Goodyear Gives Fans Control of Goodyear Blimp to Celebrate the Launch of the College Football Season

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Aug 20, 2013, 02:34 ET

AKRON, Ohio, Aug. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, whose world famous airships have become synonymous with the world's largest sporting events, is teaming up with ESPN's SportsNation to kick off the college football season by giving fans across the country a chance to control the Goodyear Blimp. Fans vote to decide which upcoming football match-up will receive aerial coverage, and be considered "Blimpworthy."

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130820/NY66844)

Starting today, with an official announcement during ESPN's SportsNation broadcast, fans will have the opportunity to send the Goodyear Blimp to one of these kickoff weekend games: University of North Carolina at University of South Carolina; University of Georgia at Clemson University; or University of Alabama at Virginia Tech.

Fans can vote through Goodyear's website (www.goodyear.com), on www.espn.com (search term "Blimpworthy"), and ESPN's SportsNation dedicated Blimpworthy page (http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/9584149/blimpworthy-polls) to decide where the Goodyear Blimp will go.

"Over the years, Goodyear has become synonymous with superior performance," said Gary Melliere, Goodyear's General Manager - Brand/Sponsorships. "By creating the 'Blimpworthy' program and allowing fans to vote for the game they think will feature the best performance on the gridiron, we're able to connect with consumers in a fun way, letting them express their passion for college football and their favorite teams."

The Blimpworthy poll closes on Thursday, August 22 and the voting results will be announced live at 6 p.m. on ESPN's SportsNation.

Goodyear's blimps are among the most recognizable brand icons, representing the largest tire company in North America. They have adorned the skies since 1925 and have served America as aerial aircraft carriers, surveillance airships protecting merchant ships and early warning radar stations through the 1950s. Today, the fleet consists of three North American airships - Spirit of America in Carson, CA; Spirit of Goodyear in Akron, OH; and Spirit of Innovation in Pompano Beach, FL.

Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs about 69,000 people and manufactures its products in 53 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry. For more information about Goodyear and its products, go to www.goodyear.com.

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