Since 1925, the Goodyear Blimp has been a marketing icon, appearing everywhere from the Olympics to the first Super Bowl, not to mention songs, movies and TV shows and even aiding the U.S. military effort during WWII. Now, to celebrate the blimp’s 100th anniversary, the Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company plans to bring its famous airship to more than 100 cities and give a few lucky fans the chance to see the view from up there.
“The Goodyear Blimp is an enduring symbol of both nostalgia and innovation for fans around the world,” said Mark Stewart, CEO and President of Goodyear in a statement. “With its century-long history and unique ability to instill a sense of wonder in those who experience it — whether from on the ground or in the air — the blimp gives Goodyear a way to connect with the public in a way no other tire company can match.”
This year the Goodyear Blimp will fly over more than 100 cities across North America and Europe, with aerial appearances at the biggest matchups in sports as well as first-time appearances at music and cultural festivals. The tour kicked off on January 1 at the annual Rose Bowl college football game in Pasadena, Calif.
And while the Goodyear Blimp has been seen by millions of people around the world from the ground, each year only 0.0006% of Americans get to fly in it. This year, Goodyear will give three U.S. fans a chance to join that exclusive club and win a flight on the Goodyear Blimp with the “Buy for a Chance to Fly” sweepstakes. From now through April 10, fans interested in winning a flight can purchase tires on Goodyear.com or through Goodyear’s Auto Service or Just Tires network and enter the sweepstakes via a form on Goodyear.com.
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And of course, no celebration is complete without accompanying merch, so fans also will have the opportunity to don the newest line of blimp merchandise in celebration of the icon’s centennial.
