Up, up and away: Huskers ending balloon release after 1st TD

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska’s gameday custom of followers releasing helium-filled purple balloons to have fun the Cornhuskers’ first landing is ending.

Balloons have been handed out to followers close to the stadium entrance earlier than video games for the reason that early Sixties. Athletic director Trev Alberts mentioned on his radio present Monday night time a worldwide scarcity of helium led to the choice to finish the apply.

Russia is without doubt one of the high helium suppliers, and Alberts mentioned U.S. sanctions in response to the conflict in Ukraine have triggered a scarcity. Alberts mentioned college leaders need the helium that will have been used within the balloons to go to the College of Nebraska Medical Middle for medical use.

The discharge of balloons at soccer video games has drawn criticism for at the very least a decade due to environmental issues. A lawsuit filed in 2016 claimed the balloons had been a well being hazard to birds and different wildlife after they return to the bottom. The college’s pupil authorities, in a symbolic transfer, voted in November to finish the custom.

The Huskers’ residence opener is Sept. 3 in opposition to North Dakota.

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