A historic, black-and-white image of University of Arizona students on the front steps of Old Main posing for a group photo.

University of Arizona Traditions

The University of Arizona is a place of progress, but it’s also a place of history and traditions — the glue that holds Wildcats together, generation after generation.

From our founding in 1885 as Arizona’s first land-grant university through the red-brick construction of landmarks like Old Main, the annual Lighting of “A” Mountain to our beloved mascots, Wilbur and Wilma, here are some of the stories that make us who we are.

EXPLORE

A historic image of John "Button" Salmon, a University of Arizona alum.

Bear Down

Our motto, and the heart of the Wildcat spirit.

A historic image of Old Main on the University of Arizona campus. Students are seen standing in standing away from the building.

Old Main

Our first building, and an anchor of campus history.

An image of the 2025 University of Arizona Homecoming Queen and King facing the Bonfire at Homecoming. They are both wearing their royalty crowns.

Homecoming

Coming together, year after year, since 1914.

An image of the 'A' Mountain lit up at dusk for Homecoming. Downtown Tucson is visible beside.

'A' Mountain

Tucson’s Sentinel Peak is also a Wildcat landmark.

A historic image of Wilbur Wildcat standing in front of an academic building on the University of Arizona campus.

WIlbur & Wilma

Our mischievous Wildcat mascots.

A historic image of the Bear Down Gym. 'A' Mountain and downtown Tucson are visible in the background.

Bear Down Gym

The first home of Wildcat basketball until the opening of the McKale Memorial Center in 1973.

A historic image of the Pride of Arizona performing and walking across the University of Arizona football fields.

"Bear Down, Arizona"

A traveling symbol of our (mostly friendly) rivalry with ASU, aka the Duel in the Desert.

An image of the territorial cup between the University of Arizona and ASU.

Territorial Cup

The trophy awarded to the winner of Arizona vs. Arizona State in football.

An image of native desert plant at the University of Arizona campus arboretum.

Arborteum

A living laboratory dedicated to urban tree conservation, stewardship, research, and outreach.

Most historical images are courtesy of the University of Arizona Libraries Special Collections.