University of Central Arkansas Athletics

History of Bruce D. Bear and Sugar Bear
It wasn’t until 1920 that the UCA athletic teams had a mascot.  According to Dr. Ted Worley, author of A History of The Arkansas State Teachers College, the UCA teams from 1908-1919 were referred to by many names, including: Tutors, Teachers, Pedagogues, Pea-Pickers and Normalites.  In 1920 the Bears became the mascot for the teams. However, it wasn’t until April 7, 1921 that the teams were called “Bears” in print. Dr. Worley also quoted sources as saying the Bear was an appropriate symbol for the school because Arkansas’ nickname was the “Bear State.” The women’s teams were known as the Bearettes for several years. The name of Sugar Bear came later. Victor E. Bear came about in 1999 and Victoria E. Bear came soon after. Bruce D. Bear became the newest addition to the UCA family in 2006.

CLICK HERE TO REQUEST AN APPEARANCE BY BRUCE AND/OR SUGAR

Mascot Appearance Policy
Bruce and Sugar make regular appearances at Central Arkansas Football, Men’s & Women’s Basketball, Volleyball, Men’s & Women’s Soccer, Softball and Baseball games. They will also be found at various University and community events throughout the year. Bruce and Sugar are available to appear at events hosted by non-for-profit entities, birthday parties, weddings, Athletic Department partner events, and other non-community, private events for a fee.

There will be no fee for The University of Central Arkansas registered student groups with events on campus.

The approval of mascot appearance request is based on the event’s compliance with the appearance guidelines detailed below and mascots availability, with priority given to Central Arkansas athletic events. Appearance request approval is at the sole discretion of the University of Central Arkansas Athletic Department.

Appearance Fee

Event Type	Appearance Fee, First Hour (1 mascot/2 mascots)	Appearance Fee, Additional Hour (up to 3 total hours) (1 mascot/2 mascots)
On-Campus, University-related appearance	$0	$0
Off-Campus, University-related appearance	$25/$40	$25/$40
Sponsor-related Appearance*	$50/$75	$25/$40
Non-profit event appearance	$25/$40	$25/$40
Private event appearance (i.e. events for non -commercial entities, such as birthday parties, weddings, etc.)	$50/$75	$25/$40

*Sponsor-related Appearance fee will be waived, if it is included in contract with Peak Sports.



Appearance Guidelines
Bruce and Sugar may participate in the following events:

• Greet guests
• Pose for photos
• Sign autographs
• Other activities at his/her discretion and so long as neither safety nor the cleanliness of the costume will be compromised.

The following conveniences must be provided:

• A private changing area (i.e., public restroom does not constitute as a private changing area)
• Secure area to keep personal items
• Drinking area
• A 15 minute break every 60 minutes in climate-controlled area

The minimum appearance duration is 1 hour. The maximum appearance duration is 3 hours. The safety of our mascots while attending external event is the utmost importance to The University of Central Arkansas Athletics. The mascot may excuse himself/herself from an event without notice and without refund - where he/she believes his/her safety may be compromised. Furthermore, mascots are not permitted to wear the costume in inclement weather. The mascot may excuse himself from an outdoor appearance in the event of inclement weather.

Impermissible Appearances
Bruce and Sugar will not appear at events that may be reasonably construed as advancing a political agenda, religious organizations, or the commercial interests of a business entity that does not sponsor Central Arkansas Athletics (e.g., store opening, Vacation Bible School, political rally).

Transportation
Bruce and Sugar will provide their own transportation to and from events.

Liability for Costume Damage
In the event that any component of the mascot costume is damaged as a result of negligence or misconduct on the part of a guest at an appearance, the requesting organization will be responsible for the repair/replacement cost of each damaged item. Damage repair/replacement cost estimations are listed below:
Head: $500
Body: $700
Tail: $160
Shoulder Pads: $175
Shoes: $100
Gloves: $35
Clothing: $200

Payment
Payment must be received in full at least 48 hours prior to the confirmed appearance. Payments must be made via check or cash mailed or brought into the Athletic Department offices.

Cancellation & Refunds
Should an event for which a confirmed Bruce and/or Sugar appearance has been canceled, it is the requester's obligation to notify Central Arkansas Athletics 3 days prior notice for full refund.

Photos & Video
Photos and video taken of Bruce and Sugar may not be used for commercial or promotional purposes without the express consent of Central Arkansas Athletics.

FAQ:
Q: Who may request a mascot appearance?
A: Anyone may request Bruce and Sugar appearance; however, submitting a request is no guarantee of any appearance. Bruce and Sugar will not appear at events that may be reasonably construed as advancing a political agenda, religious organizations, or the commercial interests of a business entity that does not sponsor Central Arkansas Athletics (e.g., store opening, Vacation Bible School, political rallies). Also, Bruce and Sugar do not travel more than 30 miles outside of Conway.

Q: How far in advance should I submit an appearance request?
A: Appearance request must be received at least 3 weeks in advance of your event.

Q: Is there a fee for a Bruce and Sugar appearance?
A: Yes, please see appearance fees above.

Q: How far will Bruce and Sugar travel for an appearance?
A: Bruce and Sugar will travel up to 30 miles outside of Conway for an appearance.

Q: Can I borrow the mascot costume for my event?
A: No. The University of Central Arkansas Athletics does not loan mascot costumes. Only individuals authorized by the Athletic Department may wear the costume.