SW New Mexico News

Aggies should keep their eyes on the skies next month to catch the debut of New Mexico State University’s new, official hot air balloon, decked out in crimson and white.

The hot air balloon is set to make its first public appearance with a balloon glow during a pep rally sponsored by the Associated Students of NMSU on the evening of Thursday, 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 Saturday, 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,” said Justin Bannister, NMSU’s associate vice president for marketing and communications. “There’s an incredible amount of Aggie pride, not just in Las Cruces, but across our entire region. Including this balloon in 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.”

NMSU’s Marketing and Communications office collaborated with Rainbow Ryders, a premier hot air balloon ride company in the Southwest, and Lindstrand Balloons USA, a hot air balloon manufacturer based in Galena, Illinois, to bring the Aggie hot air balloon idea to life.

Bannister said NMSU wants the Aggie community to be a part of naming the new hot air balloon. To cast a vote beginning Tuesday, Aug. 27 through Tuesday, Sept. 3, visit https://marcomm.formstack.com/forms/help_us_name_our_balloon. The chosen name will be announced Wednesday, Sept. 4 on all NMSU’s social media platforms.

“With the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta and other rallies across our state, hot air balloons really hold a special place in the hearts of New Mexicans,” Bannister said. “We appreciate being able to work with Rainbow Ryders and Lindstrand to make this a reality.”

Damian Kirson, general manager and pilot at Rainbow Ryders, said that producing NMSU’s hot air balloon took around four months to complete; it is 90,000 cubic feet in volume and measures 85 feet tall and 58 feet wide when fully inflated.

“The sewing process depends a lot on the amount of fabric and stock that the manufacturer has. Typically, a balloon takes about three to six months to produce fully,” Kirson said.

Before his unexpected passing on Aug. 16, NMSU worked closely with late president and CEO of Rainbow Ryders Scott Appelman who said in July that it was a privilege for his company to represent another one of New Mexico’s top higher education institutions since ballooning is such an iconic staple in the state.

“We’ve got Aggies working with us that are pilots or management; we’ve got Lobos also working here. So it’s been quite fun internally for us because it’s that rivalry that goes on,” Appelman said in July. “In New Mexico state context ,a balloon is brilliant recruiting tool for both schools.”

Bannister expressed sadness over Appelman’s passing: “Scott was so great to work with on this project; our hearts are with his family and team at Rainbow Ryders.” He added,“We’re looking forward continuing relationship Scott's team thinking him when introduce Aggie community our next month.”

The NMSU hot air balloon will also be featured at Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta from Oct .5-13 .

“There are people all ages going fiesta looking up balloons taking pictures,” Appelman said July.“This tool create pride alumni welcome them interactive experimental how university use."

Appelman had been excited see more activations featured home games.“Whether football basketball special event university having backdrop brings lot students alumni connection hasn’t past."

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