LAS CRUCES, N.M. (KRQE) – New Mexico State University is joining the hot air balloon community with its own balloon decked out in school colors of crimson and white.
The hot air balloon is set to make its first public appearance with a balloon glow during a pep rally sponsored on the evening of Sept. 26, in the tailgate lot east of Aggie Memorial Stadium. The balloon will also be on display between the Pan American Center and Aggie Memorial Stadium throughout the day on Sept. 28, ahead of the Aggies’ football matchup against the University of New Mexico.
“We’re so excited to introduce this balloon to our community,” Justin Bannister, NMSU’s associate vice president for marketing and communications, said in a news release. “There’s an incredible amount of Aggie pride, not just in Las Cruces, but across our entire region. Including this balloon to our game day festivities and other events around the Southwest is going to provide energy and enthusiasm to current and future Aggies far beyond our campus.”
The balloon is 90,000 cubic feet in volume, measuring 85 feet tall and 58 feet wide when fully inflated. NMSU’s Marketing and Communications office worked with Rainbow Ryders and Lindstrand Balloons USA to bring the Aggie hot air balloon idea to life.
The university is asking the Aggie community to help name the balloon. Voting will be open Tuesday, Aug. 27 through Tuesday, Sept. 3.
The chosen name will be announced Wednesday, Sept. 4 on all of NMSU’s social media platforms. The NMSU hot air balloon will also be featured at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta this fall, taking place from Oct. 5 to 13.