The live mascot Bevo is heading to Orlando, Florida, for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, where the Texas Longhorns will face the Michigan Wolverines on New Year’s Eve. Fans can expect a full-scale show as the 2,100-pound, 10-year-old steer arrives in the stadium ahead of the NCAA college football game. The journey is a highlight for Longhorn supporters, and many are already guessing the final score while others speculate who else might make an appearance at the game.
The Big Game
The Texas Longhorns will travel to Orlando later this month to take on the Michigan Wolverines in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Eve. The event will be held at Camping World Stadium, a venue that will host the teams and the mascot for the first time in a long-term road trip.
Fans’ Anticipation
While some fans may already be making game-day predictions, like what the final score will be, others might be speculating about who will make an appearance at the game. The buzz around Bevo adds an extra layer of excitement for Longhorn fans, many of whom follow the mascot’s travels closely.
Meet Bevo
Bevo – a 2,100-pound, 10-year-old steer – is the live mascot for the University of Texas at Austin. “Bevo XV enters the stadium ahead of an NCAA college football game …” The presence in the stadium is a tradition that dates back decades, and his arrival is always a highlight for the crowd.
The Handlers Behind the Scenes
His handler, Ricky Brennes, confirmed that the bovine will travel to Florida for the Citrus Bowl. Brennes is the executive director of the Silver Spurs Alumni Association, which is the group responsible for transporting and handling Bevo. He previously told KXAN that when Bevo travels to games, Brennes and the Silver Spurs will stop and let Bevo stretch and walk around a bit every three or four hours.
Road Trip Logistics
The drive from UT Austin to the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, without pulling a trailer holding a giant steer inside, is over 16 hours by car. The long trip is a logistical challenge that the Silver Spurs have mastered over the years.
Trailer Comforts
The trailer Bevo travels in has room for him to lie down, but Brennes said he doesn’t seem to do that very much, so the Silver Spurs try to limit the amount of time he’s traveling within a day. The vehicle is designed to keep Bevo comfortable on the road, but the steer prefers to stay upright during the journey.
A Look Back
The last Longhorns game Bevo attended was their game against Texas A&M on Nov. 28 at home. That appearance was a memorable moment for fans who watched the steer make his way onto the field before kickoff.
Stops Along the Way
Brennes told KXAN that when Bevo travels to games, Brennes and the Silver Spurs will stop and let Bevo stretch and walk around a bit every three or four hours. These breaks help keep the steer relaxed and ready for the big day.
What to Expect
With the Citrus Bowl scheduled for New Year’s Eve, Longhorn fans can look forward to a full-scale show featuring Bevo’s arrival, the Texas-Michigan matchup, and the excitement that only a live mascot can bring. The journey to Orlando, the careful handling by the Silver Spurs, and the tradition of Bevo’s appearances combine to create a memorable experience for all who attend.
