Goodyear Inspires College Football Fans to "Be Blimpworthy" in New Ad

Opening Weekend Festivities Capped with First In-Game Viewing Option, Live from the Blimp

AKRON, Ohio, Aug. 27, 2018 – The Goodyear Blimp doesn't show up for just anybody. With more than 60 years of providing aerial coverage for the biggest college football contests, the Goodyear Blimp has signaled the magnitude of games and served as inspiration for fans and athletes alike.

In celebration of that college football legacy, Goodyear is introducing a new advertisement this weekend that will motivate consumers to "Be Blimpworthy." The new ad tells the next chapter of "Blimpworthy," which previously focused on the hard work, determination and grit the blimp has witnessed.

Shifting the perspective from the blimp to those on the playing field, in the stands and watching at home, the ad challenges individuals to embody those "Blimpworthy" principles to achieve a personal or professional goal.

"'Be Blimpworthy' is rooted in the idea that the blimp only shows up for the most marquee matchups, a level only reached by hard work and perseverance," said Todd Macsuga, general manager of brand marketing at Goodyear.

"Be Blimpworthy" highlights the story of a young man focused on playing in front of tens of thousands of fans at a big-time college football venue as the blimp floats above. But instead of celebrating his accomplishment, the ad is centered on the necessary hard work to achieve the outcome.

The :30 version of the ad will debut Saturday, Sept. 1, across games on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC. Goodyear's roots in college football continue to grow with its iconic blimp aerial coverage, its title sponsorship of the Cotton Bowl Classic played at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and its sponsorship of the College Football Playoff.

In a nod to the new campaign, Marty Smith and Ryan McGee will execute the first complete game streaming viewing option from inside the Goodyear Blimp during the Florida State Seminoles and Virginia Tech Hokies matchup on Sept. 3. Fans will be able to watch on ESPN3 via the ESPN App, while simultaneously viewing the airship's aerial camera.

The blimp first provided aerial views of the 1955 Rose Bowl, revolutionizing the way fans experience sporting events. More than 60 year later, Goodyear's airships have covered hundreds of the biggest matchups in college football history, offering their own unique perspective of the action on the ground.

Goodyear will employ all three of its newest fleet of blimps this year to provide aerial coverage of college football's biggest matchup throughout the season.

_{Press release from the Goodyear Tire & Rubber company.}