Bevo XV to make public debut as Texas Football hosts Notre Dame

Introduction of famed Texas Longhorn to come during 100^th anniversary of the mascot.

Press release via University of Texas Athletics.

The search for BEVO XV is complete.

The Silver Spurs Alumni Association has identified the next longhorn to represent The University of Texas as its famed mascot. BEVO XV is in the midst of training, and he is set for public debut prior to Texas Football’s 2016 season-opening game against Notre Dame on Sunday, Sept. 4 at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium.

“BEVO has embodied Longhorn pride and Texas spirit for 100 years,” UT President Gregory L. Fenves said. “He is part of our campus culture and has watched our football team’s successes for decades. I’m looking forward to seeing BEVO XV in his place of honor on the field this coming season.”

BEVO XV’s debut corresponds with the 100^th anniversary of BEVO’s first appearance at a University of Texas football game. BEVO has been a fixture at Texas games since Nov. 30, 1916 – a Thanksgiving Day 21-7 victory over Texas A&M in Austin. To commemorate the 100^th anniversary of BEVO, a special product line complete with the official BEVO100 logo, will be available throughout the season at the Texas Longhorns Official Team Shop, University Co-op, H-E-B, Academy and other retailers.

“We are excited to kick off the upcoming athletics season by introducing the newest edition of one of our most beloved traditions at The University of Texas,” said Texas Men’s Athletics Director Mike Perrin. “It’s also appropriate to unveil BEVO XV during this 100^th anniversary year. We all look forward to meeting BEVO XV in September.”

In addition, Longhorn Network will commemorate the 100^th anniversary and welcome BEVO XV with related content.

BEVO XV succeeds BEVO XIV, who passed away in October 2015. BEVO XIV began his tenure at the age of two in 2004. He was on the sidelines for many historic moments. BEVO XIV was a part of back-to-back Rose Bowl victories, including the January 2006 win over Southern Cal that resulted in the most recent Longhorns football National Championship. In addition to his prominent position on the sidelines at Texas football games and being a fixture at many campus events, BEVO XIV made multiple national appearances, including the second inauguration of President George W. Bush in Washington, DC.

The Silver Spurs, an honorary UT student service organization founded in 1937, is responsible for the management, care and transportation of BEVO. The Spurs provide students the opportunity to give back to campus and the community through philanthropic endevors associated with the BEVO Endowment. Through public appearances and strategic marketing partnerships, BEVO provides funds for the Neighborhood Longhorns Program and UT scholarships, covers expenses associated with the care and management of BEVO, and other UT philanthropic endeavors.

“BEVO XIV was the most charitable mascot in the country,” said Ricky Brennes, executive director of the Silver Spurs Alumni Association. “He did more for his community and university than any other live mascot. Over his last two years, BEVO XIV provided more than $300,000 to Neighborhood Longhorns. We look forward to BEVO XV continuing that legacy of giving back.”

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the 100^th anniversary items will benefit the BEVO Endowment.

“BEVO XV has all of the characteristics that we were looking for—he is a beautiful steer with great disposition, color and a championship pedigree,” Brennes added. “Each BEVO has had his own unique personality and BEVO XV is no exception. He’s very gentle, smart and curious. He is used to being around people and enjoys the attention. Silver Spurs handlers are working with him, becoming more familiar with his personality as well as proper leading and showing techniques. He will be ready for gameday.”