Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower to Build New Extreme Thrill Ride

Nov. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- The Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower is to create the next ultimate, extreme thrill ride called Insanity-The Ride -- set to open in early 2005. Stratosphere is again partnering with amusement industry leader Interactive Rides of Logan, Utah to create this aggressive thrill ride. Insanity-The Ride, will dangle riders and spin them over the edge of the Stratosphere Tower's Outdoor Observation Deck more than 900 feet above Las Vegas, announced American Casino & Entertainment Properties officials.

Insanity-The Ride, described as an inverted centrifuge, will be a one-of-kind attraction that is sure to gain a worldwide reputation as one of the most intense themed attractions built anywhere. Insanity-The Ride will be the fourth and final major thrill ride attraction to be built atop the Stratosphere Tower, which has become known for having a variety of unique amenities and attractions. The new ride will hold 10 passengers in "escape proof" seats as it spins at 40 m.p.h. The key to the ride is that thrill seekers experience a centrifugal force of three "G's" while being spun out 64 feet past the edge of the Stratosphere Tower -- overlooking the City of Las Vegas more than 900 feet below.

"Insanity-The Ride is the next level in an ongoing trend of creating the most extreme thrill ride out there," said Bobby Ray Harris, general manager and senior vice president of operations at Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower. "Coming off our recent success with the X Scream thrill ride, which was launched on Halloween 2003, we're looking forward to this new breed of highly aggressive thrill ride to stretch the endurance and limits of thrill seekers at Stratosphere. The difference between X Scream and Insanity is that X Scream drives riders crazy by playing upon their fear of heights and falling. The new Insanity ride, well, you'll have to be nuts to even think about getting on it," Harris added. "X Scream blows your mind. Insanity is for riders whose minds are already blown."

Insanity-The Ride consists of an arm that extends out 64 feet over the edge of the Tower and will spin passengers at up to three "G's." As the ride spins faster and faster, the riders are propelled up to an angle of 70 degrees. Riders will experience the thrill of being flung over the edge of the Tower and literally facing downward at the City of Las Vegas below. The ride is programmable with various ride options. An unobstructed view of historic downtown Las Vegas rewards those riders brave enough to experience three "G's" at a height of more than 900 feet.

Insanity-The Ride will be the world's fourth highest thrill ride. The Stratosphere's Big Shot thrill ride and High Roller roller coaster are the first and second highest, and X Scream, which opened in 2003 is the third.

Insanity-The Ride is designed and manufactured by Interactive Rides, Inc., an amusement ride engineering and manufacturing company located in Logan, Utah. Key management of Interactive Rides, Inc. were involved in the design and construction of the popular "Big Shot" ride on the Stratosphere Tower, opened to the public in 1996.

Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower is an integrated casino/hotel/entertainment complex located at the north end of the Las Vegas Strip. Highlighted by the 1,149-foot Stratosphere Tower, the tallest free standing observation tower in the United States, Stratosphere features 2,444 guest rooms and suites; an expansive 80,000 square foot casino offering the best odds in Las Vegas; uniquely themed restaurants; The Tower Shops at Stratosphere, a vast retail and entertainment mall; the Big Shot, High Roller and X Scream thrill rides; and the popular BITE, American Superstars and Viva Las Vegas productions. For more information on the Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower, call 702-380-7777 or 800-99-TOWER (998-6937).

Source: Stratosphere Casino Hotel and Tower