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.

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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.

“We want everyone to have fun and we want to have a great game,” Plante said. “We just want people