Balloons are back at Memorial Stadium, just in time for Nebraska football’s primetime showdown with Colorado.
The crowd-favorite tradition of fans releasing red balloons when the Huskers score their first touchdown is in play for the first time since 202`=1.
The tradition faded away before the 2022 season, with then-athletic director Trev Alberts citing a helium shortage, as well as other environmental concerns.
In a statement, Nebraska says it will distribute the balloons to fans before the game at no cost. NU added it “will consider bringing back the balloons for select special occasions.”
Nebraska is honoring its 1994 national championship team at Saturday’s game. Additionally, Frank Solich will be recognized during the game ahead of his induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in December.
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Photos: Nebraska football’s season opener vs. UTEP — Aug. 31
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola joins his family for a pregame prayer before the UTEP game Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska Dylan Raiola greets his family before the UTEP game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola hugs his father, Dominic Raiola, after the UTEP game Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola hugs his mother Yvonne Raiola after the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Jahmal Banks celebrates after his touchdown against UTEP on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Jahmal Banks celebrates after his touchdown against UTEP on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg makes a throw in the third quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Jalyn Gramstad makes a throw against UTEP on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Jalyn Gramstad (left) tries to get past UTEP’s Hunter Rapolla in the fourth quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Rahmir Stewart intercepts a pass intended for UTEP’s Jaden Smith in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola let out a cry before the game against UTEP on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola let out a cry before the game against UTEP on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola points to the sky before taking his first snap Saturday.
Nebraska’s Isaiah Garcia-Castaneda runs with the ball as he is defended by UTEP’s Kory Chapman in the second quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (left) celebrates his second-quarter touchdown against UTEP with Jahmal Banks on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola takes a snap in the second quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone (left) runs with the ball under pressure from UTEP’s Xavier Smith in the second quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Gabe Ervin (22) celebrates his second quarter touchdown against UTEP with teammates Nebraska’s Ben Scott (66) and Nate Boerkircher (right) on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule adjusts his headset in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule smiles during the fourth quarter of the win against UTEP on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Carter Nelson runs after catching a pass against UTEP on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Memorial Stadium is seen through an entryway on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.
The Scarlets perform in the third quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
UTEP head coach Scotty Walden argues a call with the referee on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
UTEP’s Jaden Smith (3) is tackled by Nebraska’s Isaac Gifford (2) and John Bullock (5) in the first quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor is tackled by UTEP’s Sione Tonga’uiha (3) in the first quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Ben Scott readies to hike the ball in the third quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Gabe Ervin leaps over teammate Alex Bullock to score a touchdown in the third quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s MJ Sherman goes to tackle UTEP’s Skyler Locklear (9) in the first quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Marques Buford stops to make a tackle on UTEP’s Skyler Locklear (9) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska Herbie Husker throws the bones toward the cameraman on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Jacory Barney (17) celebrates after a catch vs. UTEP on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
The Scarlets perform in the third quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor catches a pass whil defended by UTEP’s Jaylon Shelton (9) in the second quarter, which he ran in for a touchdown on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Husker fans Ben Joekel, of Lincoln, and his son, Henry, 5, cheer for the marching band before the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. It was Henry’s first Nebraska football game.
Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor catches a pass whil defended by UTEP’s Jaylon Shelton (9) in the second quarter, which he ran in for a touchdown on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) looks to pass the ball while pressured by UTEP’s KD Johnson (7) during the fourth quarter of the game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) looks to pass the ball during the fourth quarter of the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) high-fives teammates during the game against UTEP on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Gabe Ervin (center) runs into the end zone for a touchdown during the third quarter of the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska Volleyball Assistant Coach holds up her Olympic silver medal while being recognized during the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) looks to pass the ball during the second quarter of the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola passes the ball over UTEP’s Kory Chapman (6) on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Head Coach Matt Rhule watches the field during the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Malcolm Hartzog (7) brings down UTEP’s Trey Goodman (1) during the first quarter of the game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Thomas Fidone (24) runs through a tackle by UTEP’s Kory Chapman (6) during the first quarter of the game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s MJ Sherman (left) celebrates sacking UTEP’s quarterback with Marques Buford (3) during the first quarter of the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s MJ Sherman (48) sacks UTEP’s Skyler Locklear (9) during the first quarter of the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska fans “throw the bones” on a third down drive during the first quarter of the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Tristan Alvano (right) kicks out of the hold of Brian Buschini (30) during the first quarter of the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Husker fans Ben Joekel, of Lincoln, and his son, Henry, 5, cheer for the marching band before the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. It was Henry’s first Nebraska football game.
Nebraska’s Ty Robinson (left) and Princewill Umanmielen (18) celebrate a sack by Robinson during the third quarter against UTEP on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (15) leads the team out onto the field before the UTEP game on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Mikai Gbayor (42) reacts after the Huskers force a safety against UTEP in the second quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska players, including Braylen Prude leave the field after warmups on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (left) looks past UTEP’s Maurice Westmoreland (0) for his open teammate Thomas Fidone in the third quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (center) looks for his helmet after it was knocked off during the game against UTEP on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Jahmal Banks (4) and Alex Bullock (84) walk off the field together following the game against UTEP on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson (21,left) finds a hole in the UTEP line and breaks free for a run in the third quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Braylen Prude defends UTEP’s Jevon Jackson (4) comes down with the ball in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Mason Goldman (58) Nebraska’s Braylen Prude (32), and Nebraska’s Derek Branch (24) combine to stop UTEP’s Ashten Emory (25) in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Maurice Mazzccua (33) is tackled by UTEP defenders including UTEP’s Dorian Hopkins (41) in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
UTEP’s Dorian Hopkins (41) jumps on a loose ball in the second quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
UTEP’s Nate Dyman (30), Josiah Allen (22), and Hunter Rapolla (10) attempt to tackle Nebraska’s Rahmir Johnson in the second quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
UTEP’s Jaden Smith (3) tries to block Nebraska’s Malcolm Hartzog (7) as he tries to tackle UTEP’s Kam Thomas (5) in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson (21) breaks free for a lengthy run against UTEP on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg (10) prepares to take a snap in the third quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Princewill Umanmielen (18) and Cameron Lenhardt (11) react after making a defensive stop in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
UTEP’s Skyler Locklear (9) is hit as he throws by Nebraska’s MJ Sherman in the first quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Heinrich Haarberg walks off the field after the game against UTEP on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Ty Robinson waves to fans as he exits the field following the game against UTEP on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Jalyn Gramstad readies to take the snap in the fourth quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Medical staff check on Nebraska’s Vincent Jackson while head coach Matt Rhule waits nearby on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Gabe Ervin (center) celebrates his touchdown run with his teammates in the third quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson runs the ball in the third quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
UTEP head coach Scotty Walden (left) shakes hands with Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule after the game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Jalyn Gramstad looks to pass against UTEP in the fourth quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Carter Nelson (left) runs the ball as his teammate Jahmal Banks blocks UTEP’s AJ Odums (1) in the third quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
The Husker student section throws the bones on a UTEP third down in the secondn quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Fans react as as the National Anthem ends and a C-130 flies overhead before the game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
UTEP’s Jaquan Toney (left) defends Nebraska’s Cameron Lenhardt as he fights to defend the quarterback on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
UTEP’s Xavier Smith (2) is unable to come down with the ball after AJ Odums goes up against Nebraska’s Jaylen Lloyd in the second quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola points toward the endzone after a throw in the third quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola readies himself to throw the ball in the third quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Memorial Stadium is reflected in the helmet visor of Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola walks off the field after the game against UTEP on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Marques Buford throws his gloves to fans following the game against UTEP on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (second right) is celebrated by his teammates after a touchdown in the first quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola walks off the field after the win against UTEP on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Gabe Ervin (left) celebrates his second quarter touchdown against UTEP with teammate Nate Boerkircher in the second quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (left) picks up a pass to run for a touchdown next to UTEP’s Oscar Moore (11) and Jaylon Shelton (9) in the second quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola (left) celebrates with Luke Lindenmeyer during the game against UTEP on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) runs off the field after a touchdown during the second quarter of the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) leads the team out onto the field before the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola (15) leads the team out onto the field before the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska Dylan Raiola (15) hands off the ball to Gabe Ervin (left) during the second quarter of the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola looks down the line of scrimmage during the second quarter against UTEP on Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Head Coach Matt Rhule watches the field during the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Head Coach Matt Rhule watches the field during the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dante Dowdell (second right) is celebrated by his teammates after a touchdown in the first quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Gage Stenger (47) and Nebraska’s Mikai Gbayor (42) celebrate during the second quarter of the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson gets a hug from Nate Boerkircher after a run in the second quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Mikai Gbayor celebrates after causing a safety in the first quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
The Huskers run on to the field to kickoff the game against UTEP on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Gabe Ervin (centrer) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Gabe Ervin (right) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Gabe Ervin (centrer) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the second quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
UTEP’s Kory Chapman (6) runs after Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson as he carries the ball in the second quarter Saturday at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) catches a 59-yard touchdown pass while defended by UTEP’s Jaylon Shelton (9) in the second quarter, on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor (18) catches a pass while defended by UTEP’s Jaylon Shelton (9) in the second quarter, which he ran in for a touchdown on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Tommi Hill and celebrates a stop by teammate Mikai Gbayor (right) in the first quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Rahmir Johnson (first right) pushes through UTEP defenders while running the ball in the first quarter on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Isaiah Neyor catches a pass whil defended by UTEP’s Jaylon Shelton (9) in the second quarter, which he ran in for a touchdown on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
A fan enters into Memorial Stadium before the game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.
Nebraska fans walk around before the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Fans enter through the old East stadium gates on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska players take part in the Legacy Walk on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska fan Sam Anderson, 7, of Sioux Falls, S. Dak., throws a football before the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Jamis Boden, of Omaha, wears a cornhead hat and face paint before the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s coach Matt Rhule (center) and offensive line coach Donovan Raiola walk in the Husker Legacy Walk on Saturday outside of Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola appears to have a tear run down his cheek as he participates in the Legacy Walk before the game against UTEP on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola appears to have a tear run down his cheek as he participates in the Legacy Walk before the game against UTEP on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Chief of Staff Dr. Susan Elza (right) pats Dylan Raiola on the shoulder as he gets off the bus for the Legacy Walk before the game against UTEP on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Husker fans Landon Healy, of Omaha (left), and Clyde Wilberger, of Yutan, play a hammerschlagen game at a tailgate party before the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska players high-five fans during the Legacy Walk before the UTEP game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Fans mingle following the “Husker Legacy Walk” on Saturday outside Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska’s Riley Van Poppel high fives fans during the Legacy Walk on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska quarterback Dylan Raiola walks ahead of the team during the Legacy Walk on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Dave McCarthy of Waterloo takes a selfie with Herbie Husker before the legacy walk on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Benton Milliken, 7 of Cartage, Missouri (from left) Ryker Kruse, 9, of Omaha, and Aden Stump, 7, hang from the fence post ahead of the Kegacy walk on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
A Husker fan walks past the UTEP equipment trailer before the game on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, at Memorial Stadium.
Nebraska players walk into the Osborne Legacy Complex on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.
Nebraska’s Dylan Raiola walks in the Legacy Walk on Saturday outside Memorial Stadium.
Nate Head is the sports editor of the Journal Star. On Twitter @NateHead_LJS.
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