Western Kentucky University

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No! This is not Elmo after too many trips to Krispy Kreme!

No! This is not Elmo after too many trips
to Krispy Kreme!

Traditions
Discover the School Nickname, Mascots, Colors and More

 Discover the stories surrounding WKU's nickname story along with the school's mascots, colors and many great traditions that take place on gameday and beyond.

 WKU Mascot: Big Red
 No game day is complete at a Hilltopers game without the delightful presence of "Big Red."  Why is the fuzzy mascot named that.  Most likely because he's Big and Red.

Always Seeing Red When it comes to showing your support for WKU, it always starts with a red towel. The spirit enhancing linen has also been incorporated into University logos.

Always Seeing Red
When it comes to showing your support for WKU, it
always starts with a red towel. The spirit enhancing
linen has also been incorporated into University logos.

But seriously.....Big Red was born in 1979 and made his first appearance during a WKU basketball game that season.  Much like the fanfare that Syracuse University's Otto the Orange has received, Western Kentucky's Big Red has been honored with national "Key to Spirit" Awards and was a key focal point of ESPN's promotion of it's 25,000 Sports Center in 2002.

This view of the WKU campus illustrates how one would have to be a "Hilltopper to reach this pictured building.

This view of the WKU campus illustrates how
one would have to be a "Hilltopper to reach
this pictured building.

This asexual and amorphous mascot has also made appearances on the Ellen Degeneres Show and Deal or No Deal.  No WKU game is complete without Big Red doing his famous Belly Slide and Belly Shake.

WKU Nickname: Hilltoppers
 It's said that you were to visit the Western Kentucky University campus in Bowling Green, it would be quite evident why the Hilltopper nickname was adopted by the school.  The nickname evolved when the campus location was moved in 1911. Highlighting the move was a stream of the entire student body carrying school materials and supplies UP the Hill to the school's new location.
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Houchens Industries - L.T. Smith Stadium