A 10-year-old, 2,100-pound steer named Bevo XV will cross the United States in late December, covering a little more than 1,100 miles to reach Orlando, Florida. The Texas Longhorns’ live mascot is on the road to the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, where the Longhorns will face Michigan on New Year’s Eve.
Bevo XV’s Road Trip to the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl
Bevo XV is the current live mascot of the University of Texas at Austin. The steer’s upcoming trip is not just a simple drive; it is a continuation of a tradition that has seen Bevo travel great distances to support the Longhorns. According to Ricky Brennes, the executive director of the Silver Spurs Alumni Association, which is responsible for transporting and handling Bevo, the university has a long record of moving its mascot for important games. The current journey will take the steer from UT Austin to Camping World Stadium in Orlando, a distance of just over 1,100 miles.
The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, played on December 31, will pit Texas against Michigan. Bevo XV’s presence in Orlando is a nod to the mascot’s role in rallying fans and symbolizing the Longhorns’ spirit during high-profile bowl games.
A History of Long-Distance Travels
UT has a rich history of moving Bevo across the country. The longest trips have surpassed 1,500 miles, while others have ranged between 1,000 and 1,300 miles.
- Washington, D.C. – Two different Bevos made the >1,500-mile journey to the nation’s capital for President George W. Bush’s inaugurations. Bevo XIII attended the 2001 inauguration, and Bevo XIV traveled to the 2005 ceremony.
- Pasadena, California – In January 2005, Bevo XIV rode to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena for the Texas-Michigan game, a trip of more than 1,300 miles. The same steer made the journey again in 2006 for the national championship Rose Bowl, and in 2011 for the regular-season matchup against UCLA.
- San Diego, California – Bevo XIII headed to the Holiday Bowl in San Diego in 2000, 2001, and 2003, each time covering roughly 1,300 miles. Bevo XIV joined the 2007 and 2011 Holiday Bowls, witnessing victories over Arizona State and California respectively.
- South Bend, Indiana – Bevo V traveled about 1,200 miles to Notre Dame in September 1954 for a game that ended in a Longhorns loss.
- Louisville, Kentucky – Bevo XIII made a trip of 1,026-1,087 miles in September 1993 to play the Louisville Cardinals.
These journeys demonstrate the university’s commitment to bringing the mascot to key contests, regardless of distance.
The Legacy of the Live Mascot
Bevo XV joins a lineage of steers that have become a symbol of Longhorn pride. Each journey is carefully planned by the Silver Spurs Alumni Association, ensuring the animal’s safety and comfort on the road. The association’s role includes arranging transport, securing veterinary care, and coordinating with game officials to maintain the mascot’s presence at every significant event.
The tradition of traveling with Bevo underscores the university’s dedication to fan engagement. Whether the Longhorns are playing in Washington, Pasadena, San Diego, or Orlando, the mascot’s presence is a unifying factor for students, alumni, and supporters across the nation.
Key Takeaways
- Bevo XV, a 2,100-pound steer, will travel just over 1,100 miles to Orlando for the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on December 31.
- The University of Texas has a history of long-distance trips, with some journeys exceeding 1,500 miles, such as trips to Washington, D.C. for presidential inaugurations.
- The Silver Spurs Alumni Association manages all travel logistics, ensuring Bevo’s safety and the mascot’s presence at major games.
The upcoming trip to Orlando continues a proud tradition of bringing Texas’s live mascot to the nation’s most important bowl games, reinforcing the spirit and unity that the Longhorns represent across the United States.
