Appearance Requests

Butler Blue with students getting photographed

Not just a “Big Dawg on Campus,” Blue is also “A Dawg About Town.” In fact, the popularity and success of the Butler Blue live mascot program can be attributed to high visibility. Needless to say, Blue loves to make appearances at events and pose for video/photo shoots and would welcome the opportunity to consider your appearance request.

However, this Dawg needs his rest at times, so before making your appearance or photo request, please consider the items below as a general rule of paws.

Submit requests here.

General Appearance Guidelines

Blue will be most likely to participate in events and activities that advance the Butler mission and reach a large audience, including the following but not limited to:

High-profile University events (such as prospective student events including Open House and Early Registration, fundraising events, and alumni/donor recognition events).
Events requested by Butler University’s President.
Butler athletic events, including home football and basketball games.
University spirit events including pep rallies and Homecoming.
Events requested by an official Butler Blue sponsor.

Initiatives that reach a niche/small audience are unlikely to be supported due to limited hours and resources.

All appearances are evaluated on a request-by-request basis and based on the following criteria:

The availability of Butler Blue and his handler.
If the appearance advances the mission of Butler University.
The appearance is occurring in a controlled and predictable environment for the safety of Blue.

Off-campus or private appearance requests will be evaluated on the following additional criteria.

The event’s connection to Butler University.
The event’s proximity to campus.

The willingness of the event to pay an appearance fee.
*Appearance Fee policy listed below

Appearance Fees

Off-campus or private appearance requests are subject to an appearance fee that starts at $300 which goes to cover expenses related to travel and other needs of the Butler Blue live mascot program.

Additional fees for fuel or miscellaneous items may apply as well.

Types of Appearances

Common types of appearances are listed below:

Definition: Blue is a part of a ceremony at an event ie. ribbon-cutting, appearance on stage, etc. Blue does not interact with the guests of the event.

Definition: A set location where guests can come to take their photo with Blue.

Definition: Blue walks the floor of an event with guests

Definition: In select cases, Blue will make classroom visits to schools in the Central Indiana area.

Definition: Support on @TheButlerBlue social media channels of his time at the event.

Cost: $50 in addition to the appearance fee attributed to any of the above appearance types.

General Photo/Video Guidelines

Blue will be most likely to participate in photo or video sessions that advance the Butler mission and reach a large audience, including the following but not limited to:

Sessions that represent Butler University or one of its six colleges as a whole.
Sessions in direct support of Advancement, Admission, and Athletics efforts.
Photography/Videography requested by Butler University’s President.
Photography/Videography requested by an official Butler Blue sponsor.

Initiatives that reach a niche/small audience are unlikely to be supported due to limited hours and resources.

All photography and videography requests are evaluated using the following criteria:

Adherence to Butler University and Butler Blue brand guidelines.
Safety standards and Blue’s ability to perform the request based on his abilities.
All attire requested by Butler Blue adheres to Blue’s Brand guidelines.
The availability of Butler Blue and his handler.
The environment of the request and whether it is controlled and predictable.

Private session requests will be evaluated on the following additional criteria:

The event’s connection to Butler University.
The event’s proximity to campus.
The willingness of the event to pay an appearance fee.
*Appearance Fee policy listed below

Photography Fees

Private photography requests are subject to a fee that starts at $300 which goes to cover expenses related to travel and other needs of the Butler Blue live mascot program.