Fresh off their most successful season in a decade, the Indiana Pacers proved to the world that they deserve all the recognition they have gotten and then some. With their fast-paced offense, the Pacers were one of the most exciting and enjoyable teams to watch in the league last season. However, the team alone does not maximize the watching experience for fans viewing the game. In addition to the roster, the Pacers rely a lot on their mascot, Boomer, to keep the fans entertained.
Mascots all around the NBA world can provide an extra level of enjoyment and fun to their home team's games that players and coaches simply cannot. Most known as being the image of their team, mascots also provide entertainment during games and participate in mid-game festivities, such as dancing, holding up signs, and performing stunts.
Though nearly every team across all leagues around the globe have mascots, some of the most iconic and memorable ones represent teams in the NBA. This includes Benny the Bull (Chicago Bulls), The Raptor (Toronto Raptors), and Rocky the Mountain Lion (Denver Nuggets).
So who exactly is Boomer? Here is everything you need to know about the Pacers mascot.
History of the Indiana Pacers Mascot
Boomer has been Indiana's mascot since 1991. Initially, he was named "Boomer the Pacer" when he was introduced in 1985. However, his name was shortened when he officially became the team's mascot.
Description of Boomer
Boomer is a 6'0" tall, dark blue panther with fuzzy yellow hair. Additionally, he is always seen wearing sneakers and a Pacers jersey with the No. 00.
looking for a slam dunk Game 4️⃣ win 🙌 pic.twitter.com/AWox0xF8QJ
— Boomer (@PacersBoomer) May 12, 2024
Role and Activities of Boomer
Much like other mascots, Boomer does whatever he can to entertain the fans. He will perform dances on the sidelines or with the cheerleaders, will perform high-flying dunks at halftime, and he will attend numerous charity events to interact with the community.
the @500festival kids day was purrfect 😺 pic.twitter.com/NbhrLs9prn
— Boomer (@PacersBoomer) May 13, 2024
Popularity and Fan Engagement
Boomer can be seen at all the Pacers' home games. Furthermore, you can also see him on social media. His handle is @PacersBoomer for both X and Instagram. Additionally, he has an official Facebook page as well.
Perhaps Boomer's most notable moment happened at a high school in 2012 when the Pacers mascot broke the backboard on a high-flying slam dunk.
Fun Facts and Trivia
- In June 2020, Boomer was officially inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame, a feat only six other NBA mascots have achieved.
- Boomer was the first ever NBA mascot to visit China. Additionally, the Pacers mascot has visited at least 22 countries.
- Boomer also goes by the nickname "Pacers Panther."