When it comes to sports mascots, few can hold a candle to the energy, charisma, and sheer entertainment value of Benny the Bull. Since debuting in 1969, Benny has been more than just a cheerleader for the Chicago Bulls—he’s become an institution. With his iconic red fur, oversized sneakers, and non-stop antics, Benny has turned the job of “mascot” into something closer to a full-blown performance art. He dunks off trampolines, dances better than half the cheer squad, and is a master prankster with a flair for dramatic entrances and slapstick humor. But there’s more to Benny than popcorn dumps and slapstick comedy. His impact on NBA entertainment, his viral fame, and his deep ties to the Chicago community have made him one of the most respected and beloved mascots in sports history. Whether you’re a lifelong Bulls fan or just someone who stumbled across one of his hilarious clips online, there’s no denying Benny’s influence—and staying power. So put on your Bulls jersey, grab some popcorn (before Benny dumps it on you), and enjoy this deep dive into the Top 10 Fun Facts About Benny the Bull. You’re about to see why he’s more than just a sideline act—he’s a full-court phenomenon.
#10: Benny the Bull Has Been Around Longer Than Most NBA Franchises’ Mascots
Benny the Bull isn’t just the Chicago Bulls’ mascot—he’s a trailblazer in the world of sports entertainment. Making his first appearance in 1969, Benny holds the distinction of being one of the first mascots in NBA history, predating most modern mascots by decades. His creation came at a time when professional sports teams were just beginning to embrace the concept of mascots to hype up fans and entertain during breaks in play. That pioneering spirit set the stage for Benny to evolve into an NBA institution.
Over the years, Benny has been reinvented multiple times. His early design was much simpler and more cartoonish, but as the entertainment bar for mascots rose, so did Benny’s performance level. Today, he’s known for his acrobatic dunking, wild entrances, and theatrical antics—a far cry from the more reserved, simple mascot of the early days. His longevity is impressive in a league where mascots have come and gone with rebrands or franchise changes. Benny, however, has adapted, survived, and thrived through multiple eras of Bulls basketball—from the Jordan dynasty to the rebuilds of today.
And fans love him for it. Generations of Bulls fans have grown up watching Benny and bringing their kids to see him. His presence has become as iconic as the United Center itself, making him a true pillar of the team’s identity.
#9: He’s a Viral Sensation—and He Knows It
In the age of TikTok and Twitter, Benny the Bull has taken full advantage of his spotlight. With millions of collective views across social platforms, Benny is not just a court-side favorite—he’s a full-blown viral phenomenon. His videos regularly explode online, showcasing everything from flawless dance routines to elaborate pranks and surprise stunts on unsuspecting fans.
One of his most widely shared clips features Benny storming the court in a banana costume, perfectly timed with a themed night at the arena. In another video, he hides inside a janitor’s cart, only to pop out and scare an opposing fan sitting courtside. The reactions are priceless, and Benny’s commitment to timing, performance, and shock factor has turned him into a social media staple.
What sets Benny apart in the mascot world is his consistent creativity. He’s not repeating the same joke every night—his team carefully plans content that connects with both in-arena fans and digital audiences. The mascot’s TikTok feed features choreographed dances, throwback costumes, and even “day in the life” vlogs—bringing fans even closer to the red-furred showman behind the snout. His ability to adapt to changing internet culture while staying rooted in physical comedy has helped him dominate both the arena and the algorithm.
He’s also been part of multiple brand crossovers, often collaborating with other mascots or even professional athletes to create joint content that explodes online. In short, Benny isn’t just a mascot—he’s an entertainer, influencer, and content creator, all rolled into one oversized pair of sneakers.
#8: He Dumped Popcorn on Fans from a 10-Foot Ladder—And That Wasn’t the Craziest Thing He’s Done
Benny the Bull doesn’t do anything halfway. One of his most legendary pranks involved climbing a 10-foot ladder courtside, balancing a comically large tub of popcorn, and then dumping the entire thing over a rival fan in full view of the arena. The fan, decked out in the opposing team’s gear, was a perfect (and likely in-on-it) target, and the crowd absolutely erupted in laughter.
But this wasn’t a one-time thing. Benny’s popcorn attacks are practically part of his signature routine. He’s upgraded the prank over time, sometimes using a leaf blower to blast snacks into the stands or stuffing popcorn into unsuspecting fans’ hats. These moments are as much about comic timing as they are about spectacle. The buildup—the tiptoe approach, the exaggerated glances at the audience, the “oops, did I do that?” shrug—is pure performance gold.
It’s this brand of physical comedy, somewhere between Bugs Bunny and Buster Keaton, that makes Benny unique. He’s not afraid to use props, costumes, and even heights to deliver a joke. And while popcorn showers are crowd favorites, they’re just one tool in his arsenal. He’s used silly string, pies, fake snakes, buckets of confetti, and sometimes even his own cloned versions (Benny doubles!) to add chaos to the game.
Beyond the laughs, these gags are part of why Benny is so beloved. They make fans feel like they’re part of the show, not just spectators. In a time when entertainment is increasingly digital and detached, Benny brings back the joy of live, in-your-face comedy, and that’s no small feat.
#7: He Has a Wardrobe Fit for a Superstar
If you think athletes are the only ones changing outfits during a game, think again. Benny the Bull has a wardrobe that rivals Hollywood stars. From disco suits and superhero capes to cowboy getups and fuzzy pajamas, Benny has an outfit for every occasion. And he doesn’t just wear them—he performs in them, using his costumes as part of his elaborate skits, themed nights, or holiday stunts.
One fan-favorite is his Elvis outfit, complete with a white rhinestone jumpsuit and wig. On “Elvis Night,” Benny serenades the crowd, lip-syncs to “Hound Dog,” and sometimes even performs backflips in full costume. Other nights, he’ll go full superhero mode, flying in on wires like Spider-Man or swooping across the court with a custom cape stitched with a giant “B.”
His wardrobe team is always one step ahead, preparing new looks for big games, celebrity appearances, or viral opportunities. During Valentine’s Day, you might see Benny in a Cupid costume shooting plush arrows. On Halloween? Expect something spooky—and probably inflatable. And when it’s time for a “throwback night,” you’ll see Benny rocking Bulls gear from the 90s, complete with high-tops and gold chains.
It’s not just about flash, though. These costumes are part of his storytelling. Each outfit helps frame a bit, prank, or skit. It’s theatrical, interactive, and often involves the crowd. The Bulls have even used social media polls to let fans vote on Benny’s next look, making them part of the fun.
Through fashion, Benny keeps his act fresh—and fans never know what’s coming next.
#6: His Slam Dunks Are Just as Impressive as the Players’
When the Bulls are on a scoring drought or the tension in the United Center is thick, there’s one figure who can electrify the arena in seconds—Benny and his trampoline. He’s not just a mascot; he’s a legitimate aerial performer, known for his mid-air flips, windmill dunks, and even between-the-legs slams that rival NBA All-Star weekend entries.
Working with the Bulls’ AcroDunk team, Benny regularly performs halftime and timeout shows that leave fans stunned. His timing, coordination, and fearlessness are no joke. Some routines involve running from half-court, launching into a springboard, and twisting in the air before hammering the ball home—while in full mascot gear. And he often does it multiple times in one show without missing a beat.
His athleticism has earned praise from athletes and commentators alike. NBA analysts have joked that Benny could qualify for the Slam Dunk Contest, and several Bulls players over the years have said they look forward to seeing his routines just as much as fans do. Benny takes it seriously, too—he practices, trains, and works with stunt coordinators to ensure everything is not only funny but safe and high-quality.
Sometimes, he’ll even mock dunk with mini balls into tiny hoops held by kids in the stands, playing both hero and goofball in one act. Other times, he’ll launch himself into the air, pose like Michael Jordan mid-dunk, and freeze-frame in classic “Jumpman” style before crashing into an oversized mattress.
Whether he’s dunking for laughs or for gasps, Benny proves that being a mascot isn’t just about waving pom-poms—it’s a full-body athletic performance.
#5: Benny Once Had a Full-On Mascot Feud with Pierre the Pelican
Sports rivalries are legendary—but when mascots get involved, they become unforgettable. One of Benny the Bull’s most notorious moments came during an extended, theatrical “feud” with Pierre the Pelican, the mascot of the New Orleans Pelicans. What started as a few harmless pranks escalated into a full-blown, multi-game rivalry that had fans from both teams buzzing—and laughing.
It began when Benny playfully mocked Pierre during a Bulls vs. Pelicans game, showing off dance moves that left Pierre looking stiff in comparison. But Pierre didn’t take it lying down. The next time the two teams met, Pierre “retaliated” by invading Benny’s skits, photobombing him during timeouts, and even stealing Benny’s popcorn cannon. Benny answered back in the only way he knows how—by going bigger. He arrived courtside with an entire “security team,” dramatically protecting his territory like a celebrity under siege.
The fake feud quickly gained traction online, with fans treating it like professional wrestling for mascots. Social media lit up with memes, reaction GIFs, and fan theories about who would win the next “round.” The Bulls and Pelicans even leaned into the rivalry, allowing their mascots to plan gags together and giving them space during halftime to ham it up. At one point, Benny brought in a “Pierre decoy” piñata, dressed exactly like the rival bird, and destroyed it on the court with a baseball bat—while dancing.
What made the Benny–Pierre saga so legendary wasn’t just the silliness, but how it blurred the lines between performance and story. Benny showed that even mascots can have story arcs. The commitment to character, the showmanship, and the ability to involve both fans and opposing teams made this feud one of the most entertaining stretches of mascot mayhem in recent memory. Benny proved, once again, that he’s more than a performer—he’s a character with his own mythology.
#4: He’s a Social Media Mogul with a Massive Online Following
Benny the Bull isn’t just working the courts—he’s ruling the algorithm. With over 400K Instagram followers, millions of TikTok views, and a verified presence on multiple platforms, Benny has become a legitimate social media personality. He posts regularly, with high-production-value skits, challenges, dances, and behind-the-scenes content that rivals influencers and digital creators.
What’s remarkable is how on-brand his social media is. Benny never speaks—online or offline. Yet his captions, visual gags, and reactions are perfectly curated for comedy and engagement. From reacting to Bulls trades with dramatic sobbing to participating in TikTok dance trends in full mascot gear, Benny knows what his audience wants. And he delivers.
One of his most iconic TikToks features Benny recreating popular trends—but always with a twist. Instead of lip-syncing like everyone else, Benny might mime the scene using props, involve unsuspecting Bulls staffers, or break the fourth wall with over-the-top theatrics. His content ranges from chaotic (like being chased through the stadium by a dinosaur mascot) to surprisingly heartfelt (like surprising a young fan at their birthday party).
Benny also uses his platform to engage in fun “beefs” with other mascots, respond to fan comments, and post themed reels on game days. He’s mastered the art of mascot comedy in the digital age, showing that physical comedy still works—even when it’s coming through a smartphone screen.
And his audience isn’t just kids—adults, influencers, and even celebrities follow Benny’s antics. He’s appeared in videos with Bulls players, spoofed national commercials, and even landed in Best Mascot Social Media rankings from Bleacher Report and Sports Illustrated. In the modern sports world, mascots can’t just be funny—they need to be brand-savvy. Benny proves he’s both.
#3: He’s Been “Ejected” from Games for Going Too Far—And Fans Loved It
Benny the Bull pushes boundaries. And sometimes? He gets thrown out—or at least, he pretends to. One of the most talked-about recurring bits in his performance playbook is when Benny goes so over the top with a prank or gag that arena “security” escorts him out of the game.
The crowd loves it.
One unforgettable instance happened when Benny interrupted a free throw by riding onto the court in a mini-scooter dressed as a hot dog vendor. As the opposing player prepared to shoot, Benny started tossing hot dogs into the crowd. A few landed near the court. The refs looked irritated. Security came running. Benny tried to “escape,” sprinting through the aisles as guards chased him. The crowd was in hysterics.
Of course, it’s all scripted. But it’s part of what makes Benny a master of performance art. He walks the line between silly and almost-too-far, and the tension of “Is he supposed to be doing that?” makes every moment even funnier. Benny being “ejected” is his version of a mic drop—a prank so good, it gets him “banned.”
These moments also highlight how tight his coordination is with the Bulls entertainment staff, referees, and security team. It takes careful planning to pull off a fake ejection without disrupting the flow of a professional basketball game. But Benny does it seamlessly, like a silent-film clown who understands stagecraft better than most actors.
Fans now expect at least one Benny “incident” per season—and they wouldn’t have it any other way.
#2: He’s Won Awards—and Changed the Mascot Game Forever
Benny isn’t just popular with fans—he’s a certified mascot legend. He’s been named NBA Mascot of the Year multiple times, featured in ESPN rankings, and profiled in national publications like The New York Times and USA Today. Benny has even been inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame, a real institution that recognizes the best and most influential mascots across sports and entertainment.
Why does he earn so many accolades? Because Benny doesn’t just entertain—he elevates the mascot art form. He’s helped shift the NBA’s perception of mascots from “kid distractions” to essential entertainers and marketing tools. His influence can be seen across the league, where many teams have since upped their mascot game, borrowing elements like trampolines, props, and social media humor—things Benny has been doing for years.
Benny’s team includes choreographers, writers, costume designers, and media editors. It’s a full operation. And that level of professionalism is why Benny can deliver Broadway-quality entertainment while also dunking over six people and hitting the Griddy mid-court.
He’s even appeared in national ad campaigns, cross-promotional events with celebrities, and as a guest on morning TV shows. Wherever he goes, he represents the Chicago Bulls—and the very idea of what a mascot can be—with pride, mischief, and style.
#1: Benny Is a Symbol of Chicago—Not Just the Bulls
When you think of Chicago sports, you might think of Jordan’s six rings, the Cubs’ Wrigley magic, or Da Bears. But Benny the Bull is quietly one of the city’s most enduring symbols. He’s present at nearly every Bulls game, yes—but he’s also out in the community, visiting schools, surprising kids at hospitals, and participating in charity drives across the city. He shows up where it matters most.
One of his most touching roles is serving as a symbol of joy in difficult spaces. Benny frequently partners with local children’s hospitals, appearing in full costume to brighten the day of kids battling illness. He brings them signed Bulls gear, performs funny skits at their bedside, and poses for photos that create lasting memories. No dunk or viral video can match the emotional impact of those moments.
He’s also active during holidays, marching in parades, leading toy drives, and partnering with Chicago organizations to give back. He makes appearances at food banks, shelters, and youth centers. In doing so, Benny has transcended his mascot status to become a local hero of sorts—a larger-than-life figure who’s always present, always goofy, and always giving.
In a sports city that loves its legends, Benny stands tall—sometimes literally on stilts—and represents everything fans adore: pride, hustle, and heart. He may not have a voice, but Benny the Bull has become one of the loudest symbols of joy, resilience, and Chicago spirit the city has ever known.
Benny the Bull isn’t just an NBA mascot—he’s a pioneer, a performer, and a beloved figure who’s kept fans smiling for more than five decades. From trampoline dunks and viral antics to heartfelt hospital visits and community outreach, Benny has built a legacy far beyond the court. His pranks are legendary, his stunts are jaw-dropping, and his sense of humor is unmatched.
But more than anything, Benny represents what sports are all about—fun, connection, and loyalty. He’s the furry red heart beating at the center of every Bulls game, always ready to dance, dunk, or deliver a laugh. Whether you’ve seen him in the arena or stumbled across his latest TikTok hit, one thing’s for sure: there’s only one Benny the Bull—and he’s still going strong.
