Butler University in Indianapolis, Indiana has a beloved mascot named Butler Blue. The mascot is a real-life English Bulldog and is an important symbol of the university's spirit and tradition. Butler Blue is known for his adorable and friendly appearance, making him a hit among students, alumni, and fans of the university. The tradition of having a live bulldog as the official mascot of Butler University dates back to 2000 when the first mascot, Hinkle, was introduced. The current mascot, Butler Blue IV (also known as Blue), is the fourth generation of Bulldogs to serve as the university's mascot. Blue is a well-known figure in the Butler community and can often be seen at various events, such as athletic games, parades, and campus activities.
The cameras also followed Kaltenmark as he was receiving a kidney transplant during that time.
We were being followed with cameras at the time that we announced Blue III s retirement and his last season and then during our search for Butler Blue IV and our debut of Blue IV and of course my transition from being mascot handler so there was a lot going on during this, essentially, a basketball season when they followed us, said Kaltenmark. I ll still be there to provide support and a little more of the strategic vision, but it s really going to be Evan s program to foster and implement and run with.
Blue is a well-known figure in the Butler community and can often be seen at various events, such as athletic games, parades, and campus activities. He brings a sense of joy and excitement wherever he goes and is always happy to interact with students and fans. Blue is also the face of the Butler University Athletics and plays a significant role in promoting school spirit and pride.
Butler Mascots Featured in Netflix Series
An episode of the upcoming second season of the Netflix original series “Dogs” will feature a couple of dogs very familiar to Hoosiers. The show will spotlight Butler University’s live mascot program as it transitioned from Butler Blue III to Butler Blue IV more than a year ago.
Michael Kaltenmark, director of external relations for Butler and former mascot handler, says the university’s participation in the show stemmed from a tweet by the show’s producer looking for stories.
In an interview with Inside INdiana Business, Kaltenmark said the experience came at a pivotal point for the live mascot program.
“We were being followed with cameras at the time that we announced Blue III’s retirement and his last season and then during our search for Butler Blue IV and our debut of Blue IV and of course my transition from being mascot handler…so there was a lot going on during this, essentially, a basketball season when they followed us,” said Kaltenmark.
The cameras also followed Kaltenmark as he was receiving a kidney transplant during that time.
Kaltenmark says he hopes the show puts Butler on full display for a new audience.
“I hope that when they watch it, they feel really good not only our bulldogs, but about the people who make up Butler University and that by watching this, more people know about our university and if more people know about it, then maybe more people will apply and eventually become Butler Bulldogs one day,” he said.
Kaltenmark took over as mascot handler in 2004 with Butler Blue II. He says not many people outside of the Butler campus knew who Blue was and it wasn’t until the university’s back-to-back appearances in the Final Four that the Butler live mascot program gained national notoriety.
“What we strive for is when you think about live mascots, then you think about Butler Blue,” he said. “So, I’m really proud of what we’ve done and I think this Netflix series is just another feather in our cap and I hope just catapults us even further into this national landscape.”
Season 2 of “Dogs” premieres July 7 on Netflix. You can catch a glimpse of Butler Blue in the trailer for the show below:
Story Continues BelowKaltenmark says the experience came at a pivotal point for the live mascot program.
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In addition to his appearances at events, Blue has his own social media presence, with a dedicated Twitter account where he shares updates, pictures, and videos from his exciting life as a mascot. His social media following has grown rapidly, and he has become an internet sensation, with fans from all over the world eagerly following his adventures. Besides being a beloved mascot, Butler Blue also serves as an ambassador for the university and the Butler Bulldog community. Through his various appearances and interactions, Blue helps to strengthen the bond between students, alumni, and the university, fostering a sense of belonging and unity. Overall, Butler Blue is an important and cherished part of Butler University's culture and heritage. As a symbol of school spirit and pride, Blue brings joy, enthusiasm, and a sense of community to the Butler Bulldogs, making him an unforgettable mascot that continues to inspire and unite the university..
Reviews for "Butler Blue: An Inspiration for Sports Fans and Dog Lovers Alike"
1. John - 2 stars - I was not impressed with the Butler Indley Mascot Butler Blue. The mascot seemed lackluster and didn't have the energy or enthusiasm I expected. The costume looked outdated and poorly designed. Overall, it was a disappointing experience.
2. Lisa - 1 star - I found the Butler Indley Mascot Butler Blue to be incredibly annoying. The constant cheering and shouting was obnoxious and distracting. The mascot seemed more focused on entertaining themselves rather than engaging with the crowd. It definitely did not enhance my experience at the event.
3. David - 2 stars - I was not a fan of the Butler Indley Mascot Butler Blue. It felt like the mascot was trying too hard to be funny and playful, but it came across as forced and awkward. The interactions with the audience fell flat and lacked genuine enthusiasm. I think the mascot needs to be reevaluated and improved to provide a better experience for the fans.
4. Sarah - 2.5 stars - I wasn't particularly impressed with the Butler Indley Mascot Butler Blue. The costume design was underwhelming and lacked attention to detail. The mascot's performance felt uninspired and repetitive. Overall, I expected more creativity and enthusiasm from the mascot to enhance the spirit and energy of the event.
5. Michael - 1 star - The Butler Indley Mascot Butler Blue was incredibly disappointing. The costume seemed poorly made and the mascot's movements were clumsy and awkward. The attempts at cheerleading and engaging with the audience were lackluster and didn't create a fun atmosphere. I found it difficult to enjoy the event with such a subpar mascot.