American Photography 42 Winners

"Why the Goodyear Blimp Hasn’t Been Replaced by Drones"

First launched in 1925, the Goodyear Blimp was used as quirky marketing to attract Americans to buy tires. With its leisurely altitudes, the airship became a key tool in broadcasting the world’s most notable sporting events from the sky, with its debut at 1955’s Rose Bowl. For the past 70 years, the Goodyear Blimp has been as ubiquitous in the sports world as the national anthem. While the original blimp inflated like a balloon, today, the icon soars with an inner skeleton to keep shape and sail smooth. The airships require maintenance during their off season, just like the athletes they cover.

"Why the Goodyear Blimp Hasn’t Been Replaced by Drones"

First launched in 1925, the Goodyear Blimp was used as quirky marketing to attract Americans to buy tires. With its leisurely altitudes, the airship became a key tool in broadcasting the world’s most notable sporting events from the sky, with its debut at 1955’s Rose Bowl. For the past 70 years, the Goodyear Blimp has been as ubiquitous in the sports world as the national anthem. While the original blimp inflated like a balloon, today, the icon soars with an inner skeleton to keep shape and sail smooth. The airships require maintenance during their off season, just like the athletes they cover.