5 Reasons to go to Panda
Why you won't want to miss the biggest game of the year
#1. The largest regular season university football game in Canada
Last year's Panda Game welcomed a record breaking 24,420 fans! Feel the electric energy at TD Place when the Gee-Gees play Carleton on September 29th. Let's fill the stands with Garnet and Grey.
#2. It's the 50th year.
This year marks the 50th time Pedro the Panda will be up for grabs. The first installment of the series saw the game played every year from 1955 to 1998. From 1999 to 2012, the game was put on hold due to the Carleton Ravens folding their program following the 1998 season. In 2013, the Panda Game saw a triumphant return when the Gee-Gees defeated the Ravens at newly-opened Gee-Gees Field. Upon it's opening in 2014, the game was shifted to TD Place, where it has been played in front of sold out crowds since.
#3. First of the Three Big Rivalry Events against Carleton
First there's the Panda Game, then the rivalry heats up once again on Nov. 16 for the Colonel By Classic as the Gee-Gees women's hockey team meets the Ravens at 11 a.m. at the Minto Sports Complex. Followed later that day by the men's hockey matchup at 7 p.m. at TD Place Arena. Make sure not to miss the Capital Hoops Classic on February 1, when both the women's and men's basketball teams battle it out on the court at the Canadian Tire Centre.
#4. Battle of nationally ranked teams
After the first three weeks of the regular season, both the Gee-Gees and the Ravens have been ranked in the U SPORTS Top 10. Coming off of a season where the Gee-Gees made it to the OUA playoffs, the Ravens are looking to find their way back in to the playoff conversation. With the Panda Game being right in the middle of the season, the game is an important one for determining play off positioning.
#5. BECAUSE IT'S PANDA.
Three simple words that tell you everything you need to know. You go because it's Panda. The atmosphere, the tradition, the rivalry, it is the centre of attention for an entire week every fall. There's nothing else like it!
