What to expect ahead of the 2022 Panda Game

By Adamo Marinelli

October 1st, 8:48 am

Kickoff is just over three hours away, and the anticipation is high.

The University of Ottawa GeeGees have won the last three Panda Games and lead the all-time series 35-17; this year, the Carleton Ravens look to change the narrative and snap their Panda Game losing streak with their new head coach Corey Grant and their new offensive game plan. 

The GeeGees enter the game, with a record of 4-1, having won three games in a row; the Ravens enter the game with a record of 3-2. They got back into the win column by beating the Windsor Lancers 24-7 after a tough loss to the Queen’s Gaels the previous week. Both teams are top-5 in the OUA standings. 

Despite this year’s game taking place at TD Place on October 1, 2022, the GeeGees are considered the home team. The Gee-Gees are 1-1 at home and 3-0 on the road, meanwhile the Ravens are 3-0 at home and 0-2 on the road, which is an interesting storyline to follow. 

However, last year’s post-game celebrations around the Sandy Hill area following a GeeGee’s win turned into riots that saw a vehicle getting flipped, people getting charged and people ending up in the hospital. 

Police and city councilors warned that if havoc of a similar level occurs this year, the 53rd annual Panda Game could be one of the last. 

“The message to students is clear: Don't be an idiot. Enjoy the football game, have fun … but also respect the neighborhood you live in,” said Mayor Jim Watson.

“If there's no future Panda [Game], it's going to be on the shoulders of students’ [bad] decisions,” councilor Matthieu Fleury said.

Police will have a “zero-tolerance policy” for any rioting or unsafe behaviour and told residents of neighborhoods near both campuses like Sandy Hill, Old Ottawa South, and ByWard Market to be aware of increased police presence at and after this year’s game.