How Do Mascots Stay Cool in the Heat? Vodka and Water

The Secret to Surviving the Heat as a Mascot

For many sports mascots, summer is a time of constant motion, high temperatures, and the need for creative solutions to stay cool. The Phillie Phanatic, Philadelphia’s beloved mascot, has its own unique way of dealing with the sweltering heat of summer. According to Tom Burgoyne, who brings the Phanatic to life, the secret is simple: vodka and water, neat, with no lemon.

“This isn’t for hydration,” Burgoyne jokes. “He’s a milk guy.” Instead, the Phanatic uses a mixture of half-and-half, with a third vodka and the rest water, sprayed into a squeegee bottle and applied to the head. It’s a quirky but effective method that helps combat the stench of sweat after long nights of dancing on dugouts during Philadelphia’s steamy summers.

Mascots across the globe face similar challenges. From Kansas City’s Sluggerrr to St. Louis’ Fredbird and Chicago’s Clark the Cub, these costumed characters must endure triple-digit heat, humidity, and oppressive conditions while entertaining fans. Keeping cool and safe is a top priority, not just for the performers, but also for the fans who enjoy their antics.

Staying Cool Under Pressure

Mascot performers rely on a variety of strategies to stay cool. Vents, fans, and frequent breaks are essential tools in the fight against the heat. Many teams now use cooling vests and lightweight fabrics that help wick away moisture. Some even incorporate battery-operated fans or ventilation ports into their costumes to improve airflow and reduce internal temperatures.

Mitch Maxine, owner of BAM Mascots, understands the importance of comfort and safety. His company designs and manufactures a wide range of mascot costumes, from bears and birds to sea creatures and monsters. He emphasizes that a good mascot is more than just fabric and fur—it’s about creating a costume that allows the performer to stay comfortable and safe while entertaining fans.

“Even if we use very light materials, without proper air movement, the performer will still be hot,” Maxine explains. That’s why many modern costumes include vents, fans, and breathable materials to help regulate body temperature.

Innovation in Costume Design

Some manufacturers are exploring new ways to keep mascots cool. One idea involves integrating a water bottle system directly into the costume, allowing performers to sip water while on stage. BAM Mascots has already created a prototype for one client—a belt with a water bottle holder and a tube that runs up the character’s chest and into the head.

While the Phanatic suit doesn’t have built-in vents or fans, Burgoyne has his own way of staying cool. He has a dressing room inside Citizens Bank Park where he can take breaks and escape the heat. In the past, he used to wear bags of ice around his waist, though he admits it didn’t last long before melting.

With rising global temperatures, the need for innovative cooling solutions is becoming more urgent. According to a five-year forecast released in May by the World Meteorological Organization and the U.K. Meteorological Office, there's an 80% chance that the world will break another annual temperature record in the next five years.

A Perfect Day for the Phanatic

Despite the challenges, the Phanatic continues to entertain fans year-round. On particularly hot days, he only performs for 20 to 30 minutes at a time before taking a break. Burgoyne says he’s never fainted on the field, but he admits that the ideal weather for a mascot is almost any day in October.

“If the Phanatic is out there running around doing his thing in October, all is right in the world,” he says. “He’s not sweating as much, I’m not sweating as much, and the Phillies are in the playoffs. That is the ideal time.”

Whether it’s through vodka spritzes, cooling vests, or clever costume design, mascots like the Phanatic continue to find ways to stay cool and keep fans entertained, no matter how hot it gets.