National College Mascot Day

College students dressed in their school colors, cheering on their mascots with painted faces, foam fingers, and pompoms in a buzzing stadium.. — National college mascot day illustration

Welcome to National College Mascot Day! Get ready to unleash your school spirit and show some love for your favorite college mascots. Whether it's a roaring lion, a feisty bulldog, or a dancing squirrel (yes, they exist), college mascots bring a unique energy to every game and campus event. It's time to celebrate these furry (or not-so-furry) symbols of school pride!

When is College Mascot Day?

It's national college mascot day on the 17th June.

The Origin of National College Mascot Day

It's hard to imagine college life without those funny and fuzzy characters that cheer on the sidelines. But did you know that National College Mascot Day was actually created on June 17, 2018? It all started with a wave of social media posts, as college students and sports enthusiasts showcased their beloved mascots online. The hashtag #NationalCollegeMascotDay quickly gained popularity and became an annual celebration.

This special day not only pays tribute to these spirited mascots but also highlights the importance of school pride, teamwork, and the exciting atmosphere that college sports bring to campus life.

The Mascot Magic Unleashed

College mascots are more than just fluffy entertainers; they play an integral role in boosting team spirit and creating an engaging sports environment. From leading cheers to pumping up the crowd, these mascots are the life of the party.

Behind those oversized costumes and goofy antics are dedicated individuals who embody the spirit of their schools. They spend countless hours practicing routines, perfecting their dance moves, and embracing the challenges that come with being a mascot.

Not only do they entertain the crowd during halftime shows, but they also act as ambassadors for their universities, making appearances at community events and charity functions. These mascots become an iconic symbol of school identity and bring joy to students, alumni, and fans of all ages.

Let's Celebrate with the Mascots

On National College Mascot Day, schools and colleges across the country organize exciting events and activities to honor their mascots. Here are a few ways you can join in the celebration:

Wear your school colors or don your favorite college merch
Show off your mascot love on social media using the hashtag #NationalCollegeMascotDay
Attend a local college sports game and cheer on the team with your mascot
Create your own DIY college mascot costume and have some fun
Learn about the history and significance of your school's mascot

Remember, National College Mascot Day is all about embracing school spirit, having a good time, and honoring those lovable mascots that make college life even more unforgettable.

History behind the term 'College Mascot'

1880

The Birth of College Mascots

The concept of college mascots originated in the year 1880. At this time, colleges and universities started to adopt animals as their symbolic representations. These mascots were believed to bring luck, spirit, and a sense of unity to the students and athletes. The first recorded college mascot was a live goat named 'Domino,' which was adopted by the University of Chicago.

1916

Introducing Costumed Mascots

In 1916, the University of California, Berkeley introduced the first costumed college mascot named 'Oski.' Oski, dressed as a bear, became an iconic figure and set a trend for future college mascots. The concept of costumed mascots quickly gained popularity among other universities, providing an entertaining and spirited presence at college athletic events.

1930

Mascots in Sports Merchandise

In the 1930s, college mascots started to appear on sports merchandise, becoming an integral part of the growing sports industry. The use of mascots on merchandise, such as clothing, hats, and souvenirs, not only helped promote school spirit but also generated revenue for the colleges and universities. This trend continues to this day, with college mascot merchandise being highly sought after by fans and collectors.

1950

Mascot Competitions and Traditions

During the 1950s, college mascots became more than just symbolic figures. They started to actively participate in various competitions and engage in playful rivalries with other mascots. Mascot competitions, where mascots showcased their skills and personalities, became a popular tradition at college sporting events. These competitions further elevated the importance and recognition of college mascots.

1974

Mascots as Symbols of School Identity

By the 1970s, college mascots had become powerful symbols of school identity and pride. They were not only associated with sports but also represented the overall spirit and values of the institutions. Mascots became central figures in rallies, pep events, and community outreach programs, fostering a sense of belonging and unity among students, alumni, and fans.

2005

Digital Mascots - Expanding the Reach

With the advancement of technology and the rise of social media, college mascots found a new platform to engage with a wider audience. Digital mascots, animated or virtual representations of the mascots, were introduced in 2005. These digital mascots provided a unique way to interact with fans online, entertain and promote the school's brand beyond the traditional physical presence.

Did you know?

Did you know that the most famous college mascot is the University of Georgia's English Bulldog named 'Uga'? Uga has been the official live mascot of the University of Georgia football team since 1956, and each Uga bulldog is owned by the Seiler family of Savannah, Georgia. Talk about a prestigious pup!