BLOOMINGTON — A new era for Indiana University (IU) football began on Saturday with the dramatic debut of the school’s new mascot, Hoosier the Bison.
Just before the season opener against Old Dominion at Merchants Bank Field at Memorial Stadium, a parachute descended from the sky with the mascot attached, drawing a massive reaction from the crowd. The unveiling marked the official return of a mascot to IU athletics after a decades-long absence.
The move has been months in the making, following a student-led campaign to bring back the bison. Indiana’s Senior Associate Athletic Director, Jeremy Gray, said the mascot was designed to “look like a Marvel character” and would help connect with fans, especially children. “We’re very excited to bring back the bison,” Gray said. “It’s been a movement led by faculty, students, and IU fans.”
A Return to Tradition
For many, the bison is more than just a new character on the sidelines; it’s a nod to the university’s history. The original bison mascot, a “brutish, clunky beast,” debuted in 1965 and was retired four years later. The new design is a modern update to a historic symbol.
The bison’s ties to the state of Indiana go back more than 200 years, even predating statehood, as bison once roamed the area and are featured on the state seal.
According to Gray, the new mascot will also provide a jolt of revenue for the athletic department, with merchandise already generating money before its first appearance.
