Dozens ticketed, 2 arrested on Panda Game day

Ottawa police say they've issued dozens of tickets and arrested two people on the day of the annual Panda Game.

Shortly after 8 p.m., the police service tweeted that it had issued 85 tickets for open alcohol. Two people had been arrested, including one for public intoxication, while two $2,000 tickets were given out for loud mufflers.

Roughly an hour later, police said they were dispersing crowds after some people began throwing objects at officers. Police have also said they're maintaining an increased presence in the Sandy Hill and Byward Market areas.

The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees took home Pedro the Panda Saturday with a 37-7 victory in the annual football game against the Carleton Ravens.

After the Gee-Gees won the 2021 game, thousands of people descended upon Sandy Hill near the University of Ottawa. At one point, partygoers on Russell Avenue flipped a car, and several people ended up facing a range of charges.

After those festivities got out of hand, police vowed to have "zero tolerance" this year.  Dozens of officers were milling about Sandy Hill Saturday as students headed to post-game celebrations.

Late Saturday afternoon, after the game, the city's bylaw department said it had issued 11 tickets for excessive noise and one for littering during the celebrations. The department has increased the fines for violating noise rules to $1,000.

University of Ottawa Students' Union President Armaan Singh said while it's unfortunate a few students were ticketed, no concerns had been raised to him or other members of his executive team. 

"The overwhelming majority of students agree that what happened last year should not repeat," he told CBC News early Saturday evening.

"Students want to be able to preserve this