Last Updated: January 8, 2026
The Capital Hoops Classic is Canada’s most electrifying university basketball showdown, drawing over 7,000 fans to TD Place as the Carleton Ravens and Ottawa Gee-Gees battle for bragging rights in the national capital. This February 6, 2026 doubleheader marks the 19th edition of a rivalry that has attracted more than 100,000 fans since its inception—the most attended regular season basketball event in U Sports history.
Tickets go on sale today, January 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM, and they will sell out fast. Whether you’re a die-hard Ravens fan, a Gee-Gees loyalist, or simply curious about one of Ottawa’s most passionate sporting traditions, this guide covers everything you need to know.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Capital Hoops Classic 2026 happens Friday, February 6 at TD Place. Women’s game tips off at 6 PM, men’s at 8 PM. Tickets ($13-$50) on sale January 8. Free OC Transpo and campus shuttles available. Bring no bags—TD Place is cashless.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Date | Friday, February 6, 2026 |
| 📍 Location | The Arena at TD Place, 1015 Bank Street |
| ⏰ Women’s Tip-Off | 6:00 PM |
| ⏰ Men’s Tip-Off | 8:00 PM |
| 🎟️ Tickets | $13–$50 (on sale January 8 at 10 AM) |
| 🚗 Parking | TD Place underground garage, pre-book recommended |
What Is the Capital Hoops Classic?
TD Place Arena transforms into a sea of red and maroon when these rivals clash.
The Capital Hoops Classic pits the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees against the Carleton University Ravens in a men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader that has been called a “civil war on the hardwood.” The event showcases four elite U Sports teams competing on the same night at TD Place, creating an atmosphere unlike any other regular season university game in Canada.
What makes this rivalry so special? The two campuses sit just 15 minutes apart—Ottawa in Sandy Hill, Carleton between Old Ottawa South and Dow’s Lake, connected by Colonel By Drive. Students, alumni, faculty, and Ottawa locals fill the arena wearing school colours, creating an electric environment that rivals professional sports.
The 2025 edition drew 7,048 fans and saw split results: the Ravens women edged the Gee-Gees 58-54, while Ottawa’s men rallied for a 79-66 victory. With the 2026 matchup approaching, both programs are hungry for a sweep.
A History of the Rivalry
The rivalry has grown from a single game in 2007 to Ottawa’s premier university sports event.
The Capital Hoops Classic began on January 23, 2007, when nearly 9,720 fans packed Scotiabank Place to watch the men’s teams face off. Ottawa’s Josh Gibson-Bascombe hit a buzzer-beater to secure a 64-62 victory in what would become the foundation of this annual tradition.
Key Milestones:
- 2007: Inaugural game draws record 9,720 fans for a regular season U Sports basketball game
- 2008: Women’s doubleheader added, with 9,124 spectators attending
- 2009: Attendance reaches 10,523 fans
- 2012: Carleton records largest margin of victory—40 points over Ottawa
- 2015: Record attendance of 10,780 fans; both teams ranked in CIS top two
- 2020: Event moves to TD Place Arena (Lansdowne Park)
- 2021: Games cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions
- 2022: Returns with limited capacity at Carleton’s Ravens Nest
- 2023-Present: Back at TD Place with full crowds
Series Records (as of February 2025):
| Category | Carleton | Ottawa |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s Overall | 13 wins | 5 wins |
| Women’s Overall | 12 wins | 5 wins |
The Ravens have dominated historically, but the Gee-Gees have proven they can compete at the highest level, making every matchup unpredictable.
The Complete Rivalry Series
Capital Hoops is the third and final event in the annual Carleton-Ottawa Rivalry Series. Understanding the full picture helps appreciate just how deep this competition runs.
The Panda Game (October)
The oldest and most storied event in the series, the Panda Game features Canadian football at TD Place Stadium. Named after Pedro the Panda trophy (created in 1955), this game regularly draws 23,000-24,000 fans. The trophy has been parachuted from stadium roofs, buried under soccer pitches, and transported in armoured trucks over its 60+ year history.
Colonel By Classic (November)
A hockey doubleheader at TD Place Arena named after the road connecting both universities. The 2024 edition saw Carleton’s men win 5-4 in overtime while Ottawa’s women claimed their fourth straight victory.
Capital Hoops Classic (February)
The basketball finale that brings the series to a climactic end each winter. Many fans purchase the Rivalry Series Package to attend all three events.
Bytown Battle (November)
An earlier-season basketball doubleheader at Montpetit Hall on the U of O campus serves as a preview to Capital Hoops. In 2025, Carleton won both games in tight contests.
TD Place Arena: Your Venue Guide
TD Place at Lansdowne Park offers modern amenities and excellent sightlines for basketball.
The Arena at TD Place sits within the Lansdowne Park complex in Ottawa’s Glebe neighbourhood. This modern venue has hosted Capital Hoops since 2020, providing a purpose-built atmosphere for the rivalry.
Address: 1015 Bank Street, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W7
Gate Information:
- Main gates: Gates 2 and 3
- Accessibility entrance: Gate 1
- Gates open 1 hour before the women’s game (5:00 PM)
- No re-entry policy—once you leave, you cannot return
Arena Capacity: Over 10,000 for basketball configurations
Tickets and Pricing
Tickets for Capital Hoops Classic 2026 go on sale Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 10:00 AM. Based on historical demand, they will sell out within days.
Price Range: $13–$50 (plus fees and taxes)
Purchasing Options:
- TD Place box office
- Online through official university athletic websites
- Rivalry Series Package (includes Panda Game, Colonel By Classic, and Capital Hoops)
Pro Tip: If you plan to attend all three rivalry events, the package deal offers better value and guarantees your spot at each game.
Getting There: Parking and Transit
Free OC Transpo Transit
Capital Hoops ticket holders receive free OC Transpo transit for 3 hours before and after the event. Simply show your event ticket to the bus operator. Routes #6 and #7 serve TD Place directly.
Free University Shuttles
Both universities operate free shuttles on game day:
Carleton Shuttle:
- Pickup: Ravens Nest (Carleton campus)
- Dropoff: Service Way between Gates 2 & 3
U of O Shuttle:
- Pickup: CRX Building
- Dropoff: Outside Gate 3, west side of Aberdeen Building
Shuttle Schedule:
- 5:30–7:45 PM: Every 15 minutes
- 8:00–10:00 PM: Every 30 minutes
- 10:00–10:45 PM: Every 15 minutes (last shuttle)
Driving and Parking
TD Place has over 1,000 underground parking spaces accessible from Bank Street and Exhibition Way.
- Pre-paid parking is strongly recommended
- No in-and-out privileges with pre-paid parking
- Accessibility parking: Call 613-690-0510 at least 48 hours in advance
Alternative Parking:
- Free on-street parking after 5:30 PM on Bank Street in the Glebe
- Greenboro Park & Ride with O-Train LRT access
- Downtown parking lots with bus #6/#7 connection
Food and Drinks at TD Place
TD Place offers diverse food options from pizza to shawarma.
TD Place is a cashless venue—bring a debit or credit card. Here’s what’s available during Capital Hoops:
| Vendor | Location | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Gabriel Pizza | Centre | Pizza, hot dogs, beverages |
| Little Italy | East | Pizza, popcorn, pretzel bites |
| Pure Foods | West | Nachos, pulled pork, poutine |
| Shawarma Palace | South | Shawarma, shawarma poutine |
| Offside Eatery | West | Quesatacos, mac & cheese |
| Lois N Frima’s | West | Ice cream, donuts, hot chocolate |
| Maverick’s Donuts | Various | Specialty donuts |
Beverage Notes:
- Maximum 1 alcoholic drink per purchase per person
- Bud Light and Budweiser available at multiple bar locations
- Non-alcoholic options include Pepsi products, water, and juice
Pro Tip: Lines grow during timeouts. Grab your food early or wait until between games.
What to Wear and Bring
Dress for February
Ottawa in February means temperatures between -5°C and 5°C. You’ll walk outdoors to reach the venue and again to leave, so dress in layers:
- Base layer: Thermal underwear or moisture-wicking material
- Mid-layer: Long-sleeved shirt or sweater
- Outer layer: Winter jacket (you’ll remove it inside the warm arena)
- Accessories: Warm hat, gloves, scarf, thick socks
- Footwear: Waterproof winter boots
What to Bring
Allowed:
- School colours and team gear (highly encouraged)
- Empty water bottle (1 per person)
- Phone, wallet, keys
Prohibited:
- Bags or backpacks
- Umbrellas
- Outside food or beverages
- Aerosol sunscreen
- Smoking/e-cigarettes
All guests are subject to pat-down searches and magnetometer screening at entry.
Tips for First-Timers
School spirit runs high—expect coordinated chants and passionate crowds.
Before Game Day:
- Buy tickets immediately when they go on sale (January 8 at 10 AM)
- Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately
- Plan your transportation—book parking or confirm shuttle times
- Leave bags at home to speed up entry
On Game Day:
- Arrive by 5:00 PM for the women’s game or 7:00 PM for men’s only
- Bring debit or credit card (no cash accepted)
- Wear your school colours proudly
- Explore food options before lines form
During the Event:
- Watch both games—women’s basketball showcases exceptional talent
- Join the chants and coordinated fan sections
- Respect the rival school while celebrating your own
- Stay through the final buzzer for the full experience
After the Event:
- Men’s games typically end around 10:00-10:15 PM
- Last shuttle leaves at 10:45 PM—don’t miss it
- Expect congested parking and transit for 15-20 minutes post-game
- Be respectful to neighbours in residential areas
Why This Matters to Ottawa
The Capital Hoops Classic represents more than basketball. It’s a celebration of university life, city pride, and the unique energy that comes from having two major universities in one capital city.
For students, it’s a rite of passage—painting faces, learning chants, and standing shoulder-to-shoulder with classmates. For alumni, it’s a chance to reconnect with campus culture and support programs that shaped their careers. For Ottawa residents, it’s an accessible, affordable sporting event that showcases world-class athletic talent right in the heart of Lansdowne Park.
The rivalry also matters competitively. Both programs consistently rank among Canada’s best, producing players who go on to professional careers in Canada and internationally. What you’re watching isn’t just school spirit—it’s high-level basketball.
FAQ
Q: When do Capital Hoops Classic 2026 tickets go on sale?
Tickets go on sale Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 10:00 AM through TD Place and official university athletic websites. Based on past years, they sell out within days, so act quickly if you want to attend.
Q: How much do Capital Hoops Classic tickets cost?
Prices range from $13 to $50 plus fees and taxes. The Rivalry Series Package bundling all three events (Panda Game, Colonel By Classic, Capital Hoops) offers better value for die-hard fans.
Q: What time do the games start?
The women’s game tips off at 6:00 PM, followed by the men’s game at 8:00 PM. Gates open at 5:00 PM, one hour before the first game.
Q: Is parking free at TD Place?
No, parking is paid and available in the underground garage. Pre-booking is strongly recommended as spaces fill up. Free street parking is available in the Glebe after 5:30 PM.
Q: Can I take the bus for free to Capital Hoops?
Yes, your event ticket includes free OC Transpo transit for 3 hours before and after the event. Routes #6 and #7 serve TD Place. Both universities also run free shuttles from campus.
Q: Are bags allowed inside TD Place?
No, bags and backpacks are prohibited. Bring only essentials like phone, wallet, and keys. All guests pass through security screening.
Q: Is TD Place a cashless venue?
Yes, TD Place only accepts debit and credit cards. No cash is accepted for food, drinks, or merchandise.
Q: Who is favoured to win Capital Hoops Classic 2026?
Historically, Carleton leads both the men’s (13-5) and women’s (12-5) series. However, Ottawa’s men won the most recent matchup 79-66 in 2025, so momentum could favour the Gee-Gees.
Q: What should I wear to Capital Hoops Classic?
Wear your school colours—red and black for Ottawa Gee-Gees, maroon and white for Carleton Ravens. Dress in layers for February weather since you’ll walk outdoors to and from the venue.
Q: Can I leave and re-enter TD Place during the games?
No, TD Place has a no re-entry policy. Once you exit the venue, you cannot return, so plan to stay for the full event.
Q: Is Capital Hoops Classic family-friendly?
Absolutely. While the atmosphere is intense, it’s appropriate for all ages. Kids enjoy the energy, music, and on-court entertainment between periods.
Q: Where can I watch if I can’t attend in person?
Capital Hoops Classic is typically broadcast nationally on CBC Sports. Check listings closer to game day for exact channels and streaming options.
Final Thoughts
The Capital Hoops Classic stands as one of Ottawa’s signature sporting events—a celebration of university pride, athletic excellence, and community spirit that draws thousands to Lansdowne Park each February. With tickets going on sale today (January 8) and the February 6 matchup approaching quickly, now is the time to secure your spot.
Whether you’re a lifelong Ravens supporter, a devoted Gee-Gees fan, or simply someone who appreciates the energy of a packed arena and fierce competition, Capital Hoops delivers an unforgettable experience. Arrive early, wear your colours proudly, and join the more than 100,000 fans who have made this rivalry a cornerstone of Ottawa’s winter calendar.
Sources: U Sports, Carleton University Athletics, University of Ottawa Athletics, TD Place. For the latest updates, visit the official Carleton Ravens and Ottawa Gee-Gees websites.
