(AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) Nebraska's gameday tradition of fans releasing helium-filled red balloons to celebrate the Cornhuskers' first touchdown is ending.

Balloons have been handed out to fans near the stadium entrance before games since the early 1960s. Athletic director Trev Alberts said on his radio show Monday night a global shortage of helium led to the decision to end the practice.

Russia is one of the top helium suppliers, and Alberts said U.S. sanctions in response to the war in Ukraine have caused a shortage. Alberts said university leaders want the helium that would have been used in the balloons to go to the University of Nebraska Medical Center for medical use.

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