Illinois State’s iconic mascot is getting a makeover.
The university on Saturday, Aug. 9, unveiled a new look for its longtime mascot Reggie Redbird, reflecting what the school calls a “stronger, more athletic image,” while also keeping its “playful spirit.”
Reggie’s look is more sleek, with larger eyes, an open beak and a more pronounced crest at the top of the head. The school mocked up multiple facial options, with the goal of making Reggie look more like the school’s logo while also keeping it friendly for younger fans.
The project was led by ISU’s marketing and communications department, with help from athletics. The design “blends decades of passion and pride, bringing Illinois State’s brand to life with bolder, more expressive features,” the school wrote in a release.
The suit’s new design also allows the person inside to move more freely and increase the mascot’s role on gameday, the school said.
“We finally got our bird a new pair of shoes!” ISU athletics director Jeri Briggs said in a release. “The bottom line is that Reggie is important to all of us, and the heart of Reggie has not changed, just his appearance.”
The refresh of Reggie Redbird will officially debut Sept. 6 at Hancock Stadium, the school said.
Bird mascots were introduced at ISU games in the 1950s, according to the school, and in 1981 the school mascot was officially named when he was coined “Reggie Redbird” by the Junior Redbird Club. He was named after baseball great Reggie Jackson.
This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Illinois State mascot Reggie Redbird is getting a makeover. See the new look here
Reporting by Wes Huett, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
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