Mascot Performer

Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC•Pittsburgh, PA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Established in 1999, Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC is Pennsylvania's oldest professional soccer team and one of the longest-operating pro soccer teams in the United States. The team plays its home games at F.N.B. Stadium, which opened in 2013 as a team-owned, soccer-specific stadium in Pittsburgh's South Shore neighborhood. The team is an original member of the USL Championship, which began play in 2011 and has grown to become the world's largest second-division pro soccer league. The Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and Pittsburgh Riveters SC are seeking an energetic, creative, and outgoing Mascot Performer to bring the organization's mascots to life at home matches, community appearances, promotional events, and other team functions. This is a hands-on performance role for someone who enjoys entertaining crowds, interacting with fans of all ages, and creating memorable experiences through physical comedy, movement, improvisation, and non-verbal communication. The Mascot Performer will primarily perform as AMO at Riverhounds and Riveters events while also supporting other mascot and character appearances as needed. The ideal candidate is comfortable performing in front of large crowds, working in a mascot costume for extended periods, interacting with children and families, and adapting their performance to different environments and audiences. The role will work closely with the Marketing, Community Engagement, Game Presentation, and Promotions teams to support the organization's matchday and community engagement efforts.

Requirements

Outgoing, energetic, and enthusiastic personality with a strong desire to entertain and engage others.
Ability to communicate effectively through body language, movement, gestures, and facial expressions.
Comfortable performing in front of large crowds and interacting with people of all ages.
Strong improvisational skills and ability to react quickly to different situations and audiences.
Ability to remain in character and maintain the personality of a mascot throughout an appearance.
Ability to work independently while also taking direction from game presentation, marketing, and event staff.
Reliable transportation to F.N.B. Stadium and assigned off-site appearances.
Ability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, and assigned Riverhounds, Riveters, and community events.
Ability to safely perform physical activities while wearing a mascot costume for extended periods.

Nice To Haves

Previous experience as a mascot performer, entertainer, actor, dancer, cheerleader, athlete, coach, performer, or in a similar role.
Experience working in professional sports, college athletics, minor league sports, soccer, live events, entertainment, or community programming.
Experience with improvisational performance, physical comedy, dance, theater, or other forms of live entertainment.
Familiarity with soccer and the Riverhounds, Riveters, or Pittsburgh sports community.
Experience creating social media or promotional content.
Experience working with children, families, youth sports organizations, schools, or community groups.

Responsibilities

Perform as AMO and other assigned mascots at Riverhounds and Riveters home matches, including pregame, halftime, postgame, and in-game appearances.
Develop and perform creative routines, skits, dances, physical comedy, and other non-verbal entertainment.
Interact with fans throughout the stadium through gestures, movement, posing for photos, high-fives, and other forms of fan engagement.
Participate in in-game promotions, contests, races, competitions, giveaways, and other game presentation elements.
Work with the Game Presentation team to execute scheduled mascot appearances and respond to live opportunities to engage the crowd.
Maintain the personality, behavior, and appearance of the mascot character throughout each performance.
Create entertaining and appropriate interactions that appeal to children, families, supporters, and fans of all ages.
Maintain energy and enthusiasm throughout performances while following all mascot performance and safety procedures.
Represent the Riverhounds and Riveters at community events, schools, youth soccer programs, camps, clinics, festivals, parades, sponsor events, and other off-site appearances.
Participate in promotional appearances designed to increase awareness of the Riverhounds, Riveters, and organization's community initiatives.
Interact with community members, youth players, families, corporate partners, and event attendees in a positive and professional manner.
Assist with grassroots marketing efforts, promotional activations, ticket promotions, merchandise initiatives, and other community engagement opportunities.
Support sponsor activations and appearances when a mascot presence is requested.
Assist with photo opportunities, meet-and-greets, autograph-style events, and other fan-facing activities.
Collaborate with the Marketing, Community Engagement, Social Media, and Game Presentation teams to develop creative mascot content and fan engagement ideas.
Participate in social media content, promotional videos, photoshoots, and other digital initiatives when requested.
Help develop new mascot routines, bits, dances, gestures, and recurring fan interactions.
Identify creative ways to incorporate AMO into matchday promotions, community initiatives, and special events.
Stay current on trends, entertainment, sports culture, and other opportunities that can be incorporated into mascot performances and fan engagement.
Properly wear, operate, and maintain mascot costumes, accessories, and related equipment.
Follow established procedures for putting on, removing, transporting, storing, and maintaining mascot costumes.
Communicate any costume or equipment concerns to the appropriate staff member.
Maintain appropriate hygiene and cleanliness of mascot costumes and equipment.
Follow all safety procedures while performing in costume, particularly in crowded areas and during interactions with fans.
Use appropriate discretion when visibility, mobility, temperature, or other conditions may affect safe performance.