Fresno State Athletics
Bulldog Blimp To Cover the Valley
8/13/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 13, 2015
By Jason Clay
jaclay@csufresno.edu
GoBulldogs.com
FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State Athletics announced Thursday morning that it will be launching a one-of-a-kind aerial marketing campaign with the use of a blimp named Bulldog1, which is half a football field long.
The first launching of Bulldog1 will take place on Monday, Aug. 17 and is believed to make Fresno State the only university and athletic department in the nation with its own blimp.
“We were looking for a unique visual splash to kick off the 2015 athletic season,” Fresno State Senior Associate AD Paul Ladwig said. “The blimp Bulldog1 will make that splash. By partnering with the best aerial marketing firm, we are able to use this iconic platform to engage our Bulldog community.”
The airship will become an integral part of Fresno State’s promotional program for the 2015-16 season. A five-year aerial rights agreement was reached with Boling Air Media of Fresno, Calif. for the use of the blimp and other planned aerial campaigns. Fresno State Athletics’ lease of the blimp was privately funded.
“You’re always looking to do something that nobody else has done,” Ladwig said. “Having the only collegiate blimp in the country to brand and market your programs is a tremendous tool.”
The blimp will be at Bulldog Stadium for Fresno State’s open scrimmage on Thursday, Aug. 13, giving fans the opportunity to see the new Bulldog airship up close in person.
The 150-foot blimp is accentuated with the Fresno State Bulldog logo on it and the airship has lower banners on both sides that can be used for messaging or co-branding with sponsors.
When Bulldog1 takes its maiden flight on Aug. 17, the blimp will display messaging targeting the Red Wave, Fresno State’s loyal fan base, that the start of the upcoming season is almost here. It will be seen flying around town the rest of the month of August and will be incorporated into Bulldog game days this coming football season, including the possibility of flying at certain road games.
More details on future aerial campaigns, including the use of a sky-diving team, will be released in the near future.
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