AKRON — Happy centennial birthday, Goodyear Blimp.
The iconic airship, celebrating its 100th anniversary in the new year, will embark on a 100-stop tour across the U.S. and Europe this year to celebrate the milestone, one of several special events the Akron-based tire maker has planned.
Other events, Goodyear said, include opportunities for for fans to take a flight on the blimp; limited edition collectors' items; and "a few larger-than-life surprises," as the company said it it is bring the airship closer to fans in order to commemorate its past, present and future.
Among the cities that the blimp will visit include Charlotte, N.C.; Austin, Texas; Louisville, Ky.; Nashville, Tenn.; Indianapolis; and Seattle.
"The Goodyear Blimp is an enduring symbol of both nostalgia and innovation for fans around the world. 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," Goodyear CEO and President Mark Stewart said.
Goodyear said its blimp, starting with the blimp Pilgrim in 1925, has been "woven into the fabric of America for a century through countless cultural moments and historic events" ... serving "as a public relations vehicle to drive brand awareness for the company and delight fans in communities across the country."
The Goodyear Blimp has appeared at signature events, including the Olympics to the first Super Bowl. It has been featured in famous songs, movies and television shows, generated millions for charities and communities and, Goodyear said, aided the U.S. Military effort during World War II.
The Goodyear Blimp not only will continue to appear at big sports events, but it also will make an inaugural appearance at music and other cultural festivals. The year officially kicked off with the blimp's appearance at the 111th Rose Bowl, an event held Jan. 1 that also marked the 70th anniversary of aerial coverage, which the tire maker said it pioneered in 1955.
Goodyear said that while the blimp has been seen my millions globally, only 0.0006% of Americans can say they have flown in it.
This year, U.S. fans can win a flight on the Goodyear Blimp with the "Buy for a Chance to Fly" sweepstakes, which runs through April 10. Each fan will win a blimp flight certificate for two passengers redeemable at any of Goodyear's three U.S. airship bases (Carson, Calif.; Pompano Beach, Fla. or Akron) along with a $3,000 voucher for travel and accommodations.
No purchase is necessary.
Those interested in the sweepstakes also may 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.
Blimp merchandise is available by clicking here. Goodyear said updates will be posted on social media at Goodyearblimp.com.
