Infographic: Heeeeeerrre's Alphie
We all know and love Ralphie. But let’s not forget about “ Alphie” — Ralphie’s cousin and the world’s only known inflatable fur buffalo. An unmistakable presence at 鶹ѰBoulder festivities (usually outdoors), the friendly giant recently made a trip to San Antonio for the Buffs’ Alamo Bowl appearance. When he’s off the clock, Alphie lives at the Koenig Alumni Center.
- 2002:Alphie's debut
- 2016:Alphie 2's debut
Lafayette, Colo:Alphie's birthplace (in the Boulder Blimp Company)
Some of Alphie's travels:California, Massachusetts, Texas, Winter Park Resort, Denver Zoo
1,985.5miles to Foxborough, Mass., farthest known destination
32number of Alphie appearances in 2016
Inflating Process
- 960pounds of weights securing him in place
- 30minutes typical inflation time
- 15minutes deflation time
- 2electric blowers to inflate
- 3"Alphie handlers" inflate him
Fun Facts:
Only known furry buffalo in the world.
After Alphie's first inflation, designers decided to flip his horns to makehim seem more aggressive.
Alphie 2 has new eyes more like a live buffalo's
Making Alphie:
- 6weeks start to finish
- 30hours to design
- 20hours to cut the material
- 180hours for six sewers to stitch
- 122yards of fur fabric (interior is nylon)
Alphie's namesame is Ralphie, 鶹ѰBoulder's live buffalo mascot
Size
- 12 feet deep
- 25 feet wide
- 20 feet high
213pounds deflated, approx.
584.458cubic feet in volume