MEET RUCKUS: Introducing the Amarillo Sod Poodles Official Mascot

The Amarillo Sod Poodles, Double-A affiliate of the San Diego Padres, are excited to announce the official team mascot and number one fan, RUCKUS, thanks to the participation of elementary students from Amarillo and Canyon Independent School Districts. The Sod Poodles newest team and community member will make his Amarillo debut this Saturday at the Amarillo Bulls "Sod Poodles jersey-themed" hockey game, which starts at 7 p.m.
In February, elementary students from Amarillo and Canyon Independent School Districts were given the opportunity to choose their favorite mascot name over a two-week period from three nicknames - Ruckus, Digger or Yappy. After over one thousand submissions returned from schools, the name "RUCKUS" was the most popular choice amongst students.
"We could not be more excited to bring RUCKUS to Amarillo as we think he will be one of the most popular mascots in all of Minor League Baseball!" said Sod Poodles President and General Manager Tony Ensor. "RUCKUS will be a mascot for kids of all ages, five to 105. It was only fitting that our local elementary students had a hand in bringing our loveable character to life. His mischievous personality and true-to-life features are sure to make him a fan favorite all around Amarillo and the Panhandle."
RUCKUS will introduce himself to Amarillo for the first time ever publicly this Saturday, March 16 at the Amarillo Bulls "Sod Poodles jersey-themed" hockey game. Tickets to the hockey game are available at their office located at 301 South Polk, Civic Center Box Office or online at www.panhandletickets.com or www.amarillobulls.com/tickets. Puck drop is at 7 p.m.
Individual game tickets for all of the Sod Poodles 70 home games for the 2019 season will go on sale online ONLY tomorrow, March 16 at 9:00 a.m. Tickets can be purchased online starting Saturday by visiting the Sod Poodles website at www.SodPoodles.com under "Tickets". In-person box office and over-the-phone orders at HODGETOWN will be available starting Monday, March 25 at 9:00 a.m. For questions on single-game tickets, fans can email [email protected] or call 806-803-9547.
The Sod Poodles will host their inaugural home opener at HODGETOWN on Monday, April 8 against Oakland Athletics Double-A affiliate, the Midland RockHounds. First pitch for the home opener is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. For the most up-to-date information, fans can visit www.SodPoodles.com or follow the team on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter at @SodPoodles.
ABOUT RUCKUS the Sod Poodle:
RUCKUS the Sod Poodle, the official team mascot of the Amarillo Sod Poodles, is excited to make HODGETOWN in downtown Amarillo his new home and have fun with the biggest and best coterie of fans in baseball. RUCKUS is tough and a bit mischievous but loves kids and likes to have lots of fun! RUCKUS traveled far across the Texas high plains to join the Sod Poodles organization for their inaugural 2019 season. On game days, RUCKUS can be seen burrowing through HODGETOWN signing autographs or taking pictures with guests. When he is not entertaining the masses at HODGETOWN, he can be seen all around Amarillo and the Panhandle making appearances at schools, charitable and corporate functions, and many other events! An appearance request form for RUCKUS can be filled out HERE.
Name: RUCKUS [ruhk-uh s] - noun - tough, a bit mischievous; loves kids and likes to have lots of fun
Height: 5' 8" standing/6'2" with hat            
Weight: 2.5+ lbs          
Species: Black-Tailed Prairie Dog
Throws: Dirt                                              
Barks: Loud                 
Resides: Under HODGETOWN
Awards: Voted Cutest Pup in Litter            
Fun Fact: His ancestors were close companions with Lewis and Clark
Hobbies: Baseball (of course), Digging, Sleeping, Jump-Yipping, Protecting Kids and Family
Favorite Snacks: Grass, Flowering Plants, Roots, Seeds, Hot Dogs, and Cracker Jack