PandaFest – uOttawa's game plan for safe and respectful celebrations - is returning to the University of Ottawa campus as the greatest rivalry in university sport rekindles for the 55th edition of the Panda Game on Sunday, October 6.
Students, alumni and the community can once again look forward to safe and respectful PandaFest events both before and after the heroics of the big game.
Like last year, the traditional tailgate party will kick off the festivities on campus before the game from 9 am to11 am in Parking Lot K near 90U, Morisset and Simard. Buses will shuttle participants to TD Place in time for the opening kick-off at 12 pm.
Once again, a Post-Panda party will be held on the same site as the tailgate event on the University of Ottawa campus, featuring popular musical acts. The evening event will begin one hour earlier than last year at 7 pm to better accommodate the crowds leaving the game. The event will wrap up at 11 pm.
Following the success of the 2023 PandaFest and Panda Game, the University and its Panda partners, Carleton University and Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group, have been working with community partners, including Action Sandy Hill, City of Ottawa, Ottawa Police Service and private security firms to maintain the momentum and encourage safe and respectful celebrations.
A public awareness campaign to encourage safe and respectful celebrations was launched in September, including the 2024 Panda Playbook which provides information and resources to help everyone celebrate without drawing a foul. Notably, Gee-Gees student-athletes, coaches and University staff have joined local leaders and law-enforcement officials to conduct door-to-door outreach with neighbours in Sandy Hill. More information on the game and Panda Fest activities.
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