Instead of seeing the Goodyear blimp from 1,500 feet below on game day, people now have a chance to spend a night in the aircraft. In honor of the 150th anniversary of college football, Airbnb is offering two fans the opportunity to stay aboard the Goodyear blimp in anticipation of the University of Michigan versus Notre Dame football game.

Airbnb spokesperson Jinny deCarlos Davoudi wrote in an email to The Daily that Goodyear was very interested in partnering with the company.

“We have been in touch with Goodyear who was keen to list the blimp as a unique space on Airbnb,” she said. “We loved the idea and supported them in the renovation of the blimp so that it is a place that can accommodate an overnight stay and in publicizing the listing.”

In honor of the listing being the first of its kind, Airbnb and Goodyear will collectively donate $5,000 to the Cotton Bowl Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting educational organizations in North Texas. 

Football fans can temporarily rent the blimp through Airbnb for $150 a night plus taxes on the evenings of Oct. 22, 23 and 24. To ensure people have the chance to book, availability will be added for the three individual one-night stays as reservations will go live throughout the day on Oct. 15. Those lucky enough to book a reservation will also earn seats close to the field for the game, according to Airbnb. 

According to the listing, the stay will include the complete tailgating experience — minus the back of a pickup truck. Accommodations include a “football lounge” where guests will be able to watch some of the most historical football rivalry games in college football. It will also include space for four friends to join the revelry during the day, along with access to a lakefront camping space with a grill, fire pit, cornhole toss and other tailgating festivities. 

Jerry Hissem, Airbnb host and pilot of the blimp, said he wants to give fans an unforgettable experience.

“The blimp has always been about the fans and giving them a better way to experience the game,” Hissem said. “We’re continuing this tradition by giving fans an experience they’ll never forget by listing the blimp on Airbnb.”

The guests will also get a tour of the Goodyear facilities, located in Mogadore, Ohio, to meet the crew and learn about the blimp’s 100 year history and more than 60 years of providing aerial coverage of college football games. Guests will have exclusive access to the blimp’s 312-yard hangar, where it will remain during the booking. The guests’ sleeping quarters are located in the aircraft’s gondola, which is complete with a bed, couch and a lounging corner. They will also receive official University football gear to wear to the Notre Dame football game on Oct. 26.

Kinesiology senior Claire DiFranco is a long time Michigan football fan and said the idea is very exciting and unique.

“I think this would be an experience like no other and the price is very reasonable,” DiFranco said. “I would totally consider doing this before the game … I think it’s a really cool idea and it’ll be very popular for the alumni crowd.”

Shortly after the stay, the blimp will be retired and inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, where it will be the first non-player or coach to be given this honorable distinction.

YouTuber Levi Kelly frequently stays in unusual Airbnbs and announced he plans on making a reservation for the blimp when they become available.

“I actually have a Youtube channel basically around unique Airbnb’s,” Kelly said. “I stay in some like tiny homes, container homes, or anything that’s special and do reviews on them. So when I saw that the blimp was up for grabs, I immediately wanted to book it.”