The San Diego Chicken—also known as The Famous Chicken—was created in 1974 when San Diego State University student Ted Giannoulas was hired by rock station KGB-FM to wear a chicken suit for an Easter promotion at the San Diego Zoo. Before the Chicken, most sports mascots simply waved to crowds. Giannoulas introduced silent comedy routines, improvisational skits, and humorous feuds with umpires and players, establishing the modern sports mascot industry.
