How Does a Sports Team Choose a Mascot?

What Makes This Place Special?

When considering the choice of a mascot, the creator of a sports team will typically first consider the team's home venue--a town or city, school or state--and ask, "What makes this place special?" For example, the town may be known for its beet production. In that case, perhaps a "beet digger" would make an appropriate mascot. If the local town is surrounded by sagebrush and ranches, then a cowboy might be a good choice.

What Will Inspire the Team?

The creator of a sports team must then ask, "What will inspire the team?" Perhaps the team wants to focus on ferocity and strength; selecting a tiger or a bear might be appropriate. Perhaps the creator wishes his team to rise above the rest--and subsequently selects an eagle as a mascot.

What Will Intimidate Opponents?

A team might ask itself, "What sort of mascot would intimidate opponents?" Some examples are a mighty Roman soldier atop a galloping horse, a sharp-toothed crocodile, a roaring mountain lion, a ghoulish devil or scary ghost, or a sword-wielding pirate.

What Will Rally Fans?

Finally, the creator of a team must ask, "What type of mascot will the fans rally behind?" In this vein, a team sometimes chooses a mascot that is funny or goofy to find favor with fans. On the other hand, a team might select a well-respected mascot--such as a noble American Indian tribe or a highly regarded body of men in military or government--with the hope that such respect will spill over onto the team itself in the eyes of the fans.