Porter the Growler

Porter is a male black bear, who are native to Northern Michigan. Named after the dark style of beer that ties into the history of craft breweries in Kalamazoo as well as the Growlers team name.

Porter’s moniker as the “64 ounces of fun” as well as his signature #64 jerseys reference the number of ounces that a growler jug can hold. Porter enjoys filling his growler jug with his favorite craft root beer.

The name of ‘Porter the Growler’ was chosen after over 2,500 fan votes in the winter of 2015.

We’re Hiring A NEW Porter (But Your Identity is a Secret)

The Growlers are looking to (secretly) hire a new Porter the Growler.

Are you energetic, happy and love FUN? We’re looking for someone that is/can:

• Putting Fans First, and Entertain Always
• Being Responsible and accountable to appearance schedules – arriving on time and remaining for the duration of a performance or appearance.
• Exhibiting strong non-verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrating an outgoing performance personality with an ability to interact with spectators.
• Fostering a fun and energetic atmosphere with spectators at events.
• Possessing a creative and humorous personality while maintaining a professional demeanor.
• Ability to riff, improvise, and perform in skits and acts.
• Providing high quality customer service.
• Maintaining independent and self-motivated style, while remaining flexible and adaptable.
• Caring for the mascot costume and props when possessing it.
• Being athletically and physically fit to wear a costume and perform for the duration of events.
• Must be able to comfortably and safely fit in the mascot costume.
• Willing to work extended and/or irregular hours including nights and weekends, both outdoors and indoors.

Mascot Appearances

The #1 mascot in Kalamazoo can appear at your birthday party, private party or surprise event!

Appearance Guidelines

Nonprofit, Church or School Event: No charge for non-profit events inside Kalamazoo County. Mileage fees may be applicable.* (all nonprofit organizations must provide valid documentation of their 501(c)(3) status.

Private/Corporate Event: $125 for the first hour, $75/each additional hour. Mileage fees may be applicable.*

*If the event is outside Kalamazoo County, the organizers of the event will be charged a $0.67 fee per mile from Homer Stryker Field*

Fill out the form below for a Growlers representative to contact you.

Porter Need-To-Knows

1. On scheduled game days, including games that are rescheduled, all appearances must start no sooner than 7:00 am and end by noon for games scheduled 5:35 pm or later, and the appearance must take place in Kalamazoo County. For games scheduled before 5:35 pm, no appearances will be scheduled. All other appearance requests will be reviewed and accepted based on porter’s availability, and the type of event.
2. Requests for an appearance by Porter at campaign events for candidates running for any political office or for/against ballot proposals will be denied. If a request to be in a parade is made, Porter may not appear directly in front of or behind political candidates, or entries for or against a ballot proposal.
3. A private dressing area must be provided for the mascot (Porter) and his handler in an area not accessible to the general public when possible. Water must also be provided.
4. If there is limited parking, or if the event is expecting such a large attendance that parking may be far from the event area, a parking space must be provided close to the appearance or changing area.
5. Porter, his handler, or a member of the Kalamazoo Growlers reserves the right for Porter’s removal from an event if it is deemed unsafe or harmful to Porter, the handler, or porter’s image and likeness.
6. For every hour scheduled, Porter must receive a 10 minute break. If the event is outside, and air temperatures or heat index exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, Porter must take a 5 minute break every half hour. The person inside the Porter costume or his handler also reserve the right to take a break if adjustments to the costume need to be made, a change of people in the costume need to be made, or issues related to the safety of the person inside the costume.
7. The Kalamazoo Growlers will not lend out the Porter’s costume. Only trained employees of the Kalamazoo Growlers will be allowed in the suit.
8. A 25% deposit is required upon signing the porter appearance agreement. The remaining 75% must be paid in full no later than 2 weeks prior to the event date.
9. For any canceled event by the organizers, 48 hour notice must be given to reschedule the appearance. Events canceled by the Kalamazoo Growlers, or due to an act of God, will receive a full refund of payments received.