May I ask why he is wearing a monocle and a top hat like mr. peanut lolAre you not entertained!?!?! If I had the time and the resources I would get a Blocky costume made and go up to the Toledo game and kick that bird's @$$
View attachment 27757
May I ask why he is wearing a monocle and a top hat like mr. peanut lolAre you not entertained!?!?! If I had the time and the resources I would get a Blocky costume made and go up to the Toledo game and kick that bird's @$$
View attachment 27757
I vote for the Galloping Ghost, with a ghost costume with an orange and blue robe, maybe some type of face mask. Importantly, the ghost rides a horse! Before games the ghost could take the horse around tailgating.I asked AI for some ideas using Mr. Red Grange as an example.
Here are the results. #3 is interesting to me.
1. The Galloping Ghost: This mascot would pay homage to Red Grange's nickname and his incredible speed and agility on the football field. The Galloping Ghost mascot could be depicted as a spirited ghost wearing an Illinois football jersey, running with a football in hand. This mascot would capture the excitement and energy that Grange brought to the game.
2. The Illini Ironman: Another option could be a mascot inspired by Grange's toughness and durability. Known for his ability to play through injuries and his physical style of play, Grange was often referred to as an "ironman." The Illini Ironman mascot could be portrayed as a muscular figure wearing Illinois football gear, showcasing strength and resilience.
3. The Flying Illini: Red Grange's ability to make acrobatic leaps and high-flying plays on the field could inspire a mascot that embodies this aerial prowess. The Flying Illini mascot could be depicted as a soaring figure with wings, wearing an Illinois jersey. This mascot would symbolize the team's ability to reach new heights and achieve greatness.
These are just a few ideas for mascots that could be inspired by Red Grange at the University of Illinois. Ultimately, the choice of a mascot would depend on various factors such as fan preferences, design considerations, and university approval.
My guess is because it's both funny and distinguished. Much better than just a plain old Block I with arms and legs.May I ask why he is wearing a monocle and a top hat like mr. peanut lol
1. Me, no. But it's not for me. It's for my kids who like going to Chicago Dogs games and seeing Mustard and Ketchup walking around the park or getting a selfie with Southpaw - aka future fans of the team.Several questions for the Pro-Mascot crowd:
1. Will a mascot cause you personally to attend more football games? Or conversely, does the lack of a mascot (NOTE--Chief was not a mascot) keep you from attending games?
2. Will a mascot increase attendance overall?
3. Will a mascot improve the quality of our football program? (in other words, how many extra wins per year will a mascot bring?
4. Will a mascot boost the national profile of the football program and the university in general?
He also should have a goatee, but I forgot to add it. Anyway, he is sophisticated, but yet mischievous. He can be kind, but also cunning. He can lead the band and stare down Fran. He is Blocky the I.May I ask why he is wearing a monocle and a top hat like mr. peanut lol
A galloping ghost makes too much sense, they’ll never go for it.I vote for the Galloping Ghost, with a ghost costume with an orange and blue robe, maybe some type of face mask. Importantly, the ghost rides a horse! Before games the ghost could take the horse around tailgating.
I mean, it’s just so perfect. I can already see him taking down that abomination mascot from Purdue.He also should have a goatee, but I forgot to add it. Anyway, he is sophisticated, but yet mischievous. He can be kind, but also cunning. He can lead the band and stare down Fran. He is Blocky the I.
Blocky has my voteHe also should have a goatee, but I forgot to add it. Anyway, he is sophisticated, but yet mischievous. He can be kind, but also cunning. He can lead the band and stare down Fran. He is Blocky the I.
Big yikes.so the school is asking the students about a mascot? 90% who don't go to the games or care about the teams, 20% of which are
from other countries and also don't care. oh, that's cute,,,i vote for it or, my dad doesn't like it so i vote for that. this is a question
for active alumni and fans who buy merch and attend games.
I know! We could have so much fun with this near Halloween.A galloping ghost makes too much sense, they’ll never go for it.
Thing is, mascots are universally associated in some way with the team name. I really can't think of a mascot that doesn't reflect that: bulldogs, badgers, even a nut. I guess Stanford is the only one that comes to mind, trees. How long do we think it would take for a bird to be associated with Fighting Illini?1. Me, no. But it's not for me. It's for my kids who like going to Chicago Dogs games and seeing Mustard and Ketchup walking around the park or getting a selfie with Southpaw - aka future fans of the team.
2. Again, make more young fans now, get more attendance down the road
3. It's not going to be the cornerstone of recruiting, but no reason it can't be part of the overall package like Brutus or Sparty
4. Our mascot - whatever it ends up being - goofing around with the Ohio St. Alabama, Oregon, PSU mascots in commercials? Lee Corso or whoever follows him putting on our mascot head to predict a big win on Gameday? It can't hurt
Pick something fun, make a good costume, introduce it and market it in an entertaining way (which I think our media team is fully capable of) and there's no reason why it couldn't.
Pete from Purdue?Thing is, mascots are universally associated in some way with the team name. I really can't think of a mascot that doesn't reflect that: bulldogs, badgers, even a nut. I guess Stanford is the only one that comes to mind, trees. How long do we think it would take for a bird to be associated with Fighting Illini?
We really don't need a mascot. And whether you (not you specifically) don't like the semantics of symbol vs mascot, the Chief was never one to goof around with a nut, an elephant, or whatever.
Thing is, mascots are universally associated in some way with the team name. I really can't think of a mascot that doesn't reflect that: bulldogs, badgers, even a nut. I guess Stanford is the only one that comes to mind, trees. How long do we think it would take for a bird to be associated with Fighting Illini?
We really don't need a mascot. And whether you (not you specifically) don't like the semantics of symbol vs mascot, the Chief was never one to goof around with a nut, an elephant, or whatever.
I have yet to hear a good argument for having a mascot. The Chief was a symbol that was respected. When I was a child, we were taught to stand, clap along and sing along. If we didn't, we faced the consequences. That is the real issue IMO. Entitled parents teach entitled children that they can do whatever they want. What would be the point of putting an Illinois shirt on some random creature? How is that fun? Mascots are childish and pointless. Chief was a symbol to be respected and cannot even be compared to a mascot.It's not the norm, but these guys beg to differ:
We have a team name that is non-specific enough that you could pretty much use anything as a mascot. Put a bird (or otter or Gritty-esque wildcard) in a U of I uniform and that's all you really need. Move on. Make a new, fun tradition. Chief is gone and thankfully not coming back.
"Alma Otter definitely an upgrade over our current mascot (a middle-aged Central Illinoisan who repeatedly says "ACTUALLY the Chief was a symbol, not a mascot")"I have yet to hear a good argument for having a mascot. The Chief was a symbol that was respected. When I was a child, we were taught to stand, clap along and sing along. If we didn't, we faced the consequences. That is the real issue IMO. Entitled parents teach entitled children that they can do whatever they want. What would be the point of putting an Illinois shirt on some random creature? How is that fun? Mascots are childish and pointless. Chief was a symbol to be respected and cannot even be compared to a mascot.