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Big Blue | |
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University | Old Dominion University |
Conference | Sun Belt |
Description | Royal Lion |
Big Blue is the official mascot for the Old Dominion Monarchs. The nickname and mascot for the "Monarchs" was adopted just prior to ODU's split from the College of William & Mary system in 1961. [1] In 1971, Old Dominion officially crowned Big Blue as their mascot to represent symbols of pride and courage for the expanding athletic program. [2]
While the first iterations of the mascot created split reactions from Monarchs fans, a more friendly appearance of the mascot was introduced in the 1980s. [3]
In 2011, Big Blue won Capital One National Mascot of the Year, which awarded $20,000 to Old Dominion's mascot program. [4]
In 2013, A statue of Big Blue was placed in the university's Webb Center, where students are encouraged to rub his belly for good luck and prosperity. [5]
Big Blue is incorporated within the university's athletic foundation, which includes a kids club and locally sponsored 5K run named in his honor. [6] [7]