Billy Panther Mascot
Billy Panther has been bringing Panther pride to ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ for . As the official mascot of ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ, Billy represents our energy, our spirit, and our sense of community. From cheering on Panthers to welcoming future students to campus, Billy has long been a recognizable and beloved part of the ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ experience. Today, Billy Panther continues to play an important role across campus.
In December 2025, ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ introduced a new Billy Panther mascot costume which can be made available to support campus events, outreach, and promotional activities.
Mascot Request Form
ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Marketing & Communications now has an official Billy Panther mascot costume. To request use of the mascot, please complete the request form at least 2 weeks before your event.
Request FormUse Policies & Responsibilities
To keep Billy sharp and ready to represent ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ, requests to use Billy must follow the guidelines outlined below.
Policies & ResponsibilitiesCare & Maintenance
Manufacturer information on use, care, maintenance and storage guidelines for the mascot costume.
Care & MaintenanceUse Policies & Responsibilities
By submitting the request, the requesting department agrees to the following terms:
Care & Responsibility
- Billy Panther must be handled with care at all times.
- The requesting department is financially responsible for any damage, loss, or excessive wear that occurs while Billy is in their possession.
- Any damage must be reported immediately upon return.
Cleaning & Condition
- Billy must be returned in the same condition it was received.
- If cleaning is required due to the event or environment, the requesting department is responsible for coordinating and covering cleaning costs.
- Billy may not be used in situations involving open flames, smoke, liquids, paint, food handling, or weather conditions that could cause damage.
Transportation
- The requesting department is responsible for pickup and drop-off of the mascot costume and accessories from Marketing & Communications (Booth House, 1536 4th St.).
- Pick up must be during regular business hours (8 am - 4:30 pm). If your event ends after regular business hours, you may return the suit the next business day.
- Billy must be transported in a clean, dry, and secure vehicle.
- Do not leave the costume unattended or exposed to extreme temperatures.
Performer Guidelines
- ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ Marketing & Communications does not provide performers.
- Only approved or performers may wear the mascot costume.
- Billy must never speak, remove the head, or break character while in public view.
- A handler is strongly recommended for crowd control and safety.
- The costume has limited visibility and can become very warm, especially during outdoor events or in crowded or high-temperature environments. The performer must be aware of these conditions and take appropriate breaks as needed. If at any time the performer feels uncomfortable, overheated, or unsafe, the appearance should end immediately.
- By agreeing to perform as Billy Panther, the performer acknowledges these conditions and accepts responsibility for their personal comfort and safety while wearing the costume.
Safety & Conduct
- Billy may not engage in stunts, running, lifting people, or unsafe activities.
- Billy should avoid physical contact beyond high-fives and posed photos.
- If at any time conditions become unsafe, the appearance should end immediately.
Marketing & Branding
- Billy Panther may only be used for official ÃÛÌÒÓ°Ïñ events and promotions.
- Costumes may not be altered, accessorized, or branded without prior approval.
Care & Maintenance
Manufacturer information on use, care, maintenance and storage guidelines for the mascot costume.
Components
- Inner body
- Shirt
- Outer body
- Tail with belt
- Gloves x2
- Head
- Chinstrap
- Shoes with shoe harness x2
- Battery
- Charger
- Carry Bag
Putting the Mascot On
The performer can, of course, put on Billy on in whatever order suits them. This section is included to simply help define the easier way, with a few tips along the way. You will require a helper!
- Pre-assembly: BE SURE THE BATTERY IS IN PLACE AND PLUGGED IN BEFORE PUTTING ON THE HEAD. The battery is inside the head, secured with a Velcro fastener.
- Prior to wearing Billy, feed the chinstrap through the two metal ‘D’ rings at the sides of the helmet (in the head) then fit to the performer.
- Put on the tail by placing the base on your lower back and wrapping it around your waist. Ensure that the belt is adjusted to hold the tail firmly.
- Put on the inner body. (The inner body may or may not be necessary depending on the size of the performer.)
Performer Tips
- It is recommended that the performer take a 15 minute break for every 30 minutes of performance time.
- The performer should not be in the costume longer than 2 hours without an extended break.
- Be sure the performer stays well hydrated during their performance.
- Always have a spotter. A spotter is a person who works with the performer to ensure an effective performance. The spotter’s job is to:
- Protect the performer from unruly audience members
- Guide them as they walk to ensure they can safely move around
- Help the performer in and out of the mascot costume
- Talk to the audience members
- When walking, be sure that you walk heel-to-toe. The shoes are larger than normal street shoes, and practice must be facilitated to be able to walk safely and comfortably while wearing them.
- Children will be especially attracted to your mascot. Treat all children with respect. Do not play favorites with children or adults. Spend equal time with everyone who comes to you for attention.
- When interacting with audience members (especially children), be mindful of where the eyes of your mascot are looking. Children will respond best of they think that the mascot is looking at them. If you look them in the eye through the mouth screen, they will think you are looking over their heads!
- Never initiate physical contact with children. If they move to hug you or shake your hand, by all means comply, but be very careful about how your behavior might be perceived. Young children, and their parents, can be especially skittish. Respect this at all times.
- If an audience member initiates physical contact, do not respond with more contact than the audience member initiated. If they move to shake your hand, only shake their hand. If they move to hug you, only hug them. React as appropriate, and let them take the lead in advancing contact.
- Due to the exaggerated size of your mascot, gestures must be exaggerated in order to be effective. When waving, for example, use the entire arm and exaggerate the movement. Never talk. Hearing a voice from the inside of the mascot can destroy the illusion created by your mascot. If something needs to be said, let the spotter say it.
- Never take off any part of the mascot costume in public. Find a private place to dress and undress. Removing the head or hands publicly will destroy the illusion created by your mascot.
Post-Performance
It is highly recommended that Billy be allowed to air out after each performance. The head should be wiped out with a dry cloth if any perspiration has accumulated during the performance. A gentle, non-liquid freshener or deodorizer (such as baking soda) can be used to refresh the interior of the head and shoes.
DO NOT put clothes damp with sweat into the carry bag. This could cause mildew and Billy's colors to bleed onto other parts of the costume.
Battery Use & Charging
Included with Billy is a 12 Volt rechargeable battery and a charger.
The battery sits in the head, held on with a velcro closure. Ensure that the battery is plugged into the fan using the connectors provided. The fan is turned on and off by plugging and unplugging the battery to the fan.
The battery charge life will be approx. 45 hours. When the battery requires charging, simply remove the battery from the head, plug the charger into a normal wall outlet, and plug the battery into the charger. Allow the battery to charge for a minimum of 5 hours to ensure a complete charge.
Over a long period of time, the battery can be expected to wear, and eventually will hold less of a charge. Replacement batteries can be purchased from for a cost of $50 per battery.
Be sure that the battery is NOT plugged into the fan inside the head during storage and between performances.
Please note: When plugging and unplugging the battery (whether into the fan or the charger), always grip the white plastic plug. Never pull on the wiring to unplug the battery, as this could damage the plug.
Cleaning
HEAD / FEET / TAIL
When these components require cleaning (to remove light stains), it is strongly recommended that professional cleaning be employed to ensure best results.
If you do not opt to have Billy professionally cleaned, simply apply diluted liquid detergent to the stain. Using a light brush (do not use steel brushes, as these will destroy the fabric), lightly rub the affected area until the stain is gone. Using a cloth, clean the detergent from the affected area and allow several hours to dry completely.
CLOTHING
Billy's inner body, outer body, shirt, pants, gloves and chinstrap are machine washable, though BAM Mascots strongly recommends that professional cleaning be employed to ensure best results. Be sure to disassemble the component pieces of the body prior to cleaning.
If you do not opt to have Billy professionally cleaned, be sure to wash using a gentle cycle, in cold water, and allow to hang/air dry. Do not use a dryer to dry the body of your mascot. Use a washing machine without a central agitator to wash the mascot costume.
Repairs
Over time, Billy may wear due to age and use, and require repair to maintain his appearance. Minor repairs can be facilitated at your discretion (seams splits, minor tears etc.) For more complex repairs (foam tears, eye damage etc.), we would be happy to facilitate these repairs for you. Please call at 1-877-858-4226 or email us at info@bammascots.com for a quote.
Eye/Vision Screen Care
Billy's eyes/vision screens are the most fragile part of him, and care must be taken to ensure that they remain undamaged.
Please do not store or place the head face-down. This could damage the eyes or tear the vision screen fabric. If they become dirty or dusty, a light cloth can be used to clean the inside of the eyes. Should the fabric require light cleaning, use a light, damp cloth with diluted liquid laundry detergent to clean the eye fabric.
Extreme care must be taken to ensure that the eyes are not damaged during cleaning.
Storage
- Be sure to store in a clean, warm and dry environment.
- Cover the eyes with a soft cloth or other protector to ensure that no damage is inadvertently caused.
- It is highly recommended that the mascot be stored in the custom carry bag provided to prevent dust gathering and inadvertent damage.
- Be sure to unplug the battery from the fan during storage and between performances, in order to avoid undue drain on the battery.
- Note: Exposure to extreme temperatures can cause damage.
maintains its own Billy Panther mascot costume that is reserved for athletic events and Athletics-related appearances. Please contact them for details.