With anticipation building on campus for the unveiling of the gargoyle mascot, Director of Athletics Michael Cross previewed of the festivities taking place on Feb. 22 at the men’s basketball
game versus Loyola University. Bradley has not had a mascot since 1996, when a bobcat roamed
the sidelines at sporting events. The university and Cross con- firmed that Bradley Athletics will continue to use the nickname Bradley “Braves” and has no plans to change it.
Cross also noted the game will be different than usual, including a pregame pyrotechnics show that will feature flashing lights, loud noises and smoke to introduce the mascot.
“This will be a special day for us,” Cross said. “This will be a special day for the institution and Bradley University as a whole.”
Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:50 p.m. for the pregame reveal of the mascot, before the game begins at 7 p.m. As with any Bradley basketball game, buses will shuttle students from the Michel Student Center to Carver Arena starting at 6 p.m.
Among the many different items available on Saturday, the first 500 students to present their BU ID at the door will receive a free gargoyle T-shirt.
Cross attributed the arrival of the gargoyle to the persistence of the student body, alumni and dif- ferent committees.
“I think the student involve- ment in the process has been one of the crucial aspects,” Cross said.
Cross said he wanted the com- munity to understand that this mascot will be a fair representa- tion of a fierce mascot along with a friendly image.
“The mascot fits in the sweet spot between powerful, fierce and intimidating with approachable,” Cross said. “It will be something that will work in many different settings.”
Since the school has been without a mascot for close to two decades, Cross said he is excited to present a new Bradley image.
“We haven’t been able to asso- ciate any imagery to Bradley Braves,” Cross said. “Because of that, we have had a major hole in terms of representing the univer- sity and Bradley athletics.”
