The History of the Phoenix Suns Gorilla
For over four decades, the Phoenix Suns Gorilla has been a beloved fixture of Valley sports culture, transforming standard timeouts into high-flying spectacles at the Footprint Center. What started as an accidental singing telegram stunt in 1980 quickly evolved into one of the most iconic mascot legacies in professional sports history. Today, Go the Gorilla remains a proud symbol of Phoenix, entertaining generations of local families and basketball fans alike.
The Accidental Origin at the Madhouse on McDowell
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, professional basketball games lacked the highly coordinated, theatrical entertainment we expect today. The Phoenix Suns Gorilla made his debut completely by accident in the winter of 1980 at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum, then affectionately known as the Madhouse on McDowell. Henry Rojas, working for a local singing telegram service, arrived at the arena to deliver a message to a fan while dressed in a rented gorilla suit.
From Telegram Delivery to Team Icon
As Rojas prepared to leave the court, the arena music started playing, and fans encouraged him to dance. His spontaneous, energetic performance caught the attention of both the crowd and the Suns front office. Realizing the immediate connection between the character and the fans, the Suns officially hired Rojas, establishing the first mascot in franchise history. This serendipitous moment shifted the paradigm of sports mascotting away from passive costumed characters toward highly active, engaging performers.
Pioneering the Mascot Entertainment Industry
The Suns Gorilla did not just wave from the sidelines; he revolutionized what an athletic mascot could achieve. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Go pioneered the use of trampolines to perform spectacular dunks during halftime and quarter breaks, a high-flying gimmick that has since been adapted by nearly every franchise in the NBA. His daring stunts, physical comedy, and mock confrontations with opposing players solidified his status as a Valley legend. In 2005, his massive contributions to sports culture were officially recognized when he was inducted as one of the inaugural members of the Mascot Hall of Fame.
Comparing Iconic NBA Mascots
To understand the immense impact of Go the Gorilla, it is helpful to compare his legacy with other legendary NBA mascots who helped shape the game-day experience across the league.
| Mascot Name | NBA Team | Debut Year | Signature Stunt | Hall of Fame |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Go the Gorilla | Phoenix Suns | 1980 | Trampoline Dunks | Yes (2005) |
| Benny the Bull | Chicago Bulls | 1969 | Behind-the-Back Shots | Yes (2006) |
| Rocky the Mountain Lion | Denver Nuggets | 1990 | Backward Half-Court Shot | Yes (2008) |
Deep Roots in the Phoenix Community
Beyond his high-flying acrobatics on the hardwood in downtown Phoenix, the Gorilla serves as a tireless community ambassador. He regularly visits local schools, charity events, and hospitals across Mesa, Tempe, Glendale, and Scottsdale. Whether promoting literacy campaigns in elementary classrooms or bringing joy to patients in local pediatric wards, Go has built a deep, personal connection with Valley residents. For local families, his presence at community events is just as impactful as his game-day performances.
What to Watch for in Upcoming Seasons
As the Suns continue to chase an NBA championship, Go the Gorilla is evolving his act for a new generation of fans at the Footprint Center. Fans attending games can look forward to updated, tech-integrated light shows synchronized with his classic stunt routines, as well as exclusive merchandise drops at the team shop. Keep an eye out for special retro nights, where Go frequently pays homage to the 1990s Suns era with classic skits and throwback uniforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How did the Suns Gorilla get his start?
He began in 1980 when a singing telegram delivery driver named Henry Rojas wore a gorilla suit to a game at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum and entertained the crowd on a whim. - What is the official name of the Suns mascot?
His official name is Go the Gorilla, though local fans often refer to him simply as the Suns Gorilla or Go. - Where does the Suns Gorilla perform?
He performs live at all Phoenix Suns home games at the Footprint Center, located in downtown Phoenix, Arizona. - Is the Suns Gorilla in the Mascot Hall of Fame?
Yes, he was inducted as part of the inaugural class of 2005 in recognition of his pioneering stunts and impact on sports entertainment.
When attending your next home game at the Footprint Center, be sure to arrive at your seats early to catch the pre-game introductions and keep your eyes on the court during the third-quarter break for the Gorilla’s signature acrobatic dunks.
The History of the Phoenix Suns Gorilla
