The History of Goldy Gopher

Goldy Gopher is an icon of the state of Minnesota. The mascot has been attending University of Minnesota sporting events for more than 73 years. However, Goldy has not always been the big-headed, pants-wearing mascot recognized today. The character was born from Minnesota’s 19th-century label as the "Gopher State," a nickname the university eventually adopted for its athletic teams.

In 1952, Goldy was officially born when members of the marching band constructed a papier-mâché gopher head and a furry suit to wear to a football game. The first suit was far more simple than the modern suit. But it was a hit and established a tradition of mascot representation.

Goldy’s appearance has evolved to match the shifting culture of the university and the state in the decades since. The mascot has moved through various designs that reflected the aesthetics of the time. These changes included experiments with different uniforms and facial expressions as well as the development of signature traditions that define Goldy. This timeline traces Goldy’s visual transformation. One of the state's most beloved symbols