Jerry Ascione definitely stands out at HEAT games. With his hair dyed bright red and spiked up in all directions, the lab-coat clad 22-year-old holds court at AmericanAirlines Arena as “Dr. Dunkenstein.”

Ascione’s character is the proprietor of the Laballatory and the Dunkatory – two third-floor sections of the arena devoted to fun, science, technology and, of course, basketball.

The Laballatory, in Section 307, is an interactive area that caters to children up to the age of 12. It features a funhouse mirror, “game sound” buttons and other basketball-related elements. The Dunkatory, in Section 323, has more of a “mature” theme to it, with a Sega Dreamcast unit and an organ with HEAT sounds among the highlights.

Dunkenstein Photogallery

Both areas open an hour prior to tipoff, and remain open throughout the game. Both are popular with young HEAT fans, especially during halftime.

Ascione got the part two years ago after responding to a casting call for the newly-launched HEAT TV. Already a veteran of several TV commercials and cable programs, the personable native of Myrtle Beach, S.C. developed the character along with the marketing department of the HEAT Group.

“I’m a goofball at heart – just a kid myself, even though I’m 22. I love what I do here. It’s such a great job.”