Behind the Scenes: How Ballooning NFL Mascots Bring the Game to Life

Ballooning NFL mascots have become a popular and entertaining aspect of American football games. These larger-than-life characters are brought to life through the use of enormous inflatable costumes that create a fun and engaging atmosphere for fans of all ages. The concept of ballooning mascots originated as a way to elevate the energy and excitement of NFL games. Mascots are an integral part of the football experience, often representing the team's identity and adding a touch of humor and spirit to the game. Ballooning mascots take this tradition to new heights, quite literally, as they tower over the crowd in their oversized inflatable costumes. These costumes are typically made of durable and lightweight materials that are easy to inflate and wear.

These costumes are typically made of durable and lightweight materials that are easy to inflate and wear. They are designed to be larger than life, creating a visual spectacle that captures the attention of everyone in the stadium. Ballooning NFL mascots often feature exaggerated facial expressions and dynamic poses, making them instantly recognizable and adding to their overall appeal.

The Mascot Games

Backstage the athletes waited to be announced. Permanently frozen smiles mark their faces. Cologne and Lysol hang heavy in the air, masking the sweat that lives in the fur suits, from temperatures surpassing 100 degrees in costume, even in air-conditioned arenas. Well, except for Lil' Red, the University of Nebraska's "WalkAround Inflatable Mascot" who is powered by an air circulation system. Kingston, the prideful Jamaican lion of the Orlando City Soccer Club, fixes his purple dreads. The Tampa Bay Lightning’s Thunderbug buzzes around the room with excitement. And the Cleveland Browns’ favorite member of the dawg pound, Chomps, the labrador retriever, sits quietly in the corner — as if he’s been a bad dog eating out of the trash.

The National Anthem plays and the athletes place their paws, claws and hands over their hearts. The fog machine turns on, and the spotlight is set. As their names are called they run out of the tunnel at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida to thousands of children screaming their names. The 23rd annual Mascot Games is underway, pitting more than 20 mascots from MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS and NCAA against each other in a fun, furry and oversized competition earlier this month. Yes, it’s for laughs. It’s also a fundraiser. All proceeds from the games benefit New Hope for Kids, “which provides support to children and families grieving the death of a loved one and grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses in Central Florida.”
Divided into four teams, the mascots compete in musical chairs, a football combine event, jousting and several impossible-to-describe events involving trampolines, big wheels, inflatable miniature cows and balloons. A lot of balloons.

Identities of the people behind the masks are fiercely protected. Photographing them without their heads on is a no-no. Access to the locker rooms is strictly prohibited and guarded by security. But people love them. People like to think they know them. They sign autographs just like the superstars of the teams they represent. They pose for selfies. They are just as loved by their fans and just as hated by the other team’s fans. Behind the mask though, whoever they are, they are superstars. Professional mascots embody the persona of their character. N.J. Devil from the New Jersey Devils hockey team stands 7 feet tall with horns and is an impish rascal, pulling other mascots tails when they’re not looking, making jokes, punctuated by “who me?” shrugs, and getting laughs for being… well, a big, little devil.

They also workout--hard. It’s easy to see why Rumble the Bison, the official mascot of the Oklahoma City Thunder, was awarded the NBA Mascot of the Year in 2009. Not only does he know every dance move, from Gangnam Style to the Macarena, but his strength and athleticism allows him to do backflips off of walls and death-defying aerial trampoline feats. Yet, Rumble the Bison is still fuzzy and lovable enough that people want to hug him, despite his horns. In the end, it doesn’t matter who won the Mascot Games. Everyone watching won. The mascots made the people of Orlando smile, a much-needed respite from the heaviness that weighed on the city the weekend prior when a gunman killed 49 at a gay nightclub. For a minute, everyone had something to cheer for.

• Photos and Story Melissa Lyttle
• Photo Editor Johnny Simon
• Story Editor Brittany Levine Beckman

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The National Anthem plays and the athletes place their paws, claws and hands over their hearts. The fog machine turns on, and the spotlight is set. As their names are called they run out of the tunnel at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida to thousands of children screaming their names. The 23rd annual Mascot Games is underway, pitting more than 20 mascots from MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, MLS and NCAA against each other in a fun, furry and oversized competition earlier this month. Yes, it’s for laughs. It’s also a fundraiser. All proceeds from the games benefit New Hope for Kids, “which provides support to children and families grieving the death of a loved one and grants wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses in Central Florida.”
Divided into four teams, the mascots compete in musical chairs, a football combine event, jousting and several impossible-to-describe events involving trampolines, big wheels, inflatable miniature cows and balloons. A lot of balloons.

The use of ballooning mascots in the NFL has garnered a positive response from fans. These characters add an element of playfulness and excitement to the game, creating memorable moments that fans can enjoy. Whether it's a mascot performing a dance routine or engaging in playful interactions with the crowd, ballooning mascots are a source of entertainment and joy for fans of the sport. Moreover, ballooning mascots have also become a way for teams to connect with younger fans. Children are often fascinated by the larger-than-life nature of these costumes and are drawn to the vibrant colors and whimsical designs. Ballooning mascots provide an opportunity for children to feel a sense of connection and belonging to their favorite team, fostering a lifelong passion for the sport. In conclusion, ballooning NFL mascots have revolutionized the traditional role of mascots in American football games. Through their use of enormous inflatable costumes, these characters bring a new level of excitement and entertainment to the stadium. Ballooning mascots have become beloved figures that add to the overall experience of watching a football game, making them an integral part of the NFL tradition..

Reviews for "Airborne All-Stars: The Most Memorable Ballooning NFL Mascot Appearances"

1. Samantha - 1 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed by "Ballooning nfl mascots". The concept sounded fun and exciting, but the execution was just not there. The balloons were barely recognizable as mascots and the whole experience felt underwhelming. I expected to see larger-than-life characters floating in the sky, but instead, it was difficult to even make out which team's mascot was being represented. Overall, it was a letdown and not worth the time or money.

2. Michael - 2 out of 5 stars - I had high hopes for "Ballooning nfl mascots", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The balloons were not as impressive as I had imagined, and the overall atmosphere of the event didn't really capture the excitement of the NFL. The viewing area was crowded and it was hard to get a good spot to see the balloons up close. I also felt that the event lacked energy and entertainment, making it a forgettable experience. I would recommend looking for other NFL-themed events instead.

3. Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - I attended "Ballooning nfl mascots" with my family and we were left disappointed. The event felt disorganized and chaotic, with long lines for food and drinks and a lack of clear directions. The balloons themselves were not as impressive as we had hoped and the entire experience felt rushed. Additionally, the event pricing was quite steep for what was offered. Overall, I wouldn't recommend attending "Ballooning nfl mascots" as there are likely better NFL-themed events out there.

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