Fantastic MLS mascots and where to find them – CAPITAL CITY SOCCER

We know from front office comments that Austin FC will have a mascot.

Ultimately, you—the community and supporters—will have a big say in picking a mascot.

As Austin FC builds awareness among adults through meetups at breweries and bars, I expect they’ll also begin to “grow the legend” among kids in our community. A youth academy is already going, but a mascot to reach an even younger audience makes perfect sense.

Why have a Mascot?

Two words: free hugs. Still not convinced? Here are five more reasons Austin FC should have a mascot:

  1. Build team personality/spirit
  2. Engage young fans
  3. Entertain the crowd/create excitement
  4. Act as goodwill ambassador in the community
  5. Develop fan loyalty

Mascots in MLS

About 70% of MLS teams have a mascot. It’s a diverse group of googly-eyed creatures (and one human), with birds leading the pack.

Seattle Sounders are the latest team to add a mascot—revealing Sammy in 2019. In 2020, Colorado brought Rapid Man back from retirement, replacing its roster of four different mascots.

Not many recent MLS expansion teams have added mascots.

Team Joined MLS Mascot
Los Angeles FC 2018 N/A
FC Cincinnati 2019 Gary the Lion
Nashville SC 2020 N/A
Inter Miami CF 2020 N/A

Mascots in Texas and Austin

We love our mascots in the Lone Star state. Both current Texas MLS teams, Houston Dynamo (Dynamo Diesel) and FC Dallas (Tex Hooper), have well-established mascots.

In our own ATX, The University of Texas’ Bevo is one of the most recognizable college mascots in the country. We also have mascots repping other local professional sports teams:

Ideas for an Austin FC mascot

So come on Austin, think of a mascot for the team. To get those creative juices flowing, here are a few of our ideas:

  • Nutmeg the Squirrel
  • Knotty by Nature
  • Hoooo-ligan the Owl
  • Woody the Golden-Cheeked Warbler

2021 Austin FC mascot announced

Before the first home game has been played, Austin FC announced it would partner with Austin Pets Alive to feature a different adoptable doggo at every regular season home match. These adorable pups will be introduced at the beginning of each match to help them find their forever home.