The original Buzz was created by student Richie Bland, who sketched the image on a napkin and had a costume produced by one of the Six Flags over Georgia costumers. The first costume cost $1,400 and was paid for by Bland. Buzz (with Bland inside) made his first appearance before a football game against Tennessee in fall 1979. Few people had seen the costume before Brand’s surprise run across the field. In spring 1980, Buzz became an official and permanent member of the Georgia Tech cheerleading squad.
Images of Buzz depict a cartoon yellow jacket complete with black and yellow stripes, bulging eyes, feelers, wings and, of course, a stinger. Buzz also has a grin (or sneer) complete with teeth. He is drawn with muscular arms and wears white sport-style wristbands on both wrists. He is sometimes depicted with legs, in which case he usually wears high-topped sneakers. He is often drawn with a menacing look on his face, his fists clenched and his stinger pointed at the enemy team.
Buzz is represented at live sporting events by a costumed actor (usually a student). Buzz is a full-body costume that includes an over-sized head, body and stinger. The live mascot often wears a Georgia Tech tee shirt, jersey or sweatshirt depending on the season and sport. Georgia Tech mascots travel with the team to away games. Usually each sport has its own actor. Sports that play many games in each season may have more than one actor trained to play Buzz.
Live mascots do more than attend games. Their main job is to excite the crowd. They dance, cheer, hand out souvenirs and generally “work” the crowd. They often work with the cheerleading squad to perform routines. They also perform during halftime and other event breaks. They may lead audience participation events and select audience members for on-field contests and games. Fans often line up to take pictures with Buzz. Buzz also attends pep rallies and other school events.
Buzz merchandise is popular with Georgia Tech fans. Buzz appears on children’s and adults' clothing, hats and shoes. He decorates towels, sheets, blankets, pillows, shower curtains and other linens. Georgia Tech fans can buy Buzz umbrellas, Frisbees, bags, dishes, lights, rugs, soap dishes and tents. Major manufacturers around the world license the Buzz image from Georgia Tech.
A number of university publications and groups bear Buzz’s image and name. "The Buzz" magazine is Georgia Tech’s quarterly athletics print publication. (The electronic publication is "The Sting.") The Green Buzz is an organization that pushes green initiatives on campus. It also produces a newsletter of the same name. TEAM Buzz is the name used by the Georgia Tech Alumni Association.