Discover Missouri’s Truman Mascot story, how the Tigers nickname originated and many great traditions that make games at Mizzou a great college football experience.
Missouri’s Truman Mascot Has Presidential Ties
Much like the University’s “Tiger” nickname, the name of Missouri’s mascot also adds a historical perspective. Truman the Tiger is named for Missouri-bred President of the United States, Harry S. Truman.
The costumed mascot is a regular at the school’s football and basketball games, and his appearance at schools, hospitals, county fairs and other events makes fans ‘roar’ with delight.
Truman makes a ‘six-alarm’ entrance into the football stadium on gamedays when he arrives on a fire truck with sirens blaring. The 1950s-vintage Boone County fire truck known as “Truman’s Taxi” sports Mizzou Black and Gold colors and flies several Missouri flags.
Truman has also been recognized as one of the nation’s best mascots. The talented Tiger actors that are introduced as “Truman” during Senior Night festivities have helped the mascot to be recognized as the “Best mascot in the nation” several times.
Mizzou Gameday Traditions and More!
How Missouri Became the Tigers
The origins of Missouri’s nickname dates to the Civil War period, when the state’s citizens took action to fend off attacks on their towns. Pillaging guerrilla bands were systematically raiding small towns and Columbia residents were under the constant fear of attack. In response to the terror community vigilante groups were formed for protection.
The spirited cohesiveness of the town’s people paid off when word spread that the disreputable Bill Anderson and his guerrilla band had their eye on sacking Columbia. An armed band of citizens quickly formed, built a blockhouse and fortified the old courthouse in the town’s center. The strength of the group called the “Missouri Tigers” made such an impression that Anderson’s gang bypassed Columbia. When Missouri began playing football in 1890, the athletic committee adopted the “Tiger” nickname in official recognition of the town’s defenders.
Missouri’s Memorial Stadium/Faurot Field Has a Whitewashed Tradition
A giant “M” made of whitewashed stones serves
as ‘rock solid’ symbol of Tiger pride. The landmark guards the football stadium’s north end zone and makes quite an impression with its 90-foot wide and 95-foot high measurements.
The tremendous task of putting the letter in place was performed by the freshmen class of 1927. The University’s yearbook, “The Savitar,” reflected on the debut of the Mizzou symbol on Oct. 1, 1927 when it was in place for Missouri’s 13-6 win over Kansas.
“Five-hundred freshmen joined hands and
encircled the cinder track in a single line while the band played ‘Old Missouri’ in the center of the field. The pennants of all the Missouri Valley fluttered and danced above the stadium on the long line at the open end of the gridiron. A stone M–the work of the Frosh the night before–loomed up white and threatening against the embankment.”
Huskers Turned the M to an N
A revision was made to the “M” the night before a scheduled football game against Nebraska in the 1950s that caused a ‘moving’ and frantic response. A group of pranksters had changed the letter to an “N,” but with the combined efforts of school grounds keepers and a group of boys, the “M” was restored before kickoff.
Missouri’s Memorial Stadium Set for Major Renovations
Missouri’s Memorial Stadium is poised for a significant transformation as the University of Missouri takes a major step forward in enhancing its football facilities. The UM System Board of Curators has given the green light to the design of a $250 million renovation project for the stadium’s north end zone. Spearheaded by the Kansas City-based DLR Group, the project aims to modernize the stadium while preserving its historical essence. With the completion date set for October 2026, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of the stadium, fans can look forward to a revitalized game-day experience.
The renovations will bring substantial changes to the stadium’s capacity and structure. The north end zone is set to be completely enclosed with three tiers of seating, increasing the stadium’s capacity from 62,621 seats to approximately 65,000. Despite these major upgrades, the iconic Rock M and the grass-covered hill will be preserved, allowing for general admission seating for 2,600 fans. These updates are designed to not only enhance the visual appeal of the stadium but also improve the overall atmosphere and viewing experience for attendees.
The impact of these renovations extends beyond just the physical enhancements to the stadium. By modernizing Memorial Stadium, the University of Missouri aims to elevate the overall game-day experience for fans, making it more enjoyable and memorable. The upgrades are expected to attract more visitors to the stadium, thus contributing to the local economy and fostering a stronger sense of community among fans. With the new design, both long-time supporters and new fans will have a state-of-the-art venue to gather and celebrate Missouri football.
Missouri Tigers Traditions
Mizzou Fans Unite with “Mr. Brightside”
In 2016, the University of Missouri adopted “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers as an unofficial anthem, particularly resonating with recent graduates. The song has taken on a unique and pivotal role in Mizzou’s culture, symbolizing a united front against Kansas Athletics. Every time the iconic opening chords echo through the stadium, it becomes a collective experience where every fan, student, and alum belts out the lyrics with unwavering passion. This tradition has transformed “Mr. Brightside” into more than just a song; it’s a declaration of Mizzou pride and camaraderie.
The reaction from fans when “Mr. Brightside” plays is nothing short of electric. The entire stadium erupts, creating an atmosphere that is both exhilarating and unifying. Participants and spectators alike are swept up in the energy, singing at the top of their lungs and waving their hands in the air. For Missouri fans, this moment is not just about the music but also about expressing their enduring rivalry with Kansas and their connection to their SEC competitors. The song encapsulates the spirit of competition and school pride, reinforcing Mizzou’s identity and leaving a lasting impression on everyone who witnesses it.
University of Missouri Fight Song: Fight, Tiger
Often the songs Every True Son, Mizzou Cheer and Fight Tiger are all played in a row.
University Colors: Black and MU Gold
Although early historical references indicate that Missouri athletic teams once donned crimson and gold as its school colors, black and gold are the colors that have roared the loudest. The black and gold colors were selected to match the university’s Tiger tradition.
Missouri Kansas Rivalry Beats to the Indian War Drum
This trophy game was conceived in 1935 by a couple of Missouri alumni. The original purpose of this trophy was to stimulate dwindling interest in the Missouri-Kansas game that had faded during the great depression of the 1930s. The game reflects the heritage of the Osage Indians, a tribe that once roamed the plains of the two states.
Speculation is that the original trophy, an authentic Indian drum, was purchased in a Kansas City pawn shop and was later replaced by a new one in 1986. The Indian Drum is given to the winning school each year.
This tradition rang into existence in 1927 when Missouri officials suggested that a trophy should be presented to the winning school. The bell had an ominous beginning since it was originally stolen from a church in Seward, Neb. by two Nebraska fraternities. that shared the same house.
The first battles for the bell were between the two frats after they moved to separate living quarters. However, when the two universities needed a trophy to play for the bell was donated for the cause. Today the bell symbolizes the rivalry with its engraved “M” on one side and an “N” on the other.
Discover More Great Missouri and College Football Stories
