Goodyear Blimp Hosts World’s First Aerial Pokémon Battle with GameStop for 100th Anniversary

Goodyear Blimp flying with Pokémon characters.
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    Goodyear and GameStop have joined forces for a unique 100th-anniversary celebration, taking gaming to unprecedented heights. The iconic Goodyear Blimp, Wingfoot Three, served as the venue for the world’s first Pokémon battle conducted 1,000 feet above Los Angeles. This innovative event featured notable personalities from the tech and gaming worlds, highlighting a novel approach to commemorating a significant corporate milestone.

    Gaming Takes Flight

    The historic aerial Pokémon battle was orchestrated by famed YouTuber Casey Neistat. He utilized the ModRetro Chromatic handheld gaming console, a passion project developed by Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey, to bring the competition to life in the skies. This collaboration marks a significant moment, blending classic gaming with cutting-edge technology and a unique aerial platform.

    Special Guest Trainers

    Joining Neistat in this groundbreaking event were several prominent figures from the tech and gaming industries. Special guest trainers included Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey, ModRetro CEO and co-founder Torin Herndon, and Joe Fonicello, Head of Social Media for GameStop. Their participation added significant star power to the anniversary celebration.

    Key Takeaways

    • The event was held aboard the Goodyear Blimp, Wingfoot Three, over Los Angeles.
    • It featured the world’s first aerial Pokémon battle.
    • YouTuber Casey Neistat, Palmer Luckey, Torin Herndon, and Joe Fonicello participated as trainers.
    • The ModRetro Chromatic handheld console was used for the gaming.
    • Content from the event was shared across social media channels.

    A Year of Celebration

    This spectacular event is part of Goodyear’s ongoing 100th-anniversary festivities throughout 2025. While the official anniversary date was June 3, 2025, the company plans to continue engaging fans with various appearances and collaborations throughout the year, underscoring a commitment to innovation and community engagement.

    About Goodyear

    The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is a global leader in the tire industry, employing approximately 68,000 people and operating 53 manufacturing facilities across 20 countries. With innovation centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, Goodyear is dedicated to developing advanced products and services that set industry standards for technology and performance.

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