Scanning the crowd at New York Liberty games, you will find many exciting and friendly faces, but one face that stands out is the one that belongs to the New York Liberty mascot, Maddie.

Unknown to most, Maddie is named after the Liberty's home arena, Madison Square Garden, The World's Most Famous Arena, and has been entertaining fans at Liberty games since the WNBA's inception in 1997. Why a dog you might ask? Well a cute and cuddly dog seemed a lot more appealing than some other indigenous New York City creatures -- rats, cockroaches, gargoyles, and the like.

Air Maddie does the hokey-pokey dance!

Like most dogs, Maddie is a lovable dog and is known for a unique personality among the Liberty faithful. Maddie can be found before every game in the Madison Square Garden lobby signing autographs and posing for those special pictures. Besides being a Liberty fan favorite, Maddie plays an important role for the team during the Liberty pre-game ceremony.

Before every game, you will find Maddie doing pushups and getting the Liberty players pumped up for the game. With less than a minute before tip-off, Maddie leads The Garden crowd in a L-I-B-E-R-T-Y chant while spelling out the name at center court. With dazzling dance moves alongside the Torch Patrol, the Liberty's dance and performance team, precise T-shirt launches, and mystifying Doggie Dunks, Maddie is a perfect fit with the New York Liberty.

Maddie loves being the center of attention.

Every season, one Liberty game is dedicated to this loveable dog…Maddie Day! Bring your friends and family and be sure to come visit Maddie on this special day. You will find Maddie and Air Maddie dancing and celebrating Maddie Day throughout the game.

In addition to on court antics, Maddie is also known for valuable work off the court. Whether it is making appearances at the NBA Store in New York City, marching in the Columbus Day Parade, or making an appearance at a birthday party, you can always count on Maddie to spread happiness throughout the day.

Maddie's banner on Banner Night!

Maddie shows support for America.