Al the Octopus

In 1995, when the Detroit Red Wings wanted to capitalize on the city’s crazy tradition of tossing octopus on the ice, they called Prop Art. And, they kept calling. Result: Seven different octopi named Al. Each one has become part of the playoff show at Joe Louis Arena. The first one measured 38 feet across and weighed 400 pounds.

The most recent Al is almost as big but weighs virtually nothing – it’s inflatable.

When you need a 400-pound octopus, call the creators at Prop Art. They turn ideas into icons.