Inside the Goodyear Blimp Airbnb Stay for College Football Fans

The Goodyear Blimp, a symbol of American skies for decades, once opened its gondola to college football fans for an unforgettable overnight stay. This Airbnb listing transformed the iconic airship into a temporary hotel room, blending aviation history with gridiron passion during college football’s 150th anniversary celebration.

The Birth of an Aerial Accommodation

In a bold collaboration between Airbnb and Goodyear, three exclusive one-night stays became available in the blimp’s hangar in Mogadore, Ohio. Priced at just $150 plus taxes and fees for two guests, the promotion targeted die-hard fans ahead of the high-stakes Notre Dame vs. Michigan game on October 26. Bookings opened on October 15 for nights of October 22, 23, and 24, creating a frenzy among enthusiasts eager to claim a spot in the sky-bound icon.

Hosted by Goodyear’s Chief Pilot Jerry Hissem, the experience marked the first time civilians could overnight in the blimp’s gondola. Hissem emphasized the fan-centric tradition: “The Blimp has always been about the fans and giving them a better way to experience the game.” This initiative honored the airship’s legacy, which began providing aerial coverage in 1955 and has since hovered over more than 2,000 major events.

Inside the Blimp: Comfort Meets Memorabilia

Guests stepped into a cozy setup within the blue-and-gold gondola, featuring a comfortable bed, private bathroom, and walls adorned with football memorabilia. Overlooking Lake Wingfoot, the space offered serene views perfect for pre-game relaxation.

• Bed and Bath Essentials: A queen-sized bed ensured restful sleep after tailgating.
• Themed Decor: Vintage helmets, signed photos, and rivalry posters immersed visitors in football lore.
• Scenic Outlook: Windows provided glimpses of the lake and potential bald eagle sightings at dusk.

Beyond the gondola, the massive hangar—spanning 2.6 football fields—served as a playground for up to four additional friends joining the revelry.

Facilities That Fuel Fan Fever

The stay wasn’t just about sleeping high; it packed game-day energy into every corner. Here’s a breakdown of the key amenities:

These features turned the hangar into a tailgate paradise, complete with cornhole tosses and eagle-watching opportunities.

Goodyear Blimp’s Storied Football Legacy

Since its debut over college games in 1955, the Goodyear Blimp has become synonymous with major matchups. Its steady hover provides broadcasters with unparalleled views, capturing every touchdown and turnover. In a historic nod, the blimp itself was set for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame that year, recognizing its non-human contributions to the sport.

The airship’s path to Mogadore involved a flight from Ohio to Ann Arbor for the rivalry game coverage, adding thrill as guests knew their temporary home would soon soar over the stadium.

How Fans Snagged This Sky-High Stay

Booking wasn’t a simple click—Airbnb rolled out opportunities throughout the day on October 15, urging fans to stay vigilant: “Keep your eye on the listing so you won’t fumble your chance.” Requests poured in from across the U.S., with lucky pairs securing spots for this once-in-a-lifetime event.

No blimp ride was included, focusing instead on ground-based immersion. However, the package’s value shone through with game tickets and gear, making it a steal at $150.

Broader Impact: Charity and Sponsorships

Goodyear and Airbnb amplified the promotion’s goodwill by donating $5,000 to the Cotton Bowl Foundation. This supported youth football programs and game attendees, aligning with Goodyear’s sponsorship of the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.

The event highlighted innovative fan engagement, proving brands could blend nostalgia with modern platforms like Airbnb for memorable experiences.

Why This Stay Captured National Attention

Media outlets from FOX to ESPN buzzed about the “touchdown stay,” drawing parallels to dream hotel rooms in pop culture. Fans dreamed of waking up in an airship synonymous with victory laps and halftime shows.

It tapped into college football’s communal spirit—rivalries, tailgates, and aerial perspectives—while democratizing access to an elite icon.

Recreating the Blimp Experience Today

Though the 2019 promotion has passed, echoes linger. Wingfoot Lake Hangar tours offer glimpses, and Goodyear’s blimps continue game coverage. Fans can chase similar thrills via unique Airbnbs near stadiums or aviation museums.

• Visit Wingfoot Lake for blimp history.
• Book tailgate-friendly stays near Big Ten games.
• Follow Goodyear’s socials for future promotions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the blimp flight included in the stay?

No, the experience focused on overnight gondola access and hangar amenities; flights were reserved for game coverage.

How many guests could book per night?

Two guests slept in the gondola, with space for four more friends in the hangar.

What game did it tie into?

The Notre Dame vs. Michigan rivalry on October 26 in Ann Arbor.

Is this still available?

This was a limited 2019 promotion for college football’s 150th anniversary; check Airbnb for similar listings.

Who hosted the experience?

Goodyear Chief Pilot Jerry Hissem welcomed guests.

Lessons from the Blimp Stay for Aspiring Hosts

This promotion showcased Airbnb’s power for experiential listings. Unique spaces like hangars or themed vehicles thrive by tying into passions like sports. Safety, nostalgia, and add-ons (tickets, gear) boosted appeal.

Future hosts could replicate with stadium-adjacent properties or aviation-themed setups, emphasizing community and rarity.