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Archives & Special Collections (ASC)

History of the Cardinal Bird: 1980-present: The Era of the Costumed Character

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.

1980s-1990s

Sometime no later than February, 1980, a new, fully costumed Cardinal Bird appeared. 

Here, he poses with the cheerleaders. 

Cardinal Bird with UL cheerleaders, 1981
Image credit: Louisville v. Toledo football program, September 12, 1981, Archives & Special Collections, University of Louisville

While the intent of most mascots is to demonstrate the ferocity of the school's team, they are also often lovable. 

Here, the Cardinal Bird shares a laugh with a young fan (1980s).

Cardinal Bird with young fan, 1980s
Image credit: Cardinal Bird (Mascot) reference file, Archives & Special Collections, University of Louisville.

The Cardinal Bird with "Cardinal Bird alumni" in 1996:

Cardinal Bird with predecessors, 1996
Image credit: Photo by Tom Fougerousse, Cardinal Bird Reunion, October 1996, Tom Fougerousse University of Louisville photographs (2016-054), Archives & Special Collections, University of Louisville.

2000s

The Cardinal Bird took on a beefier look in the 2000s, and by 2012 had picked up a new nickname: Louie. 

The Cardinal Bird at the Sugar Bowl, January 2013:

Cardinal Bird at the Sugar Bowl, January 2013
Image credit: Tom Fougerousse. This image belongs to the University of Louisville.

2016-present

The Cardinal Bird/Louie received a significant redesign in 2016, taking on a leaner, meaner aspect. 

Cardinal Bird at football game, 2018
Image credit: Photo by Tom Fougerousse. This image belongs to the University of Louisville.