Butler Blue III denied access to PNC Arena, enraging humans and canines alike

Matthew VanTryon

Butler Blue III denied access to PNC Arena, enraging humans and canines alike image

Butler Blue III, Butler University's live mascot with over 17,000 Twitter followers and known for his campaigning abilities, made the trip from Indianapolis to Raleigh to cheer on the Bulldogs in their first-round NCAA tournament game against Texas Tech Thursday. Unfortunately, he wasn't let inside the arena.

 

 

 

Fans — both dogs and humans alike — took to Twitter to express their displeasure.

 

 

 

 

 

Trip's predecessor Blue II encountered similar obstacles in 2011, but made on-court appearances during both of Butler's Final Four appearances in 2010 and 2011.

Trip has also made multiple roadtrips with the team, including a memorable trip to Madison Square Garden for the Big East tournament last year.

 

 

 

 

Butler won Thursday, meaning they'll play again Saturday in PNC. Trip will be sticking around the Raleigh area. But unless there's a brisk NCAA rule change, he won't be making an appearance in the gym.

But have no fear. He'll still be entertaining fans by doing things like running on a treadmill.

 

 

 

No word on whether or not Trip puked after his jog.

Matthew VanTryon