I didn’t know IU had a bulldog mascot.
- Thread starter 82hoosier
- Start date
Here’s a detailed history of IU mascots:
http://www.idsnews.com/article/2017/10/iu-mascots-are-ever-changing-still-not-yet-settled
http://www.idsnews.com/article/2017/10/iu-mascots-are-ever-changing-still-not-yet-settled
I hate the idea of a bison costume. Go big (live bison) or go home. Since we've now enclosed the stadium and there aren't a lot of obvious places to cage the bison, it's probably 'go home'. I do think a live bison would be a good & legit mascot, given its presence on the state seal.
The bulldog is cool too......has nothing to do with IU, but who doesn't like a bulldog? And it has a history. Only problem is keeping the carpet unstained.
I agree that the redneck costume was horrible......doesn't Nebraska have a guy who looks just like him??
There are a host of schools that have mascots that don’t really relate to the school name. Is an Aggie actually a Border Collie? I don’t know.
Then try to make a connection between the Auburn Tigers and an eagle that flies into the stadium called “War Eagle.” Where’s the connection?
The Stanford Cardinal? They have a ridiculous looking foam fir tree.
Mmm hmmm...got it. All makes sense.
Then try to make a connection between the Auburn Tigers and an eagle that flies into the stadium called “War Eagle.” Where’s the connection?
The Stanford Cardinal? They have a ridiculous looking foam fir tree.
Mmm hmmm...got it. All makes sense.
I'd suggest a small game day use only enclosure where our favorite local Bison (who I respectfully suggest be named "Fred") is put to work for an 8-9 hour shift (depending on the current Bison Guild bylaws).
If I'm designing things I'd go to two or three local Bison farms and contact 3 or 4 highly respected zoo keepers to be certain we aren't endangering either the Bison or the would be viewers then I'd give him enough room (and forage) and shade to be comfortable for that time span, and build a unique enclosure: first and closest to Fred being a Split Rail Fence, then an open area of 7 feet or so, then a 8 foot high (or whatever height the most motivated and athletic Bison on the planet can't clear) Bison proof fence (zoo & Bison rancher approved); then I'd build two viewing platforms (deck material style) with free viewing prior to kickoff...
Snort! That's my Bison buddy showing his approval...
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You forgot the best one:
https://www.sbnation.com/2017/6/30/15900920/big-red-western-kentucky-mascot-what
I don't see the need for a full scale costume. I think some really big guy decked out with a lifelike Bison head and a Crimson and Cream cheerleaders outfit would fit the bill just fine... Combined with our live Bison display and a flash of the old "thunder Bisons" up on the big screens at appropriate moments and we'd have the Bison mascot thing covered from nearly all angles...
Only IU seems to be hung up on history and mascot
thing, probably accounts for the fact we don't
have one. When was the last time one of these
roamed the state of Michigan?
The answer is obvious......Mr.Hoosier Pride driving a sooner wagon pulled by a bison with a bulldog passenger..........
Consider this:
IU is one of the only schools in the country without a mascot and also one of the losingest programs in college football history.
The schools that win have mascots, a rallying point.
The one and only year we introduced the mascot “Hoosier Pride” (yes - he looked like a pedophile), we had a great season and beat #9 BYU in a bowl.
IU fans are the only ones who think it somehow “avant-garde” to not have a mascot. Others schools think we are 100 years behind the times.
Western Kentucky has some red blob that nobody knows exactly what the hell it is....but the school loves this character called “Big Red.” It’s an identity and a rallying point.
IU is one of the only schools in the country without a mascot and also one of the losingest programs in college football history.
The schools that win have mascots, a rallying point.
The one and only year we introduced the mascot “Hoosier Pride” (yes - he looked like a pedophile), we had a great season and beat #9 BYU in a bowl.
IU fans are the only ones who think it somehow “avant-garde” to not have a mascot. Others schools think we are 100 years behind the times.
Western Kentucky has some red blob that nobody knows exactly what the hell it is....but the school loves this character called “Big Red.” It’s an identity and a rallying point.
Am I the only one so focused on the actual football game that contests, mascots, cheerleaders and the band are nothing but peripheral distractions?
Do you REALLY believe that a mascot and a winning football team is a cause and effect relationship? WOW
I don't think it is avant-garde, it is just that Hoosiers is not a quantifiable commodity. I personally think a bison is dumb but immensely better than the hay seed that roamed the sidelines.
I just don't see the need for a mascot just because other schools have them.
While in one sense they are peripheral distraction to the game, but they are a huge part of “game day”. And that is a component of putting fans in seats and keeping them there through halftime.
The team and coaching staff do everything they can to be the best they can be. The University has done its part to make the stadium the best it can be.
The day IU can stop focusing about the peripheral distractions is the day they sell out the spring game.
I love college football, and the game day atmosphere is like nothing else. Frankly, though, I think our "peripheral" stuff (including band and cheerleaders) is fine as is. Once we have the "primary" stuff (and I think we're almost there) of a team that doesn't blow late leads and knows how to win, you won't see the halftime exodus.While in one sense they are peripheral distraction to the game, but they are a huge part of “game day”. And that is a component of putting fans in seats and keeping them there through halftime.
The team and coaching staff do everything they can to be the best they can be. The University has done its part to make the stadium the best it can be.
The day IU can stop focusing about the peripheral distractions is the day they sell out the spring game.
Ouch! I read your post to Fred the 1st (the Bison) this morning and now I can't coax him out of his shelter for breakfast...
Actually, I'm mostly with you on this but the kids love the mascots and peripheral distractions... It's all part of a Big Time game day atmosphere... (in my opinion).
Hey....we might as well try it. Decades of no mascot hasn’t exactly brought us a bunch of luck. Couldn’t hurt. Schools start traditions all the time. This “jump around” thing at Wisconsin started in the 90s. It wasn’t something that had been around for years. Now, it’s instantly identifiable with Wisconsin and Camp Randal. Establish a symbol, something that is consistent and expected at every game. Part of going to games can be tied to expectations. If I go to Clemson, I know they are going to touch Howard’s Rock.
I’ve always embraced the idea of a mascot as a rallying point. Fans could agree or disagree but the point is they know win or lose, rain or shine, it will be there at the game Consistency. Part of the ritual and identity.
“You want to know our tradition? Nothing. When you come to our stadium, you see nothing. That’s our identity: empty space. How’s that for tradition? Come to Memorial Stadium and see a zombie marching band playing songs from the 1930s, no mascot....oh and that electrifying animated pizza race on the big screen. Which section gets the empty pizza box? What song will they choose through a text? Gee, will it be Sweet Caroline again?”
Simply electrifying promotions.
Maybe I’m completely missing your point, but “Sparty” is still alive and well at MSU games. Whether IU fans want to admit it or not, mascots appeal to kids, the more game day traditions, the more fans you get. That said, winning is obviously the best answer to filling the stadium.Only IU seems to be hung up on history and mascot
thing, probably accounts for the fact we don't
have one. When was the last time one of these
roamed the state of Michigan?
Maybe I am missing the point too. I do NOT go to games for game day traditions. I go to watch the game. Are there really fans that go to Camp Randell for the jump or to MSU for Sparty or to OSU for Brutus. I don't think so, they go because those programs have a history of WINNING. Re. IU bball.
Your last line say it all for me.
My point here is many seem to think you can not have
a mascot that does not have history in the state, e.g.
a buffalo would be acceptable and a tiger would not. I
think a mascot history is a ridiculous requirement.
Personally I prefer a bear. Hoosier Bears, now doesn't
that have a nice ring to it?
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You had better have a winning team
if you are going to use that.
You want a tradition?
As soon as the game ends and IU wins, have the players run to the southwest corner of the field, point to the fans in a salute of gratitude, and run all along the inside of the stadium, acknowledging the fans, until they reach the southeast corner. Once there we immediately run the victory flag up FRED'S BIG ARSE FLAG POLE while the entire stadium sings "Indiana, Our Indiana". Don't wait 30 minutes until the stadium is completely empty to raise it.
#LEO
As soon as the game ends and IU wins, have the players run to the southwest corner of the field, point to the fans in a salute of gratitude, and run all along the inside of the stadium, acknowledging the fans, until they reach the southeast corner. Once there we immediately run the victory flag up FRED'S BIG ARSE FLAG POLE while the entire stadium sings "Indiana, Our Indiana". Don't wait 30 minutes until the stadium is completely empty to raise it.
#LEO
Il. I just
I go to watch the game also, but PLENTY of people do go for traditions, just ask the thousands of our students that go for the “IU tailgate” and never set foot inside Memorial Stadium . Not a good tradition, but it is one nonetheless.
