NFL mascots meeting isn't just fun and games
Bob Young
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 1, 2005 12:00 AM
If you're like us, you're probably wondering what Big Red and a bunch of his mascot buddies can possibly be discussing during the fifth NFL Mascots Convention that's taking place this week at the Cardinals' Tempe training facility.
With the reader's Right to Know in mind, and with nothing better to do Thursday, The Heat Index was dispatched to sneak around out there, where we got an exclusive look at their Official Convention Itinerary:
8 a.m. - Suit up! Group photo.
Morning session
8:30 - Never let 'em see you sweat: How to survive 120 degrees in a fluffy suit.
9 - Febreze: Miracle or science?
9:30 - Dance symposium: Shake that over-stuffed booty like J.Lo.
10:30 - Urine for trouble: What happens when you absolutely, positively have to go while covered by foam and synthetic feathers?
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Lunch. Your choice of strawberry, banana or chocolate meal-replacement shake (bring your own SpongeBob Silly Straw).
Mid-day session
12:30 - Physics of the Pogo Stick.
1:30 - Group Discussion: Is lifting a leg on the referee appropriate?
2 - Living a double life: When should the costume stay in the closet?
2:30 - Arbuckle to Zeppo: Old-School Slapstick from A to Z.
3:30 - Keeping it together: Don't lose your head like the Philly Phanatic.
4-5 - Afternoon Air Out.
Evening session
5:30-6:30 - Keynote Speaker Ted Giannoulas: "Don't be a Chicken (Or I'll Sue)."
The real story
OK, we're going to confess. We might have made some of that up. Hey, it's April Fool's Day.
But we actually did go to the Cardinals complex, which it turns out is a place and not something their fans have.
We wanted to find out what these mascots really talk about at a convention.
We spoke to Big Red of the Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles mascot SWOOP and TORO, the Houston Texans' mascot.
"We trade ideas," said SWOOP, who like the other mascots must keep his real identity a secret. "It's almost like a trade show, but a little more fun.
"We talk about skits, see the new products that can be used, like that (pointing to a Flybar by Pogo Stick). We can talk about how we can use it, discuss pyro (fireworks), just ways to better our character and market ourselves."
TORO, who explained the all-capitals spelling is "a branding thing," said different mascots are approached by different companies with props and products. At the convention, they can tell others about them.
"You might say, 'Hey, I used this thing and it doesn't work very well.' "
We also learned that Arizona State is the cradle of mascots. The school's gymnastics program has produced several NBA mascots (including the man in The Gorilla outfit). Big Red also is a former Sun Devils gymnast, who doubles as Sparky the ASU mascot.
Two alter egos. That must be confusing.
"We need to keep the identity secret because it keeps your character separate and gives it that semi-, B-level, celebrity status," SWOOP said. "It's also a sales technique."
"It's part of the aura, the image, the mystique," Big Red added.
Mascots do their game-day stuff, but that's just a small part of the gig. Personal appearances like visiting children's hospitals, as these mascots will do this week, also play into it.
"We're a living, breathing logo people can interact with," SWOOP said. "I do 30-40 weddings a year. Eagles fans are obsessed."
We're not sure why anybody would invite a mascot to their wedding, but evidently it's common.
"You dance for a half hour, take some pictures," SWOOP said.
"You know the money dance?" Big Red asked. "I've done that before, where they pin money on you like the bride and groom."
And USA Today ranked this as one of the worst jobs in sports?
Bob Young
The Arizona Republic
Apr. 1, 2005 12:00 AM
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If you're like us, you're probably wondering what Big Red and a bunch of his mascot buddies can possibly be discussing during the fifth NFL Mascots Convention that's taking place this week at the Cardinals' Tempe training facility.
With the reader's Right to Know in mind, and with nothing better to do Thursday, The Heat Index was dispatched to sneak around out there, where we got an exclusive look at their Official Convention Itinerary:
8 a.m. - Suit up! Group photo.
Morning session
8:30 - Never let 'em see you sweat: How to survive 120 degrees in a fluffy suit.
9 - Febreze: Miracle or science?
9:30 - Dance symposium: Shake that over-stuffed booty like J.Lo.
10:30 - Urine for trouble: What happens when you absolutely, positively have to go while covered by foam and synthetic feathers?
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. - Lunch. Your choice of strawberry, banana or chocolate meal-replacement shake (bring your own SpongeBob Silly Straw).
Mid-day session
12:30 - Physics of the Pogo Stick.
1:30 - Group Discussion: Is lifting a leg on the referee appropriate?
2 - Living a double life: When should the costume stay in the closet?
2:30 - Arbuckle to Zeppo: Old-School Slapstick from A to Z.
3:30 - Keeping it together: Don't lose your head like the Philly Phanatic.
4-5 - Afternoon Air Out.
Evening session
5:30-6:30 - Keynote Speaker Ted Giannoulas: "Don't be a Chicken (Or I'll Sue)."
The real story
OK, we're going to confess. We might have made some of that up. Hey, it's April Fool's Day.
But we actually did go to the Cardinals complex, which it turns out is a place and not something their fans have.
We wanted to find out what these mascots really talk about at a convention.
We spoke to Big Red of the Cardinals, Philadelphia Eagles mascot SWOOP and TORO, the Houston Texans' mascot.
"We trade ideas," said SWOOP, who like the other mascots must keep his real identity a secret. "It's almost like a trade show, but a little more fun.
"We talk about skits, see the new products that can be used, like that (pointing to a Flybar by Pogo Stick). We can talk about how we can use it, discuss pyro (fireworks), just ways to better our character and market ourselves."
TORO, who explained the all-capitals spelling is "a branding thing," said different mascots are approached by different companies with props and products. At the convention, they can tell others about them.
"You might say, 'Hey, I used this thing and it doesn't work very well.' "
We also learned that Arizona State is the cradle of mascots. The school's gymnastics program has produced several NBA mascots (including the man in The Gorilla outfit). Big Red also is a former Sun Devils gymnast, who doubles as Sparky the ASU mascot.
Two alter egos. That must be confusing.
"We need to keep the identity secret because it keeps your character separate and gives it that semi-, B-level, celebrity status," SWOOP said. "It's also a sales technique."
"It's part of the aura, the image, the mystique," Big Red added.
Mascots do their game-day stuff, but that's just a small part of the gig. Personal appearances like visiting children's hospitals, as these mascots will do this week, also play into it.
"We're a living, breathing logo people can interact with," SWOOP said. "I do 30-40 weddings a year. Eagles fans are obsessed."
We're not sure why anybody would invite a mascot to their wedding, but evidently it's common.
"You dance for a half hour, take some pictures," SWOOP said.
"You know the money dance?" Big Red asked. "I've done that before, where they pin money on you like the bride and groom."
And USA Today ranked this as one of the worst jobs in sports?
