Students in the Sports Media and Communication program in Youngstown State University’s Department of Strategic Communication and Media recently stepped out of the classroom and into aviation history. The group visited the Wingfoot Lake Airship Hangar in Suffield, the oldest airship facility in the United States, for a behind-the-scenes look at how the world-famous Goodyear Blimp supports major sporting broadcasts.

The experiential learning trip, arranged by senior lecturer Paul Ditchey and Adam Earnheardt, provided students with rare access to the operations behind one of the most recognized icons in aerial videography.

During the visit, students engaged directly with pilots, technicians and media professionals who operate the airship. Discussions focused on the technical and logistical challenges of capturing live content from above. Students learned how the crew coordinates with network directors on the ground to deliver the aerial visuals featured in major broadcasts, including the Super Bowl and the NBA Finals.

“Students got to sit in the gondola, the space where the pilot navigates the ship and media professionals operate,” Ditchey said. “They even got to control the camera on the nose of the ship and try out the powerful magnification of the zoom, which can capture close shots from thousands of feet in the air.”

The hands-on interaction gave students a firsthand look at the precision required in aerial videography, a skill typically associated with veteran industry professionals. Beyond the technical equipment, the group also gained insight into the extensive teamwork required to keep the airship operational and broadcast-ready for high-profile events.

“Goodyear doesn’t open the blimp hangar to just anyone for tours. We’re lucky to have Paul and his more than four decades of sports broadcasting experience and connections to arrange this special opportunity for our students,” Earnheardt said.

“This was a unique chance to see the intersection of aviation technology and sports media. Understanding how these aerial shots are captured and integrated into a live broadcast gives our students a distinct advantage as they prepare for careers in the industry.”

Mary Beth Earnheardt said these field experiences support the department’s mission to connect classroom theory with professional practice.

“It is vital for our students to understand the rich resources available to them right here in the Youngstown-Warren media market,” she said. “Having a facility like the Wingfoot Lake Hangar just down the road allows us to provide meaningful, high-level experiences. It shows students they don’t have to go far to find world-class media operations.”

The visit also highlighted the historical significance of the venue. Built in 1917, the Wingfoot Lake Airship Hangar is not only the construction and maintenance hub for Goodyear’s airship fleet but also a site with deep aviation history, including the training of the first class of U.S. Navy airship pilots. For the aspiring media professionals, the trip connected the legacy of innovation with the evolving future of sports broadcasting.