AKRON (April 11) — Goodyear has launched a blimp-naming contest along with its newest airship.
The blimp—with a "Hello, my name isà" sticker near its nose—was pulled by tractors from its hangar in Suffield Township, Ohio, on April 10. Officially known for now only by its Federal Aviation Administration tag, "N2A," the airship will later be based in Pompano Beach, Fla.
To name the blimp, Goodyear is hosting a Web site, www.nametheblimp.com, where people can register their picks beginning April 11 and ending at 11:50 p.m. April 30. Entries will be reviewed and rated by Goodyear judges. A list of 10 finalists will be announced on May 7, after which the public will vote on their favorite. A winner will be based on the highest score from the popular voting as well as votes from a panel of Goodyear representatives.
Once it has a name, the blimp will be christened at its hangar in mid-June, officials said.
The person who creates the winning name will get to use the blimp for a day, Goodyear said. The firm added that could include a private aerial party or a personal message over the winner's hometown. The nine other runners up will receive a set of Goodyear tires.