including alcoholic drink (limits of 375 ml of hard liquor, 750 ml of wine, six cans of beer/coolers. Glass bottles/containers not permitted). Enjoy free food, merch and an exciting musical lineup.

Don't Invite Them to the Party

The Ottawa Police Service (OPS), Ottawa By-Law and Regulatory Services and the Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario will have a large and sustained presence in the ByWard Market, Old Ottawa South and Sandy Hill areas all weekend to monitor partying and activities related to Panda game.

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 Football Players Share Tips to Make the Most of Panda

Campus to Community Cleanup

Join the Campus to Community cleanup effort on Monday, October 2, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Glebe.

Office of the Vice-President (Students & Enrolment)
503 Tory Building
1125 Colonel By Drive
Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1S 5B6