Second Blue Mascot available to SUNY Empire Community

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — OCTOBER 8, 2024) No, you’re not seeing double. Empire State University’s official mascot, Blue the Bluebird, can now be in two places at once! SUNY Empire is proud to announce a second Blue mascot costume has been purchased for university events across New York State.

Blue will be available for students, faculty, staff, and community events by request through a university form. SUNY Empire’s Special Events team, which manages the mascot, will respond to requests within 2-3 business days.

Blue is only allowed to appear at university-sponsored or university sanctioned events. Currently, the Special Events team is unable to staff performers or handlers for specific events and finding volunteer performers and handlers is preferred.

The costume is best suited for someone over 5’8” tall and requires adherence to Empire State University’s Mascot Policy Guidelines. The costume can only be worn by an active Empire State University employee and cannot be loaned to a third party.

The “handler” will act as Blue’s guide through events, keeping an eye out for obstacles and mediating mascot-guest interactions when needed.

Additionally, Blue requires a private changing room, water breaks, and rest during events. Restrooms and public spaces are not appropriate options. Other guidelines and fun facts can be found in The Blue Book.

Blue was introduced as SUNY Empire’s mascot in 2020 after receiving 10,000 votes cast over a month-long competition. The bluebird is significant to New York State and represents intelligence, curiosity, rebirth, and optimism. As New York State’s official bird, the bluebird connects communities statewide, like Empire State University, which has locations across the state and brings affordable, flexible, and accessible virtual education to thousands of students in the State University of New York system and beyond.