Fresno State is poised to be the first FBS team with a blimp, as Bulldog1 will "fly over Fresno starting Monday and during football games at Bulldog Stadium this fall," according to Angel Moreno of the FRESNO BEE. The blimp, which marks the "latest marketing campaign" for Fresno State, includes a large team logo and will be "in the air throughout the month leading up to" the team's home opener on Sept. 3 against Abilene Christian. It will be used at home games and "could take to the skies for some road football games as well." Fresno State Senior Associate AD/External Relations Paul Ladwig: "We were looking for a unique visual splash to kick off the 2015 athletic season. The blimp Bulldog1 will make that splash." Ladwig noted that Fresno State is "believed to be the first and only university and athletic department with a blimp." Moreno notes the blimp's "lower banner areas will be used for messaging and sponsorships." The school is leasing the blimp with private funds as "part of a five-year aerial rights agreement" with Fresno-based Boling Air Media (FRESNO BEE, 8/14).
