Bevo, the live mascot of the Texas Longhorns, will not be present to cheer on the team at the upcoming Peach Bowl against Arizona State on January 1, 2025. The decision, made by Peach Bowl organizers, has disappointed many fans eager to see the famous longhorn on the sidelines.
According to the Peach Bowl’s official statement, "We love all of the great traditions of college football, and no doubt, Bevo is one of the best, but the unfortunate reality is there simply is not enough room on the sidelines of Mercedes-Benz Stadium." The statement emphasized safety concerns for Bevo, players, support staff, and media crews, as the venue struggles to accommodate Bevo's large presence.
This will mark Bevo's second missed game within three outings, as he was also absent during the SEC Championship game against Georgia at the same Atlanta stadium earlier this month. With the 1,700-pound Bevo needing ample space for his enclosure, the Peach Bowl cited the limitations of Mercedes-Benz Stadium as the reason for his exclusion from the event.
The history of Bevo’s on-field antics also raises eyebrows about safety. Fans might recall the 2019 Sugar Bowl when Bevo charged at Uga, the University of Georgia’s live mascot, after breaking through barricades, causing quite the stir among spectators and handlers alike. Fans now wonder if this past incident contributes to heightened safety concerns and distance from other mascots.
Since the Peach Bowl announcement, Bevo's absence has sparked reactions across social media platforms, with many fans voicing their frustration and calling for Bevo to "Free Bevo." Outgoing Austin City Council Member Mackenzie Kelly chimed in, declaring on social media, "Stop messing with tradition and let Bevo be legendary!"
Despite the absence of their beloved mascot, the Longhorns are excited about facing off against Arizona State, following their recent success where they defeated Clemson 38-24, signaling strong performance from players such as quarterback Quinn Ewers, who completed 17 passes out of 24.
The Peach Bowl, held every New Year’s Day, attracts massive crowds, contributing to the stadium's sold-out status this year. Tickets have become highly sought after, with resale prices starting around $59, reflecting fans’ eagerness to be part of the experience even without Bevo on the sidelines.
Many are concerned about Bevo's future appearances—especially if Texas progresses to the national championship game—which is again slated for Mercedes-Benz Stadium. If safety and space continue to remain issues, fans might have to settle for watching Bevo from afar.
Fans hope their favorite mascot will soon return to the sidelines, but for now, it seems Bevo will have to watch from home, removing one more layer of excitement for the Longhorns' anticipated matchup.
