Steamboat, CO (December 9, 2015) –  A collection of 20 NCAA Division I mascots will gather in Steamboat-Ski Town U.S.A® December 11-13 for an opportunity to receive continuing mascot education and to participate in friendly on-slope competitions with ample time for fan interaction.

Steamboat Ski Resort in association with Raymond Entertainment Group (West Grove, PA) and 2D Consulting, LLC (Burlington, NC) once again host the Steamboat Mascot Stampede® providing student mascots an opportunity to hone their skills while meeting fellow student and professional mascots in a winter setting.

The mascots scheduled to take part are:

University of Arizona’s “Wilma”                                            University of New Mexico’s “Lobo Louie”

University of California, Los Angeles’ “Joe Bruin”             University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill’s “Ramses”

Clemson University’s “The Tiger”                                         Northern Illinois University’s “Victor E. Huskie”

The University of Colorado, Boulder’s “Chip”                    Northwestern University’s “Willie the Wildcat”

Colorado State University’s “Cam the Ram”                       University of Southern California’s “Tommy Trojan”

Florida State University’s “Cimarron”                                  University of Texas at Austin’s “Hook ‘Em”

University of Iowa’s “Herky”                                                  Virginia Commonwealth University’s “Rodney the Ram”

Iowa State University’s “Cy”                                                   Western Illinois University’s “Rocky”

Utah State University’s  “Big Blue”                                       Western Kentucky University’s “Big Red”

University of Nevada, Reno’s “Wolfie, Jr.”                           University of Wisconsin, Madison’s “Bucky Badger”

The three days at Steamboat will be packed with 10 mascot and fan related activities on Steamboat’s famous Champagne Powder® snow, including Mascot Snow Bowling, Ride Em’ Cowboy Snow Bike Slalom, a Mascot Tug-O-War, and a Mascot Dance Off.  The fun kicks off on Friday night, December 11, when skiers and boarders have the opportunity to ride the slopes with their favorite mascots as part of the first night of skiing for the year.  The event also includes a Mascot Boot Camp with team building and best practices education, to help the student performers become better mascots.

“Last year’s Mascot Stampede was a huge success and its popularity shows in this year’s increased attendance from schools across the country,” said Katie Brown, vice president of sales and marketing for Steamboat. “The Mascot Stampede is fast solidifying its position as one of the most unique collegiate events on snow and a must participate weekend for mascots.”

“Our kickoff event in 2014 validated how passionate student performers are about their craft and that they love to learn and get better,” says Dave Raymond, Emperor of Fun and Games at REG. “but at the end of the day, they really love to entertain and inspire! The payoff was watching a group of wild and zany mascots interact with skiers and college fans from all over the country.”

“The students who work hard to represent the brands of their schools are always hungry to learn and to interact with other performers,” notes Trip Durham, CEO of 2D Consulting, LLC. “The blend of education in the meeting rooms and events on the slopes is a great opportunity to reward students for their time and their talents.”

Alumni and fans of participating schools are invited to join the fun with ample opportunity for mascot interaction. The event kicks off Friday evening with a Mascot Ski & Dance party where guests can hit the slopes with their favorite mascots then dance the night away in the base area. Saturday’s events start with a Welcome Parade and Charades Competition which encourage fans to get up close and personal with the mascots, followed by Snow Bowling, Saucer Pull, Mascot Mingling and the Tug-O-War. Sunday’s competitions include Snow Bike Slalom, Mascot Dance Off and Obstacle Challenge concluding with the Mascot Champion Crowning Ceremony on the Steamboat Stage.

All events take place in the base area or on the snow adjacent to the base area, and spectators will be able to get up close and personal with their favorite collegiate mascots, take photos and get autographs. For a complete list of Steamboat Mascot Stampede events and information visit www.steamboat.com/mascots.

Steamboat Ski Resort will be filming the Mascot Stampede for media distribution. For b-roll video, still photos or “interviews” with participating mascots please contact Loryn Kasten at [email protected].

For media inquiries including attending the Steamboat Mascot Stampede or receiving event photos and video please contact Loryn Kasten at [email protected].

– Happy Trails®

About Raymond Entertainment Group

The Raymond Entertainment Group is a marketing and entertainment company that has over 30 years of experience in delivering entertainment using character brands and mascots. Raymond Entertainment is led by the Emperor of Fun and Games, David Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic of the Philadelphia Phillies.

About 2D Consulting, LLC

Launched in the spring of 2010, 2D Consulting works with small colleges and conferences on external relations assessment; developing solutions for institutions and leagues to better brand themselves, generate revenue, and increase their presence in their communities. Trip Durham, founder and CEO, also dedicates time to handling special sports and athletics projects for clients throughout the country.

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