A new bronze Cardinal adorns the entranceway to the Gayle and Tom Benson Stadium. The statue, designed by Larry Stevens with Stevens Art Foundry in Bulverde, Texas, was installed on June 28. There were approximately 10 miniatures that incorporated ideas and design directions that Stevens kept refining until coming up with the final product. Steven’s group created the initial full size clay model. From that point, they made plaster molds, then silicone rubber molds and poured the bronze version in multiple pieces. The pieces were welded together to form the final product and finished by grinding the weld joints and putting the patina on through heat application and chemical reaction. With the new Cardinal begins a new tradition—Cardinal athletes and fans tap the bird’s beak for luck before entering the stadium for game time. Go Cardinals!
