The Goodyear Blimp, a beloved icon in the skies, celebrates its centennial this year, coinciding with a surge in its dedicated fan base. Founded in 2009 by Lauren Richeson, the Goodyear Blimp Fan Club on Facebook has grown to include over 12,500 members. Initially intended for a handful of friends and family, the club has attracted aviation enthusiasts from around the globe, highlighting the blimp’s enduring charm and popularity.
Richeson, who created the club while living in Torrance, California, recalls how the blimp became a regular sight during her daily life. “Days would be where I’d have to approve 100 people to get in one day,” she noted, reflecting on the club’s rapid growth. Currently residing in Florida, she makes it a point to return to California, where her nostalgia for the blimp remains strong. “Seeing the blimp is one of those things,” she added with enthusiasm.
Historical Significance and Modern Appeal
The Goodyear Blimp, including its latest model, Wingfoot Three, has a rich history dating back to June 3, 1925, when the first branded blimp, Pilgrim, took to the skies. Since then, these airships have played pivotal roles in events like the Super Bowl, World Series, and Olympics, even making appearances in popular culture, such as in the Beatles’ film “Help!” The blimp’s size—246 feet long—contributes to its awe-inspiring presence. Despite its scale, the blimp’s soft, bubble-like shape has endeared it to many fans, earning it affectionate nicknames like “Blimpy.”
In Southern California, Wingfoot Three stands out as it doesn’t sit in a hangar like its counterparts. Instead, it remains visible to traffic on the 405 Freeway, drawing attention from passersby. A small team of pilots and mechanics ensures the blimp’s upkeep, with occasional maintenance performed at a hangar in Tustin, approximately 30 miles south.
Earlier this month, fans had the opportunity to engage with the blimp up close during the annual Toys for Tots drive. Attendees participated in carnival games while others eagerly lined up for guided tours. Susan Gutierrez Turner, a Southern California resident since 1972, expressed her excitement, stating that she had never seen the blimp in person despite living in the area for decades.
Community Engagement and Social Media Presence
During the tours, fans gathered around the blimp, captivated by its size and presence. Questions about maintenance and helium usage—a common misconception, as the blimp uses helium, not hydrogen—filled the air. Many fans dream of riding the blimp, with Cheryl Ritz, a South Bay native, sharing her longing to experience this rare opportunity again. “It’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” she remarked.
Throughout 2025, the three U.S. blimps will embark on a tour of over 100 cities to commemorate the centennial. Fan club members are actively tracking the blimp’s routes and sharing their experiences on social media. The Facebook group is filled with nostalgic posts and photos, showcasing the blimp alongside its iconic sky-blue backdrop. Richeson describes her connection to the blimp, noting that her husband often comments on her “childlike wonder” surrounding it.
Discussions within the fan community are lively, including passionate debates about whether the Goodyear Blimp qualifies as a “blimp.” Although current models are semi-rigid airships, Goodyear maintains that it will always be recognized as the Goodyear Blimp. The blimp has cultivated a significant social media presence, amassing nearly 200,000 followers on Instagram, where it shares updates and interacts with fans.
Passenger rides on the Goodyear Blimp are rare, typically offered through charity auctions and corporate partnerships. Only about 0.0006% of Americans can claim to have flown in the blimp, making it a coveted experience among enthusiasts. John Tamura, a fan from Southern California who joined the club in 2024, described the fervent desire many have to ride the blimp, often jokingly asking what it takes to secure a spot.
Some fans have even pursued careers involving the blimp. Fayth Rascon-Ryn, a pilot-in-training, shared that her childhood memories of the blimp inspired her journey into aviation. “It’s really fun,” she noted, recalling moments when she could wave at fans below. Nick Sintora, president of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Gay Pilots Association, echoed this sentiment, expressing his hope of one day piloting the blimp. “Bringing that joy to people really appeals to me,” he said, emphasizing the connection between the blimp and its admirers.
The Goodyear Blimp continues to capture the imagination of fanatics around the world, demonstrating that its legacy remains strong even after a century. As celebrations of its centennial unfold, the community surrounding the blimp thrives, united by a shared appreciation for this iconic airship.
