Celebrating Big Blue

This exhibition provides a brief overview of the mascots throughout the history of Old Dominion University (ODU), with special emphasis on the current mascot, Big Blue. Content Warning: This content contains historical Native American imagery, colonial themes, appropriation, and depictions that some viewers may find sensitive or distressing. Viewer discretion is advised. 

For more information on the history of Big Blue, see Steve Daniel's article on page 6 and 7 of the Fall 2011 Monarch Magazine: "Then & Now: The Monarchy Looks Back 50 Years; It All Started With a Regal Name and a 'Seedy-Looking' Mascot."

From 1930 to 1961, as ODU was a division of William & Mary, the men's athletic teams were known as the Braves and the women's teams were known as the Squaws. At this time, William & Mary's athletic teams were known as the Indians.

In August 1961, a special faculty committee selected the Monarchs as the new name for the school's athletic teams. A new logo, featuring a crown and a mace, debuted shortly thereafter.

In 1971, a "roaring, crowned lion" replaces the crown and mace as the symbol of the Monarchs.

Big Blue makes his debut as the ODU mascot during a men's basketball game versus Baptist on December 4, 1971. The first costume was orange, and when dyeing the costume blue turned it gray-green, powder blue fake fur was sewn on to approximate the school colors at the time.

Big Blue started out a big scary.

By the end of the 1970s and into the 1980s, Big Blue softens and goes through many changes.

In the 1990s, Big Blue is on his way to becoming the Big Blue we know and love.

In addition to men's and women's basketball games, Big Blue attended field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, tennis, and other athletic events.

In 1993 and 1994, Big Blue ranked in the Top 5 for best college mascot. 

In 2011, Big Blue is voted “Capital One National Mascot of the Year.”

This digital exhibit was created in 2012 to accompany an exhibit in the Learning Commons @ Perry Library.  Photographs are from the University Archives and Athletics Department, while much of the content was borrowed from an article by Steve Daniel, former ODU Public Relations Director. The exhibit was created by Teresa Statler-Keener and Karen Vaughan.