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Archives & Special Collections (ASC)

History of the Cardinal Bird: 1978-present

A history of the evolution of the University of Louisville's athletics mascot, known as the Cardinal Bird or Louie. Covers the development of the costume used for in-person appearances as well as the Cardinal Bird's depiction in print.

Cardinal Bird, 1978-present

Around 1978, a new version of the Cardinal Bird appeared. This bird was sometimes barefoot, and sometimes dressed for football or basketball. While the "head" logo has surpassed him as the official logo, he is still a fan favorite.

1978 Cardinal Bird Logo

Cardinal Bird mascot, 1979 — Image credit: University of Louisville vs. Virginia Tech, Official Game Program [football], September 8, 1979, Archives & Special Collections, University of Louisville

The first sighting of the barefoot Cardinal Bird dates to 1978.

The beak is more stylized, as are the head feathers and the coloration around his eye.

Cardinal Bird, 1978, Ready for Football

Cardinal Bird with football, no shoes, 1978 — Image credit: University of Louisville vs. South Dakota State Official Game Program [football], September 9, 1978, Archives & Special Collections, University of Louisville

This version, posed with a football, appears in the program for UofL's football game against South Dakota State, September 9, 1978.

Cardinal Bird, 1981, with his cleats

Image credit: Louisville vs Toledo, Official Game Program [football], September 12, 1981, Archives & Special Collections, University of Louisville

This variation has his football cleats on (from the program for the 1981 football game versus Toledo).

Cardinal Bird, 1985, Ready for Basketball

Cardinal Bird mascot dunking a basketball, 1985 — Image credit: Louisville 1985-86 Basketball Cards [media guide], Archives & Special Collections, University of Louisville

This bird could also play basketball (1985, from the basketball media guide).