Provo Renames ‘Cougar Boulevard’ At Entrance To BYU Campus

PROVO, Utah – For years, residents of Provo have known 1230 North to be Bulldog Boulevard. Now it has a new name. Another animal, but one more appropriate to where the street runs in the city.

“It is my honor to formally name 1230 North, Cougar Boulevard,” said Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi at a renaming ceremony on Wednesday. “It seems only fitting that BYU’s gateway entrance now be aptly named and appropriately mascot branded.”

Bulldog Blvd (1230 North) on #BYU’s campus is now Cougar Blvd. pic.twitter.com/tAi1UwWLA0

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 16, 2019

The previous Bulldog Blvd. name was for the old Provo High School that was located off 1230 North and University Ave.

After Provo High relocated to Lakeshore Drive last year, Brigham Young University took over the old high school property.

Mayor Kaufusi, BYU President Kevin Worthen, BYU dignitaries, and the university mascot Cosmo were in attendance for the renaming ceremony.

#BYU dignitaries, @mayorkaufusi, and Cosmo debuting Cougar Blvd. pic.twitter.com/WYEewf91Tl

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 16, 2019

“Today is also about community building and this road is a true example of a redesigned – and now renamed – street that is a win for everyone,” said Mayor Kaufusi.

Mayor Kaufusi continued, “Drivers benefit from having more signalized intersections and turning lanes. This road was once deemed seven times more dangerous than the average Utah road. Drivers are safer today. People on bikes benefit from having only the third dedicated bike lane in Utah.”

This announcement comes amid construction on 1230 North that is expected to go till March.

The official unveiling of the new street signage on 1230 North took place with Mayor Kaufusi and Cosmo revealing the sign to the sounds of the BYU fight song, “Rise & Shout.”

Bulldog Blvd. is now officially Cougar Blvd. in Provo on #BYU’s campus. @mayorkaufusi and Cosmo unveiled the new street sign. pic.twitter.com/KBdTutFZP0

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 16, 2019

Brigham Young University excited for the opportunity

Provo’s renaming ceremony on Wednesday took place on the 144th anniversary of Brigham Young University’s founding date.

“On behalf of Brigham Young University, we’re very excited to be part of this opportunity of naming what is the gateway entrance of Brigham Young University to Cougar Boulevard,” said BYU President Kevin Worthen.

Worthen continued, “Want to give my thanks personally and on behalf of the university to Mayor Kaufusi and her team. As you know, the university doesn’t name streets here in Provo. That’s a decision made by the city of Provo. They were so gracious to include us in that conversation.”

After the ceremony concluded, those in attendance were given Cougar Tails and beverages to celebrate the renaming.

Kalani with President Kevin Worthen at the Cougar Blvd. announcement. #BYU https://t.co/rV9G6MV7NB

— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 16, 2019