Blimps Return for Another Summertime Visit

One blimp has returned to Beverly Airport and another is planned to arrive later this summer.

The blimps, which fly over sports game and other large gatherings, have been housed at Beverly Airport for many years when making summertime visits to the area.

The DirectTV blimp will be there until July 1, according to Bob Mezzetti, Beverly Municipal Airport manager. It arrived June 22. It may also return in August, he said.

The Hood blimp is also expected to arrive soon, he said. Both blimps can be at the airport at the same time, he said.

Each blimp pays between $60 to $80 per day to stay at Beverly Municipal Airport, Mezzetti said.

Direct TV spokeswoman Cara Brugnoli said the blimp is in the Boston area to fly over several Red Sox games, including the games this weekend.

“We only have the one blimp and it travels throughout the country attending a number of sporting events, including the Super Bowl, World Series, US Open and NASCAR Events,” she said.

In addition, the blimp participates in charity events and gives sick children rides with their families. Mezzetti said Hood also used to give employees rides in the blimp.