Benny the Bull's birthday: Chicago Bulls mascot celebrates at United Center
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Benny the Bull (with his new number #99) throws a t-shirt into the crowd during a game at the United Center. Photo: Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Chicago Bulls fans may be divided about the direction of the team's rebuild, but they unite around one thing: Benny the Bull.
Why it matters: The beloved mascot is celebrating his 57th birthday Wednesday. The Bulls will mark the occasion at the United Center before their game against the Pacers.
- Expect a pregame, beach bash–themed party starting at 5:30pm in the atrium.
Context: Benny debuted in 1969 and, according to the Bulls, was the NBA's first mascot.
- He's a 12-time NBA Mascot of the Year and was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame in 2017.
- Forbes named him "America's Favorite Sports Mascot" in 2013.
Zoom in: Fans expect a show from the franchise icon, whether he's diving into the crowd for a popcorn-spilling "Benny Splash Zone" moment or hitting the court for half-court shots and trampoline dunks.
To celebrate, we asked the legend to map out his perfect (birth)day in Chicago.
🍩 Breakfast: "Momma Betty prepares a breakfast feast fit for legends: 33 Dunkin' Donuts, 23 red velvet pancakes, 10 bales of hay with giardiniera, 4 bags of breakfast popcorn and one protein shake."
🏀 Morning Activity: "The sun is shining, so I take a walk outside to a basketball court to practice my signature behind-the-back, half-court shot and take on unsuspecting Chicagoans in 'friendly' games of one-on-one."
🌮 Lunch: "I head back to the United Center for some of the best arena food. After a heavy breakfast, I'm still a little full, but it's important to fuel up for game day. So, I sample small plates of everything from Honey Butter Fried Chicken to Little Goat Tacos."
🏎️ Afternoon Activity: "Joyrides down Madison Street in Benny's Bull Ride, my signature whip, with my hot-headed best friend, Big Ben, and my cousin Gus T. Bull. We pause for selfies, dance-offs, and to pop confetti poppers."
- The afternoon ends after we see a comedy movie and order two large bags of popcorn, in case one accidentally spills (who would do such a thing?!)."
🍕Dinner: "Pizza! Tavern style, not deep dish (I'm watching my figure) with vegetables, extra grains and cheese on top."
🏟️ Evening Activity: "As the Bulls' #1 fan, there is no place better than the United Center on a Bulls game night, cheering along with 20,000 fellow fans."
🕺🏿After Party: "A rooftop dance party with all my mascot friends, where they play my favorite songs, the 'Percolator' by Cajmere and 'Turn Down for What' by Lil Jon."