Butler’s bulldog isn’t allowed to attend games
Celebrity mascot sits games out, still charms fans
Not even a ticket could get Butler’s bulldog into the NCAA men’s basketball tournament in Milwaukee.
Butler University may be playing in Saturday night’s second round against Middle Tennessee State at the BMO Harris Bradley Center, but the school’s live mascot, a 5-year-old, 65-pound English bulldog named Butler Blue III, will be sitting this game out.
NCAA rules prohibit live mascots from making appearances during the early rounds of the tournament. If Butler gets to the Final Four, the school can petition to have the dog attend the festivities.
But never fear, Blue III, also known as Trip, is in town doing what he does best, charming kids and adults alike while making appearances on behalf of the Indianapolis-based school.
Like the Milwaukee Brewers unofficial mascot, Hank the Dog, Butler Blue is something of a marketing phenomenon, with a line of merchandise that includes hats, plush toy, shirts, even a children’s book. He has thousands of followers on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Blue III has even appeared at birthday parties and a wedding.
But to Michael Kaltenmark, the dog’s owner and handler and Butler’s director of external relations, Blue III is a lovable member of the family.
“I describe him as spirited,” Kaltenmark said Friday while sitting in a hotel lobby.
As Kaltenmark talked about Blue III, Evan Krauss, who works in the Butler communications office and calls himself the “secondary dog guy,” helped a steady stream of fans pose for photos with the dog.
Blue III played hurt this year, out for nearly two months after surgery to repair a partially torn ACL. Physical therapy on an underwater treadmill really helped in the recovery. It’s a good thing that Blue III has sponsors for food, transportation and veterinary care.
“All his needs are met,” Kaltenmark said.
In 2000, Kaltenmark said the school restarted its tradition of a live mascot with Butler Blue, who served in the role for four years. When the dog and her handler moved away, the school had openings it really wanted to fill. Enter Blue II and Kaltenmark and his wife Tiffany, who volunteered to care for the animal.
Blue II rose to national prominence as Butler’s teams made the Final Four in 2010 and 2011. Blue II retired after the 2013 season and Blue III came aboard.
While Butler’s bulldog is a welcome presence to the school’s students and fans,
he also serves as major recruiting tool for prospective students. Around 10% of students who are admitted to Butler will attend the school, Kaltenmark said, but the conversion rate rises to around 36% if Blue III visits the student.
“I don’t think the dog takes a student from a no to a yes,” Kaltenmark said. “But if a student is neutral, the dog can definitely send him over the top, take him to a yes.”
“Part of it is the personal touch,” Kaltenmark said, eyeing Blue III. “Look at him, that’s a lot of charm in a 65-pound frame. You can’t deny that.”
Kaltenmark is always hopeful that rules will be relaxed and live mascots will be allowed at early-round tournament games.
“I know all those folks at the NCAA,” he said. “They’re great people and they’ve been gracious in the past. I often remind them it’s unfortunate he can’t go to the opening rounds.”
On Saturday, Blue III will make the rounds, attending a pregame event for Butler fans where he’ll surely be the center of attention. And when the teams tip off, Blue III will be back at the hotel, tucked in his room, watching the game on television.