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Panda Game
Ottawa Gee-Gees
Carleton Ravens
SportCanadian football
First meeting1955; 71 years ago (1955)
Carleton 14, Ottawa 6
Latest meetingOctober 5, 2025
Carleton 20, Ottawa 14
Next meeting2026
StadiumsTD Place Stadium, Lansdowne Park[a] (1955–1996, 2014–present)
TrophyPedro the Panda (3rd Version)
Statistics
Meetings total56
All-time seriesOttawa leads, 38–18
Largest victoryOttawa, 44–0 (1957)
Longest win streakOttawa, 7 (1957–1963)
Current win streakCarleton, 1 (2025–present)
Locations of both universities in Ottawa

The Panda Game (French: Match Panda) is an annual Canadian football game between the two OUA football teams in Ottawa, Ontario: the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and Carleton University Ravens. It is the most significant rivalry in Canadian university football. Its name is derived from Pedro the Panda, the trophy presented to the winner each year. The game is part of the regular East division season, but is celebrated profusely due to its colourful history. The week preceding the game is sometimes referred to as "Panda Week". The University of Ottawa is located in the downtown Sandy Hill neighbourhood of the city, while Carleton is between Old Ottawa South and Dow's Lake.

Creation and further history

[edit]

In the fall of 1955, Thomas White and Bryan McNulty, two University of Ottawa students, decided to create a rivalry between their school and Carleton University. As sports editor of the U of O newspaper, Tom White suggested that they asked a prominent local jeweller, Jack Snow, to donate a stuffed panda that would be named "Pedro" to be used as a Gee-Gee mascot (as they had not adopted the Gee-Gee horse mascot yet).[1] Mr. Snow had earlier been a team sponsor and was agreeable that the panda be "stolen" from his store and that Carleton students would be blamed for the theft. It was also understood that the police would be advised of the hoax beforehand. McNulty and White convinced Snow to display the panda in his front window and then organized the first "Pandanapping". The afternoon prior to the game, White drove McNulty and two other U of O students to the store and, claiming to be Carleton students, nabbed Pedro the Panda and took off. That evening, while watching the news on the local CBC station, Tom White's parents thought that the theft reflected badly on the Carleton student body, not knowing the panda was in an upstairs bedroom cupboard in their own home. Two Carleton students, roomers in an adjacent apartment, were also unaware. The following day, White and McNulty made their way to the north stands of Landsdown Park waiting for their moment. Just prior to the end of the game, Pedro the Panda was parachuted onto the playing field. The Panda Game rivalry - and ritual of the theft of Pedro being stolen from each campus in various ways - lasted more than four decades. "Pandanapping" would progress over the years to the point where major vandalism was involved and almost jeopardized the game's future.

Both Pedro and the Panda Game itself became national icons and feted across the country. In 1958, after a 25–0 Gee-Gee victory, Pedro went on a world tour. He made visits to McGill University in Montréal, Dalhousie University in Halifax, the University of Western Ontario in London, Ontario, the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, UCLA in Los Angeles, and Alabama State University in Montgomery. It is said that Pedro was even sent to Peru, Mexico and Europe.[2]

The game quickly became the most well-known football game in Canada behind the Grey Cup and the Vanier Cup. The attendance at the Panda Game one year exceeded 16,000, which was higher than that of the Vanier Cup that same season. The resumption of the Panda Bowl took place in October, 2013 when Thomas White, assisted by representative players from both university teams in 1955, presented the winning game trophy to the victorious captain of the University of Ottawa team.

1987 tragedy

[edit]

By the 1980s, the Panda Game had gained a reputation for being a drunken party more than a football game.[citation needed]

The 1987 game brought heavily packed stands. Dozens of fans leaned up against a railing, causing it to collapse. 30 Ravens fans fell roughly 16 feet onto concrete. Many students sustained broken bones and concussions, while one female student broke her neck and spent 20 days in a coma.[3][4]

The future of the Panda Game was in doubt after the incident, but the tradition ultimately carried on. The 1988 game was heavily monitored by police and there was a general lack of enthusiasm about the event. [citation needed]

Cancellation, eventual return

[edit]

The aging stadium at Lansdowne Park fell into disrepair in the 1990s. The folding of the Ottawa Rough Riders in 1996 left the venue without a full-time tenant. As it was economically unfeasible to maintain the venue so as to safely host a single football game annually, the game was moved to Carleton's Keith Harris Stadium in 1997.

The resulting loss of revenue aggravated an already precarious financial situation for Carleton's football team. In 1998, Carleton University decided to cancel their football program at the end of the season after numerous years of sustained financial losses. This decision rendered the Panda Game tradition dead and left the Gee-Gees as the lone collegiate football team in the city for the first time in 53 years.

The late 2000s brought rumours that Carleton may once again look to field a football team sometime in the near future. Meanwhile, serious plans to rebuild and modernize the facilities at Lansdowne Park were put into place. After years of planning, in 2013 the Ravens once again took the field and would mark the return of the Panda Game tradition. 2013's Panda Game was a success with approximately 4,000 fans packing the brand-new Gee-Gees Field, the game resulted in the Gee-Gees winning the Pedro trophy with a score of 35–10.[5]

Return to Lansdowne Park

[edit]
University of Ottawa students rush the field at TD Place following the walk off 55-yard field goal win by the Ottawa Gee-Gees at the 2023 Panda Game.

It was announced that the 2014 Panda Game was to be held at the newly renovated 24,000 seat TD Place Stadium,[a] thus returning the game to its former home at Lansdowne Park.

The Panda Game in 2014 was another wildly successful venture, the use of the modernized facility saw the crowd grow to 12,000 as the Ravens came away with a last second Hail Mary catch to win the game 33–31. Fans immediately stormed the field, following the Touchdown. In Canadian Amateur football the convert is an optional play following a Touchdown. The Carleton Head Coach elected not to try the convert and end the game. In Amateur football there is no option for the defence to score points on a convert.

The 2015 edition saw a then-record attendance of 17,596.[6] It was also the highest scoring Panda Game of all time with a combined score of 93 points,[7] crushing the previous record of 77 points in 1975.

In 2016, the No. 7 ranked Gee-Gees came into the game undefeated (4–0) as they faced the No. 10 Ravens (3–2). Surpassing the previous season's record attendance mark, the 2016 Panda Game was a sellout as 23,329 fans watched Carleton defeat Ottawa 43–23.[8] It was the most attended U Sports football regular season football game in at least two decades.[9]

The 2020 Panda Game was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Following the 2021 Panda Game, there were serious disturbances in Sandy Hill, resulting in several arrests and criminal charges. For the 2022 edition of the game, police increased their presence in the affected neighbourhood while officials threatened to cancel future Panda Games if such disturbances were repeated.[10] There were disturbances in Sandy Hill after the 2022 game, leading to seven arrests.[11] In 2023, the game was moved to a Sunday. The University of Ottawa created successful student events on campus before and after the game, and worked with community organizations, the city and the Ottawa Police, greatly reducing any disruptions before or after the game.[12]

Game results

[edit]
Year Site Winning team Score Losing team Score Series tally Notes
1955[13] Lansdowne Park Carleton 14 Ottawa 6 CAR 1–0 First official Panda Game
1956[14] Lansdowne Park Carleton 14 Ottawa 10 CAR 2–0
1957[15] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 44 Carleton 0 CAR 2–1 Biggest blowout in Panda Game history
1958[16] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 23 Carleton 0 TIE 2–2 Attendance: 2,500
1959[17] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 42 Carleton 0 OTT 3–2
1960[18] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 28 Carleton 6 OTT 4–2
1961[19] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 13 Carleton 12 OTT 5–2
1962[20] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 13 Carleton 10 OTT 6–2
1963[21] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 41 Carleton 21 OTT 7–2
1964[22] Lansdowne Park Carleton 40 Ottawa 33 OTT 7–3 Attendance: 3,000
1965[23] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 27 Carleton 19 OTT 8–3 Attendance: 6,000
1966[24] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 28 Carleton 13 OTT 9–3
1967[25] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 36 Carleton 20 OTT 10–3 Attendance: 6,500
1968[26] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 28 Carleton 27 OTT 11–3 Carleton scores a touchdown as the clock ran out, but missed a two-point conversion attempt which would have won the game.
Attendance: 6,200
1969[27] Lansdowne Park Carleton 21 Ottawa 20 OTT 11–4 Attendance: 14,000
1970[28] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 29 Carleton 20 OTT 12–4 Attendance: 11,000
1971[29] Lansdowne Park Carleton 28 Ottawa 14 OTT 12–5 Attendance: 15,000
1972[30] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 31 Carleton 14 OTT 13–5 Attendance: 10,000
1973[31] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 21 Carleton 14 OTT 14–5 Attendance: 6,000
1974[32] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 48 Carleton 7 OTT 15–5 Attendance: 13,500
1975[33] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 55 Carleton 22 OTT 16–5 Gee-Gees go on to win National Championship
Attendance: 15,598
1976[34] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 19 Carleton 14 OTT 17–5 Attendance: 13,000
1977[35] Lansdowne Park Carleton 36 Ottawa 16 OTT 17–6 Attendance: 12,000
1978[36] Lansdowne Park Carleton 24 Ottawa 13 OTT 17–7 Attendance: 15,000
1979[37] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 28 Carleton 16 OTT 18–7 1st Pedro retires
Attendance: 14,000
1980[38] Lansdowne Park Carleton 30 Ottawa 21 OTT 18–8 Attendance: 15,000
1981[39] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 29 Carleton 0 OTT 19–8 Attendance: 10,000
1982[40] Lansdowne Park Ottawa 19 Carleton 7 OTT 20–8 Attendance: 8,000
1983 Lansdowne Park Carleton 28 Ottawa 23 OTT 20–9
1984 Lansdowne Park Carleton 30 Ottawa 18 OTT 20–10
1985 Lansdowne Park Carleton 34 Ottawa 27 OTT 20–11
1986 Lansdowne Park Ottawa 30 Carleton 29 OTT 21–11
1987 Lansdowne Park Carleton 8 Ottawa 4 OTT 21–12 See "1987 Tragedy"
1988 Lansdowne Park Ottawa 29 Carleton 9 OTT 22–12
1989 Lansdowne Park Ottawa 23 Carleton 11 OTT 23–12
1990 Lansdowne Park Ottawa 30 Carleton 17 OTT 24–12
1991 Lansdowne Park Ottawa 34 Carleton 15 OTT 25–12
1992 Lansdowne Park Ottawa 17 Carleton 6 OTT 26–12
1993 Lansdowne Park Ottawa 21 Carleton 3 OTT 27–12
1994 Lansdowne Park Carleton 27 Ottawa 15 OTT 27–13
1995 Lansdowne Park Ottawa 35 Carleton 8 OTT 28–13
1996 Lansdowne Park Ottawa 28 Carleton 0 OTT 29–13
1997 Keith Harris Stadium Ottawa 22 Carleton 19 OTT 30–13
1998 Keith Harris Stadium Ottawa 59 Carleton 17 OTT 31–13 Ravens team cancelled following season
2013 Gee-Gees Field Ottawa 35 Carleton 10 OTT 32–13 Return of Panda Game
2014 TD Place Stadium[a] Carleton 33 Ottawa 31 OTT 32–14 Last second Hail Mary catch
2015 TD Place Stadium[a] Carleton 48 Ottawa 45 OTT 32–15 Overtime victory, highest scoring game in Panda history
2016 TD Place Stadium[a] Carleton 43 Ottawa 23 OTT 32–16 Sellout crowd (23,329)
2017 TD Place Stadium[a] Carleton 33 Ottawa 30 OTT 32–17 Overtime victory, Sellout crowd (24,420)[41]
2018 TD Place Stadium[a] Ottawa 38 Carleton 27 OTT 33–17 50th Panda Game
2019 TD Place Stadium[a] Ottawa 32 Carleton 10 OTT 34–17 Attendance record (24,600)
2021 TD Place Stadium[a] Ottawa 19 Carleton 17 OTT 35–17
2022 TD Place Stadium[a] Ottawa 37 Carleton 7 OTT 36–17
2023 TD Place Stadium[a] Ottawa 18 Carleton 16 OTT 37–17 Ottawa scores a walk-off 55-yard field goal to win. Attendance: 23,467
2024 TD Place Stadium[a] Ottawa 35 Carleton 32 OTT 38–17 Attendance: 23,499
2025 TD Place Stadium[a] Carleton 20 Ottawa 14 OTT 38–18 Sell out - 24,372

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Panda Game

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
The Panda Game is an annual Canadian university football contest between the Ravens and the Gee-Gees, held in , , and named for , a stuffed panda bear trophy awarded to the victor since the inaugural matchup in 1955. The event originated as a to intensify the longstanding competition between the two institutions, with the first game played on October 10, 1955, at Lansdowne Park, where Carleton defeated Ottawa 14-6. The rivalry continued annually until after the 1998 season, when Carleton discontinued its football program due to sustained financial losses and declining attendance, leading to a 15-year hiatus. It was revived in 2013 as part of efforts to reinvigorate local university sports traditions, with the modern series hosted at since 2014 and drawing crowds exceeding 20,000 fans, underscoring its status as one of Canada's premier university football events. Pedro, the mascot trophy, has become central to the game's lore, often subject to pranks, kidnappings, and ceremonial handovers that highlight the playful antagonism between the schools, though actual thefts of the bear have led to police involvement in past years. The 2025 edition, the 56th overall, saw the Ravens reclaim Pedro with a 20-14 upset victory on October 5, snapping the Gee-Gees' six-year winning streak in front of a sold-out crowd of over 23,000 at TD Place. Beyond the field, the Panda Game fosters community unity among students, alumni, and Ottawa residents, often accompanied by pre-game festivities, tailgates, and cross-campus rivalries that extend to other sports.

Origins

Founding and First Game

The Panda Game originated in 1955 as an initiative by two students from the to invigorate campus spirit through intercollegiate football. Brian McNulty, a student and associate editor of the student newspaper The Fulcrum, collaborated with Thomas White, a student and sports editor of The Fulcrum, to propose an annual grudge match between their school's team and Carleton College's. This idea drew inspiration from longstanding student rivalries in , aiming to channel competitive energy into a formal athletic event that would unite and excite the local university communities. The inaugural Panda Game took place on October 10, 1955, at Lansdowne Park. Promoted heavily as a high-stakes "" to heighten anticipation, the contest featured the against the . The Ravens emerged victorious with a 14-6 score, drawing about 1,500 fans and securing the win through key plays including a pass from Gord Johnston to receiver Bob Anderson. The game's unique prize was a stuffed panda bear named Pedro, donated by local jeweler Jack Snow, which served as the inaugural trophy awarded to the champions.

Introduction of the Pedro Trophy

The Pedro the Panda trophy was introduced in 1955 as a stuffed prize to commemorate the inaugural Panda Game between the Gee-Gees and Ravens, aimed at heightening the excitement of the budding rivalry. Donated by local jeweler Jack Snow at the suggestion of students Brian McNulty and Thomas White, the three-foot-tall mascot—originally a symbol for the Gee-Gees football team—was displayed in Snow's Sparks Street shop window before being "stolen" in a to generate media buzz. This student-led initiative transformed the ordinary matchup into a memorable event, with Pedro dramatically reappearing during the final quarter via from the roof on October 10, 1955, at Lansdowne Park. Symbolizing the chaotic "panda-monium" of the inter-university competition, was awarded to the victorious team each year, to be proudly displayed on their campus until the following contest. The trophy embodied and pride, quickly evolving from a simple stuffed animal into a coveted emblem that spurred pranks, kidnappings, and fan fervor between the two institutions. Carleton claimed the prize in the debut game, parading through the streets in celebration. One notable early incident occurred after the University of Ottawa's 25–0 victory in 1958, when embarked on a publicity tour visiting six universities across and the . This stunt amplified the game's visibility, turning the trophy into a traveling for Canadian university sports.

Early Rivalry Development

Growth Through the 1960s and 1970s

During the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Gee-Gees established a dominant position in the Panda Game , securing a seven-game winning streak from 1957 to 1963 that highlighted an early imbalance in the competition. This period of Ottawa supremacy included the largest margin of victory in the series' , a 44-0 in 1957 against a flu-ravaged team that fielded only 19 players. Such lopsided results underscored the Gee-Gees' superior preparation and talent, contributing to the game's evolving narrative as a test of resilience for Carleton while solidifying Ottawa's status as the early powerhouse. As the rivalry matured through the and into the , attendance surged, reflecting the Panda Game's transformation into a major regional spectacle that occasionally drew larger crowds than the national championship. Peaks exceeded 16,000 spectators at Lansdowne Park in the , with fans packing the stands for what had become a highlight of the Ottawa university sports calendar. This growth was fueled by the trophy's role in amplifying interest, as the stuffed panda's ritualistic exchanges between campuses turned the event into a of cross-town . Media coverage intensified during this era, portraying the Panda Game as a cultural phenomenon that transcended athletics and captivated Ottawa's broader community. Newspapers and local broadcasts highlighted the competitive stakes alongside the pageantry, often framing it as a battle for local bragging rights that united students from both institutions in spirited anticipation. Student involvement reached new heights, with organized promotions evolving the matchup into a premier social event; activities included commando-style raids to "kidnap" Pedro, themed weeks shifting from "Hate Week" to "Love Week" to curb vandalism, and halftime antics like releasing greased pigs in 1977, all of which fostered a sense of shared rivalry and campus camaraderie. These elements not only boosted participation but also embedded the game in the social fabric of Ottawa-Carleton universities, drawing thousands into pre-game festivities and post-victory celebrations.

Pre-1987 Competitions and Attendance Peaks

In the early 1980s, the Panda Game saw a marked increase in competitiveness as Carleton University mounted several upsets against the traditionally dominant University of Ottawa Gee-Gees. Carleton secured victories in 1980 (30–21), 1983 (28–23), 1984 (30–18), and 1985 (34–27), narrowing Ottawa's series lead and injecting new intensity into the matchup. Ottawa responded with shutout wins in 1981 (29–0) and 1982 (19–7), but the 1986 contest exemplified the tightening rivalry, with Ottawa prevailing in a one-point thriller, 30–29. Attendance at these games consistently surpassed 10,000 spectators, reflecting the event's growing status as Ottawa's premier university sporting spectacle. The 1980 Panda Game drew 15,000 fans to Frank Clair Stadium at Lansdowne Park, and crowds swelled to around 20,000 by the mid-1980s, often filling large portions of the venue's approximately 30,000-seat capacity. The rivalry intensified through vibrant student-led traditions, including chants, parades, and pre-game tailgates that transformed the weekend into a citywide celebration. Media coverage amplified the hype, portraying the Panda Game as one of Canada's foremost university football rivalries, with the electric atmosphere at Lansdowne Park—characterized by raucous supporter sections and standing-room overflows—underscoring its cultural prominence.

The 1987 Tragedy

Incident at Lansdowne Park

The 1987 Panda Game took place on October 17 at Lansdowne Park in , drawing a crowd of approximately 20,000 spectators amid a period of rising attendance for the annual rivalry in the preceding years. The University of Ottawa Gee-Gees faced the Ravens, with the Ravens securing a narrow victory by a score of 8–4. The game proceeded into halftime without major disruptions on the field, but the event's festive atmosphere quickly turned chaotic as enthusiastic fans, particularly on the Carleton side, surged toward the stands' barriers in an attempt to access the playing field. During halftime celebrations, a 30-foot section of guard railing on the north side of the stadium, supporting the section, suddenly gave way under the pressure of dozens of students leaning, hanging, and climbing on it. This structural failure, exacerbated by severe in the packed stands, caused at least 25 students to plummet approximately four meters headfirst onto the concrete below, while an additional 15 were injured in the ensuing crush. In total, around 30 individuals were rushed to hospitals, suffering injuries including broken bones, concussions, and more severe trauma; one female student sustained a broken and remained in a for 20 days, though she ultimately survived with lasting effects. The collapse occurred during , delaying the game by approximately one hour as emergency services responded. No fatalities occurred, yet the event highlighted vulnerabilities in the venue's aging infrastructure under high-capacity crowds typical of the Panda Game's growing popularity.

Immediate Aftermath and Safety Reforms

Following the collapse of a section of railing at Lansdowne Park during the 1987 Panda Game, which injured over 30 spectators, the incident prompted immediate scrutiny of the venue's infrastructure. An engineering report was commissioned by the City of Ottawa to assess the structural integrity of the stadium's handrails, with findings presented to city council amid pending litigation from affected students. Widespread media coverage, including reports from CBC and major newspapers, highlighted concerns over overcrowding and poor maintenance, fueling public outcry from residents and officials who criticized the event's rowdy atmosphere and inadequate oversight. In response, the 1988 Panda Game implemented significant operational adjustments to prioritize safety. Organizers curtailed ticket sales to limit capacity and reduce in standing areas, while enhancing measures that included a heavier police presence to monitor crowd behavior and prevent rushes toward the field. Student unions from both universities proposed additional reforms, such as stricter alcohol controls, designated non-alcoholic events, and restrictions on field access, aiming to curb the excessive drinking and disorder that contributed to the prior year's chaos. Although specific enhancements to medical staffing were not detailed in contemporary accounts, the overall push for better precautions reflected a commitment to avoiding similar incidents. The led to a temporary decline in attendance for the 1988 game, with reports noting subdued and lower turnout due to lingering fears and the new restrictions. However, enthusiasm rebounded quickly in subsequent years as fans adapted to the responsible behavior campaigns promoted by the universities and authorities. On a broader scale, the event spurred initial discussions and task forces within Ottawa's university community on improving , influencing local protocols for and venue inspections in Canadian university sports gatherings, though national standards evolved more gradually through ongoing advocacy.

Hiatus Period

Cancellation in 1998

In 1998, suspended its football program amid mounting financial pressures and declining interest. The decision followed a in which undergraduates voted 2-1 against a proposed increase to the athletic fee, which would have provided necessary funding to sustain the team. Compounding these issues were the program's poor recent performance—a 13-58-1 record over the prior decade—and consistently low attendance figures, often below 1,500 spectators per game. The final Panda Game that year exemplified these challenges, as it was relocated from the traditional Lansdowne Park—then in disrepair—to Carleton's on-campus Keith Harris Stadium due to scheduling conflicts and venue availability issues. Played on October 17, the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees defeated the 59-17 before a sparse crowd of approximately 1,000 fans, marking a stark contrast to the event's historical attendance peaks. This shift to a smaller facility in 1997 and 1998 further strained revenues, exacerbating the program's precarious financial situation. The suspension immediately ended the annual Panda Game rivalry, depriving both universities and the community of a longstanding tradition that had fostered intense competition since 1955. The bronze Pedro the Panda trophy, awarded to the winner since 1979, remained in the possession of the Gee-Gees following their 1998 victory, where it was displayed until the series' revival.

Revival Efforts Leading to 2013

Following the suspension of Carleton University's football program in 1998 due to financial constraints and a poor 1-7 record, the hiatus lasted 15 years, during which occasional discussions among alumni sought to reinstate the team. Momentum for revival began building in the late 2000s, with the university exploring options as early as 2009, including a survey indicating student receptiveness and plans to model the program after successful operations like that of . By 2011, alumni-led initiatives through the Old Crows Football Inc., a not-for-profit group of former players and supporters, had raised approximately $5 million to fund the program's rebirth, including a pivotal $2.5 million donation from alumnus and entrepreneur . The 2013 announcement of the program's return was driven by this secured funding, which ensured self-sustainability through donations and sponsorships without burdening university budgets, alongside the appeal of reviving the historic Panda Game rivalry with the Gee-Gees. Carleton president Roseann Runte highlighted student interest, noting feedback from both prospective players and spectators eager to attend games, while alumni like former Ian McKie expressed enthusiasm for building a competitive team to challenge Ottawa. To lead the effort, Steve Sumarah was appointed head coach on January 16, 2012, bringing experience from coaching the Saint Mary's Huskies and earning AUS Coach of the Year honors three times (2007–2009). Pre-revival logistics involved coordinating the team's entry into the (OUA) conference, expanding it to 11 teams for the 2013 season, and arrangements for the Pedro Trophy's return as the Panda Game symbol. The trophy was modernized that year by local artist Dale Dunning into an aluminum bear sculpture, preserving its legacy while updating it for the renewed series. Cultural momentum grew from for the rivalry's traditions, with alumni events and university communications emphasizing the event's role in fostering and community ties between the two institutions.

Modern Revival

Restart of the Series

Following successful revival efforts between the and , the Panda Game returned on October 5, 2013, at Gee-Gees Field on the University of Ottawa's Lees Campus. The secured a decisive 35-10 victory over the in this inaugural renewed matchup, reclaiming dominance in the rivalry after a 15-year absence. The trophy, the iconic stuffed panda bear emblem of the series, was presented to the Gee-Gees for the first time since , symbolizing the restoration of and bridging the gap between the pre-hiatus era and the modern competition. This award underscored the event's historical continuity. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm, as players and coaches highlighted the game's role in fostering pride and recruiting appeal for both programs. Over 4,000 fans packed the stadium, marking a sold-out that generated heightened and a vibrant "Pandamonium" environment under sunny skies, with the game broadcast on Sportsnet 360. This attendance reflected the immediate success of the revival in rekindling community interest. The matchup was slotted into the regular-season schedules of both teams within the (OUA) conference, establishing it as an fixture moving forward.

Return to TD Place Stadium

Following the 2013 revival game at Gee-Gees Field, the Panda Game returned to its historic home at in 2014 after the venue's extensive renovation, which transformed the former Lansdowne Park site into a modern facility capable of hosting large crowds safely. The stadium, with a exceeding 24,000, allowed for a significant increase in attendance compared to the smaller on-campus field, enhancing the event's atmosphere and community draw. The 2014 matchup marked a dramatic return, as the secured an upset victory over the with a 33-31 win on a last-second from Jesse Mills to receiver Nathaniel Behar (tipped by Randy Williams), captivating the crowd and rekindling the rivalry's intensity at the upgraded venue. The renovation incorporated post-1987 safety reforms, including reinforced modern railings and improved measures, ensuring compliance with contemporary standards to prevent past incidents like the 1987 railing collapse. TD Place Stadium has served as the annual host for the Panda Game continuously since 2014 through 2025, solidifying its role as the rivalry's central stage. Notable sellouts underscored the event's growing popularity, including 23,329 fans in 2016 when Carleton defeated 43-23; 24,420 in 2017 for Carleton's 33-30 double-overtime thriller; 24,600 in 2019, setting a modern attendance record; and 23,030 in 2025 for Carleton's 20-14 victory. These large turnouts highlight the venue's ability to accommodate enthusiastic supporters while maintaining safety through its updated design.

Competition Records

Overall Series Statistics

The Panda Game, the annual Canadian university football rivalry between the Gee-Gees and the Ravens, has been contested 56 times as of the 2025 edition, covering the periods from 1955 to 1998 and 2013 to 2025, excluding the 2020 cancellation due to the . The maintains a commanding series lead with 38 wins compared to Carleton's 18.
TeamWinsLossesTotal Games
Ottawa Gee-Gees381856
Carleton Ravens183856
Ottawa has enjoyed a pronounced home-field advantage throughout the series, particularly at TD Place Stadium, where the Gee-Gees have secured the majority of their victories, including a 7–5 edge in the modern era (2013–2025, excluding 2020). Since the revival in 2013, all games have been hosted at TD Place, contributing to Ottawa's six-game winning streak from 2018 to 2024 before Carleton's 20–14 upset victory in 2025. Attendance for the Panda Game has surged in the post-revival period, averaging approximately 20,000 fans per contest and reflecting its status as a major U Sports event in . The series record for crowds was set in 2019 with 24,600 spectators witnessing Ottawa's 32–10 win, surpassing previous modern-era highs like the 23,329 in 2016. Recent editions, including the 2025 game with 23,030 in attendance, have consistently sold out, underscoring the rivalry's enduring community draw.

Notable Games and Milestones

One of the most dominant performances in Panda Game history occurred in 1957, when the Gee-Gees defeated the 44–0, marking the largest margin of victory in the series. This shutout came during a period of Gee-Gees supremacy, as they went on to win the next six consecutive games, underscoring the early intensity of the . The 2015 edition stands as the highest-scoring Panda Game to date, with the edging out the Gee-Gees 48–45 in double for a thrilling total of 93 points. kicker Michael Domagala sealed the victory with a 17-yard on the final play, capping a back-and-forth contest that highlighted the offensive firepower of both teams. The game's excitement contributed to its status as a defining moment in the modern revival of the series. In 2025, the snapped the Gee-Gees' six-game winning streak with a 20–14 victory on October 5 at , reclaiming the Pedro the Panda trophy in front of 23,030 fans. This upset featured key defensive stands and field goals by , ending an eight-year drought for Carleton in the . The series has also faced significant disruptions that tested its continuity. The 2020 Panda Game was cancelled due to the , marking the first forfeiture since 1998 and halting the annual tradition amid public health restrictions. Following the 2021 revival, large post-game gatherings in 's Sandy Hill neighbourhood led to disturbances, including and arrests, prompting enhanced crowd control measures. Similar issues persisted into 2022, influencing scheduling adjustments such as moving the 2023 game to a Sunday to better manage community impacts and student behavior.

Cultural and Community Impact

Traditions and Fan Culture

The Panda Game fosters a vibrant fan culture through a series of pre-game events that build excitement across both the and campuses. These include tailgate parties, such as the annual Pre-Panda Tailgate held in uOttawa's 90U residence parking lot, featuring food, music, and shuttle services to , as well as Carleton's Throwback events that incorporate similar gatherings to rally supporters. Themes of "pandamonium" permeate these festivities, with pranks, performances, and rivalry-fueled activities encouraging participants to embrace the event's playful chaos. Fan rituals add to the electric atmosphere, with supporters donning team colors—garnet and for Gee-Gees fans and and for —often complemented by face paint and coordinated chants like "#BringPedroHome" on to hype the . Post-game parties have long been a staple, though they evolved from the 1980s era of unrestrained, alcohol-fueled celebrations that sometimes led to rowdy antics, such as the release of greased pigs at in 1977. The 1987 tragedy, where a railing injured dozens, prompted early shifts toward enhanced safety measures influencing modern fan behaviors. In response to disturbances following the 2021 Panda Game, including a flipped and assaults during off-campus block parties in Sandy Hill, both universities and authorities implemented stricter alcohol restrictions, such as zero-tolerance policies for impairment at TD Place, bans on outside alcohol, and mandatory ID checks for in-stadium purchases. These measures contributed to the 2025 edition's success, with no major incidents reported despite high attendance and a 100% decrease in mischief since 2022. To boost student turnout amid these changes, initiatives like ticket giveaways for residence students and discounted access via university email have been promoted, helping maintain crowds exceeding 20,000 while emphasizing safe, on-campus celebrations. Central to the traditions is , the stuffed panda trophy first awarded in , which holds a ceremonial role in post-game rituals. The winning team parades Pedro through campus celebrations and guards it vigilantly to prevent "panda-nappings"—historical pranks where fans from the opposing side attempt to steal the , a practice that has persisted since the rivalry's early years despite Pedro's evolution into more durable bronze and aluminum versions.

Significance to Universities and Ottawa

The Panda Game serves as a cornerstone of inter-university for the Gee-Gees and Ravens, fostering intense and community pride among students, , and faculty. As the largest university sporting event in , it enhances the overall student experience by uniting campuses in a shared that dates back to 1955, providing bragging rights and boosting morale during the regular season. The event's playful yet competitive nature, exemplified by historical antics like the "Pandanappings" of the Pedro the Panda trophy, strengthens institutional identity and engagement, with the maintaining a dominant historical record that amplifies its cultural resonance on both campuses. For the city of Ottawa, the Panda Game represents a venerable fall tradition that draws over 24,000 fans annually to , including approximately 60% students, making it the highest-attended event in and a key driver of local community cohesion. It generates an estimated $3 million in economic impact through attendance, events, and related activities, while promoting public safety and engagement via university-led initiatives such as community door-knocking campaigns reaching over 3,000 homes, Party Safer Fairs, training sessions, and post-game cleanup efforts. These programs underscore the game's role in building a safer, more connected , transforming a historic student into a city-wide spectacle that highlights the universities' contributions to regional vitality.

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