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A black and white photo of Old Main with the words "UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA 1890" written on the right side of the 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.

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Our Wildcat Story

Our history is the reason students continue to choose Arizona, why faculty push so hard for academic excellence, and why the university holds a special place in the hearts of alumni long after graduation. 

 

Black-and-white portrait of a person outdoors wearing a padded vest, with a blurred field, building and mountains in the background.

Bear Down

Bear Down is the heart of the Wildcat spirit.

A black and white photo showing the original Old Main on the U of A campus.

Old Main

U of A's historic first building.

A black and white image of a cheerleader performing on a stage.

Homecoming

Wildcat alumni have been coming home since 1914.

A black-and-white photograph of workers constructing the painted white 'A' on 'A' Mountain.

'A' Mountain

This iconic mountain reps the ‘A’ to Tucson and beyond.

Historic black-and-white photograph of an early Wilbur Wildcat mascot standing beside a cheer leader holding a "BEAR DOWN" sign at a University of Arizona event.

WIlbur & Wilma

Two spirited Wildcat mascots in love.

A vintage photo of the Bear Down Building in 1926.

Bear Down Gym

The historic heart of Arizona Athletics.

A vintage photo of the Pride of Arizona marching band at the U of A. They are seen sitting on the steps of Old Main.

"Bear Down, Arizona"

Our iconic fight song, written by Jack K. Lee.

A black and white photo of University of Arizona football players practicing in 1902.

Territorial Cup

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

DNU MOCK
"I asked him what word I should take to the boys out on the field and he replied, 'Tell them to bear down...And I believe that the message he would have left you if he could, would have been this: 'Fight – keep faith – bear down.'" 


-Coach J.F. "Pop" McKale on John “Button” Salmon’s final words.


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U of A Traditions: 70’s Movie Edition

Over the years, the university has generated content via film that tells the institutional story and acts as a time capsule from other eras. This one was created in the 1970’s.