His name is Mike VI.
And as fans piled into Tiger Stadium on Saturday, images of the tiger formally known as “Roscoe” played on the Jumbotron, but this time with the proper introduction: “Meet Mike VI” booming over the loudspeaker.
The Bengal-Siberian tiger, donated by Great Cats of Indiana, was officially bestowed the hallowed name in front of the largest crowd in stadium history.
But officials said they do not think Mike VI will make many in-stadium appearances this season because he is still getting accustomed to his new surroundings.
The tiger came to the University two weeks ago and made his first public appearance in his habitat Sept. 1. He has been delighting onlookers in his lair all week, and Tiger fans mingled around the cage Sunday morning hoping to get a glimpse of the official mascot.
“Mike is kind of cute,” 5-year-old Elizabeth Taylor said after asking if she could pet him. “Does he bite?”
Elizabeth went with her uncle Michael Taylor, marketing senior, to see the new mascot. And it wasn’t just Tiger fans oohing over the 2-year-old cat. Taylor’s girlfriend Lori Gauaghan, a Virginia Tech alumna who came from Fairfax, Va., to watch the game this weekend, was also impressed.
“I think he is amazing,” Gauaghan said. “It’s really neat to have an exotic animal on your campus.”
Other fans who waited for Mike to awake from his nap Sunday afternoon said they had no doubt he would be the next mascot after seeing him when he was released last week.
“I’ve called him Mike since he got here,” said Mona Moran, aaton Rouge resident and University alumna. “He looks like the type we need.”
The official announcement drew students, alumni and fans of all ages to Mike’s enclosure.
Rachael Averett, Baton Rouge resident, brought her 1-year-old son McCall to take pictures of Mike.
“I’m happy they got him,” she said. “It’s an important part of the University’s tradition.”
The University is still planning an on-campus ceremony to induct Mike as the next mascot. But the announcement and the footage of him playing with a big blue ball enticed some to get an up close look.
Gaby Buller, a New Orleans resident and University alumna, said she was excited to hear the announcement at Saturday’s game.
“I’m glad they finally did it,” she said, “because I was getting confused.”
—-Contact Ginger Gibson at ggibson@lsureveille.com