Live Animal Mascots Inspire Fans, Create Deep Connections with Their Teams

From Ralphie to Uga: How live animal mascots inspire college fans and create deep connections with their teams

BOULDER, Colo. — The newest star for the Colorado Buffaloes loves molasses-based treats, drinking straight from the water hose at her ranch and galloping in front of a stadium full of fans. Ralphie VII made her much-anticipated debut last weekend, the year-old, 700-pound ball of bison energy bursting out of her end-zone stall as “Heeeeere comes Ralphie” blared from the Folsom Field speakers. With her romp just past midfield, one of the GOATs of …

Live animal mascots inspire fans, create deep connections with their teams

Live mascots, like Colorado's Ralphie VII, inspire fans and foster deep connections with their teams.

From Ralphie to Uga, live animal mascots inspire fans and create deep connections with their teams

Ralphie VII, the new live mascot for the Colorado Buffaloes, has made her debut, thrilling fans at Folsom Field. The year-old bison, weighing 700 pounds, ran across the field last weekend, marking the return of one of college football's beloved live animal mascots. Ralphie VII had missed the first two home games as she got up to speed. Live mascots like Ralphie inspire fans and foster deep connections with their teams. Other famous live mascots …