Otto the Orange Is the Newest Member of the Mascot Hall of Fame (Photo Story)

Estimated Reading Time: minutes

Congratulations Otto! On Aug. 12, in a ceremony at the Mascot Hall of Fame in Whiting, Indiana, Otto the Orange was inducted as part of the Mascot Hall of Fame Class of 2023.

Otto is now among 29 Mascot Hall of Fame inductees, only nine college mascot inductees and the first Atlantic Coast Conference inductee. Joining Otto as a 2023 inductee was Slugger the Sea Dog from Portland, Maine. During the ceremony, Julie Walas ’07, mascot coach of the Otto program, and Ben Youngerman ’09, former Otto performer and team captain, introduced Otto to the crowd gathered to celebrate as Otto accepted their Hall of Fame ring.

“We send a huge Otto high-five to each of the thousands of Syracuse Orange fans who cast votes from every corner of the globe! The most votes of any Mascot Hall of Fame nominee this year,” said Walas during the ceremony.

The day included a fan fest celebration, with an official ring ceremony. Fans were able to enjoy live entertainment by the Chicago Bulls DJ, DJ Riel; a kid zone; local vendors; meet and greets; autographs; giveaways and more.

“It’s the one-on-one interactions that have made Otto beloved around the world to every person that meets our favorite character,” said Youngerman during the ceremony. Fans in attendance were able to celebrate one-on-one with Otto all day.

For those who could not join the celebration in Indiana, fans will be able to get their photo with Otto and their championship ring during the tailgate at upcoming Syracuse Orange football games and especially during Orange Central weekend.

“Otto is a bright, smiling face in a sometimes dark and scary world. Otto is pure joy rolled up into a four-foot ball. An orange best friend for everyone, no matter who you are. That’s why Otto is a Mascot Hall of Famer,” said Walas.