The Panda Game returns to Ottawa on October 4, 2026. The Carleton Ravens and uOttawa Gee-Gees will meet at TD Place for the 57th edition of their football rivalry.
The game is expected to draw thousands of students, alumni and fans. Carleton University describes the Panda Game as the largest university sporting event in Canada.
For many Ottawa residents, Panda Game weekend is an annual celebration of university football and school spirit. However, an event of this size also brings large crowds and increased pedestrian traffic throughout the city.
Previous Panda Game weekends have resulted in injuries, arrests and property damage during post-game celebrations. These incidents have led to increased attention on public safety surrounding the annual event.
Past Panda Games Have Raised Safety Concerns in Ottawa
The Panda Game has received significant attention because of incidents following previous games.
After the 2021 game, thousands of people gathered in Ottawa’s Sandy Hill neighbourhood. A vehicle was overturned, property was damaged and several people were taken to hospital.
Safety measures increased in the years that followed. Ottawa Police and by-law officers maintained a visible presence around areas affected by Panda Game celebrations.
For 2026, Carleton says it is working with several local partners on public safety. They include the City of Ottawa, Ottawa Police, Ottawa By-law, uOttawa and the Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group.
The university has also emphasized the importance of safe and respectful celebrations before, during and after the game.
TD Place Injuries: Ontario’s Occupiers Liability Act May Apply
An injury inside TD Place may raise questions about the responsibilities of those who control or operate the property.
Ontario’s Occupiers’ Liability Act generally requires occupiers to take reasonable care to keep people entering their premises reasonably safe.
The duty does not mean that every injury at a sporting event will result in liability. The circumstances surrounding the injury remain important.
Crowded walkways, stairs, seating areas, spills and other property conditions may become relevant when determining how an injury occurred.
We have previously discussed these issues in our article on understanding your spectator injury rights in Ontario. Sporting venues must take reasonable precautions, even though attending a live sporting event can involve some inherent risks.
Panda Game Safety Concerns Can Extend Beyond the Stadium
Panda Game activities are not limited to TD Place.
uOttawa’s 2026 PandaFest includes a pre-game tailgate and a post-game party on campus. Other celebrations may also take place throughout Ottawa.
Large numbers of people leaving TD Place can create busy sidewalks, roads and transit areas. Pedestrian traffic can also increase around Lansdowne and nearby neighbourhoods.
Areas such as Sandy Hill and Old Ottawa South may also experience increased activity as students and fans gather before and after the game.
An injury outside the stadium may involve very different legal considerations from an injury inside it.
The location and cause of an injury are important when determining which legal rules may apply.
Who Is Responsible for an Injury During Panda Game Weekend?
There is no single answer to who may be responsible for an injury connected to the Panda Game.
An injury at TD Place may require examining the condition of the premises and how the event was managed. An incident at another property could involve a different occupier.
Motor vehicle collisions raise separate questions about the conduct of drivers and pedestrians. Other incidents may require consideration of the actions of the individuals involved.
Evidence can therefore become important after a serious injury. Photographs, videos, witness information and incident reports may help establish what happened.
Our guide to the first 24 hours after an accident in Ontario explains why preserving information early can be important after many types of accidents.
Injured at a Sporting Event or Public Gathering in Ontario?
Whether someone may be responsible for an injury during Panda Game weekend will depend on how and where it occurred. An injury at TD Place, a motor vehicle collision and an incident at another property may each raise different legal considerations.
If you or a family member has been seriously injured at an event in Ottawa, Kingston or elsewhere in Ontario, Bergeron Clifford Injury Lawyers can help you understand your legal options.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
