How to ride the Goodyear Blimp as it celebrates 100 years in the sky

LOS ANGELES - The Goodyear Blimp is one of the most recognizable aircraft in the world, often spotted floating over major sporting events and concerts. Despite its popularity, very few people get the chance to ride it. 

Unlike commercial hot air balloons or helicopter tours, Goodyear does not sell rides to the public. Instead, flights are invitation-only, usually extended to corporate partners, celebrities, and media members.

Goodyear Blimp rides

What you can do:

However, as the blimp celebrates its 100th anniversary, Goodyear is offering a rare chance for the public to win a ride through a sweepstakes.

There are three primary ways you can try to ride the Goodyear Blimp:

1. Enter the 100th Anniversary Sweepstakes

Goodyear is giving three U.S. residents the chance to win a flight. Winners will receive:

• A certificate for two passengers to ride the Goodyear Blimp
• A $3,000 travel voucher to visit one of Goodyear’s airship hangars in California, Florida, or Ohio

To enter, participants can purchase tires through Goodyear’s official channels or submit a free entry form online. (Goodyear Sweepstakes)

2. Charity Auctions

Goodyear sometimes donates blimp rides to charity auctions, allowing people to bid for a seat. These opportunities are rare, but they do pop up for special causes. Interested participants can check with Goodyear for upcoming auctions at GoodyearBlimp@Goodyear.com.

3. Corporate and Media Invitations

Most rides are given to corporate partners and media representatives. If you work in broadcasting, journalism, or have connections with companies that partner with Goodyear, this may be an avenue to explore.

The Goodyear Blimp flies over Tampa, Florida (FOX / file / 2017)

A century of the Goodyear Blimp in American culture

The backstory:

The 246-foot-long airship has covered over 2,500 events since its first flight in 1925. It has become an iconic symbol at major sporting events, including the Daytona 500, the Super Bowl, and the Rose Bowl.

The blimp's longevity is a testament to its adaptability, even as drone technology has become more prevalent in aerial footage. Modern Goodyear Blimps are more advanced, featuring high-definition cameras, quieter engines, and increased stability compared to early models. In fact, the newest blimps are not even blimps at all – they're technically semi-rigid airships.

RELATED: Newest Goodyear 'blimps' carry on legacy

FILE - Ground Crew assists Goodyear Airship dirigible named Eagle during Flight Operations at Goodyear Blimp Base, April 4, 1992 in Carson, California. (Photo by Bob Riha, Jr./Getty Images)

Notable past passengers include:

• Former President Ronald Reagan
• Rapper Ice Cube, who referenced it in his 1992 song "It Was a Good Day"
• Celebrities and media personalities invited for exclusive tours

Today, the Goodyear fleet consists of three blimps stationed in California, Florida, and Ohio. Upcoming scheduled appearances include the Daytona 500, Academy Awards, Coachella, and WrestleMania.

FOX / file (2017)

What's next:

As part of its 100th anniversary tour, the Goodyear Blimp will continue making appearances at major events. Meanwhile, the sweepstakes remains open for entries, giving a lucky few the opportunity to join the exclusive club of Goodyear Blimp passengers.

While rides remain difficult to obtain, these avenues provide the best chance for aviation and sports fans to experience the blimp’s legendary flight firsthand.