North Carolina Basketball Mascot The North Carolina basketball mascot is a beloved icon of the University of North Carolina Tar Heels basketball team. The mascot, named Rameses, is a live ram that represents the fighting spirit and determination of the team. Rameses first made his debut in 1924 and has been the official mascot of the Tar Heels ever since. He is a symbol of the university's proud agricultural roots and embodies the strength and resilience of the team. Rameses is often seen at North Carolina basketball games, cheering on the team and engaging with the crowd. He is a fan favorite and brings a sense of excitement and energy to the arena.
The story of Rameses
What began in the late '80s with Eric Chilton donning the very first Rameses costume has grown into a now-treasured tradition carried on by students today.
Learn the story behind one of Carolina's most iconic Tar Heels.
By Brandon Bieltz, University Communications, Friday, June 24th, 2022 (Photo by Johnny Andrews/UNC-Chapel Hill)- Share on Facebook
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Eric Chilton remembers the day that Rameses slid across the court for the first time during a men’s basketball game in the 1987-1988 season.
A senior studying broadcast journalism at the time, he can recall a lot of the details of that day — the cheering, the excitement, the lead-up to the reveal — though none of them too vividly. As the man inside the Rameses costume, the only view he had was through a 6-inch hole in Rameses’ mouth. The cheerleaders even needed to guide Chilton off the court after his grand entry because he couldn’t see well enough to get himself there.
It wasn’t glamorous inside that Rameses costume that afternoon, but that game started a now-treasured tradition that Carolina students carry on today, more than three decades later.
“There’s no way I can describe how proud I am to do something with the University that I’ve loved since I’ve been in this world,” Chilton said. “It’s some sort of legacy, something I could do. I can say that I started something that I don’t think will ever go away.”
He is a fan favorite and brings a sense of excitement and energy to the arena. The mascot's costume consists of a blue and white jumpsuit, adorned with the North Carolina logo and colors. Rameses' headgear features a set of horns that adds to his intimidating presence.
Creating Rameses
In the late 80s, Carolina was the only team in the ACC that didn’t have a costumed mascot. The University, of course, had the live animal Rameses mascot that began attending football games in 1924, but not a mascot that could attend all games. The Carolina Athletic Association wanted to change that for the 1987-1988 basketball season.
Chilton decided to try out for the role and now calls the experience “the weirdest audition ever.”
“They go ‘OK. We got the ball. We’re down by two, and there’s 10 seconds left. What do you do?'” Chilton said. “I just jumped all over the place and was very animated. I remember turning around and shaking my butt. It was crazy. … I don’t know how the heck I got it, but I got it.”
The original Rameses that Eric Chilton wore sported a much friendlier look than later iterations. (Photo by Dan Charlson, Yackety Yack, 1988)
Chilton practiced his routine in secret for a few weeks, sneaking a large bag out of his fraternity house and to a trusted friend’s apartment to put on the costume and practice. The rehearsals didn’t entirely prepare him for the first game, though. Chilton said he was a nervous wreck before the announcers introduced him to the crowd.
“I was so nervous I couldn’t even hear what they said,” he recalled. “I ran out, slid across the floor and just jumped around. I could hear the crowd going crazy. It was amazing. I’ll never forget that moment as long as I live.”
Though students were excited about the mascot, the actual costume wasn’t a hit. The suit was made with clay horns and a friendly face.
“It wasn’t quite as threatening as it should have been,” Chilton said. “Instead of a ram, it looked like a very disgruntled lamb.”
A new, much tougher and more aggressive-looking Rameses was revealed a few years later. The new Rameses began his reign over the sidelines in 1989, sporting a Carolina jersey and a small cap between his horns.
This version of Rameses roamed athletic and community events until the late 90s, when a new costume — the one Tar Heel fans see today — was created. Dropping the angry scowl, this Rameses had a friendlier face. But he kept the muscles.
Daniel Wood’22, who was Rameses for four years, said the current mascot can be described simply: “He loves two things. He loves working out, and he loves the Heels.”
Rameses celebrates with students after the men’s basketball team won its sixth NCAA National Championship in 2017. (Photo by Brandon Bieltz/UNC-Chapel Hill)
In addition to his appearances at basketball games, Rameses also participates in various community events and charity fundraisers. He serves as a goodwill ambassador for the university and helps promote school spirit and pride. The North Carolina basketball mascot has become an iconic symbol not only for the Tar Heels basketball team but also for the university as a whole. Rameses represents the rich traditions and values of the University of North Carolina and serves as a constant reminder of the team's legacy and success..
Reviews for "The North Carolina Basketball Mascot: The Heart and Soul of Game Day"
1. John - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with the North Carolina basketball mascot. I expected a more energetic and entertaining character, but it just felt lackluster. The costume design was also quite basic and uninspiring. I understand that mascots are supposed to bring enthusiasm and excitement to the game, but this one just didn't do it for me. Overall, I found the experience underwhelming and it didn't add any value to the game.
2. Sarah - 1/5 stars - The North Carolina basketball mascot was absolutely terrible. It seemed like they put no effort into creating a fun and engaging character. The costume was shabby and outdated, and the performance was equally lackluster. I've seen much better mascots at other sporting events, and this one was a complete disappointment. I wouldn't recommend wasting your time watching this uninspiring mascot during the games.
3. Michael - 2/5 stars - I wasn't a fan of the North Carolina basketball mascot. It just didn't have the same charm and charisma as other mascots I've seen. The interactions with the crowd were minimal, and the whole performance felt forced and scripted. I think they could definitely improve by injecting more energy and spontaneity into the mascot's routine. Overall, it was a forgettable experience and didn't enhance my enjoyment of the game at all.
4. Emily - 1/5 stars - The North Carolina basketball mascot was a huge letdown. It lacked personality and failed to engage the crowd. The costume design was drab and unoriginal, and there was no creativity in its performance. Mascots are supposed to be entertaining, but this one fell flat. I hope they consider revamping the mascot to make it more exciting and engaging for the fans. Until then, I won't be looking forward to seeing it at any basketball games.