TOLEDO, Ohio — The University of Toledo announced that it will unveil a new mascot plaza featuring statues of Rocky and Rocksy at a homecoming pep rally on Tuesday.
The university said the unveiling will take place during the Homecoming Pep Rally and Eat the Streets, bringing food trucks and inflatables to Centennial Mall from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m.
The donor-funded bronze statues of the mascots "striking camera-ready poses" will be a permanent addition and are installed in the new plaza facing the steps of the Thompson Student Union.
UToledo said the statues are created by artist Virgil Oertle and depict the current iterations of Rocky and Rocksy. There is a space between the mascots to accommodate posed photographs and selfies along with University Hall rising behind the pair, the university said.
“Rocky and Rocksy are at the heart of UToledo,” said Jason Toth, senior associate vice president for administration. “We’re excited for these iconic figures to be permanent fixtures on Centennial Mall, lending their school spirit to students, alumni and others who spend time on campus for sporting events and social gatherings.”
Rocky debuted in the fall of 1968 with the inaugural costume being a wastepaper basket with a pointed rocket top made of papier-mache. Rocky's female counterpart, Rocksy, debuted in 2011.
The homecoming football game is on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 3:30 p.m. as the Rockets (3-1) take on the Miami RedHawks (1-3) in a rematch of last season's Mid-American Conference championship game.
The Edward C. and Helen G. Schmakel Homecoming Parade begins at 10 a.m.
