UK amusement park Blackpool Pleasure Beach has released images of its new £16.25m ($22.9m) roller coaster, showing the ride rising 20m in the air before cutting through the lift hill of the Big One roller coaster.
The behind-the-scenes pictures of Icon were taken while Blackpool Pleasure Beach was closed for winter. They show where riders will be propelled out of a tunnel, through the structure of the Big One at speeds of up to 80kmh.
The double launch coaster from Mack Rides is due to open for visitors in Spring this year. Featuring 1.14km of track, it will have a maximum height of 27m and will interact with other rides at the park 15 times while reaching a maximum acceleration 4.3G.
Other rides Icon will interactive with include the Steeplechase, Big Dipper and Pleasure Beach Express.
Since work began in December 2016 over 100,000 hours have been invested on site by a team of 50 and hundreds of tonnes of grey steel track have been hoisted into position.
Managing Director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Amanda Thompson, said: “This is a key milestone in the build which marks the first in a series of thrilling interactions to guarantee riders a truly exhilarating experience.
“What we’ve achieved so far is impressive to see and a credit to all involved. We’re looking forward to visitors getting their very first glimpse of Icon when our doors open on 10 February.”
In January, Pleasure Beach announced that its Wild Mouse ride has been permanently closed and lodged plans with Blackpool Council to build a 120-bedroom hotel.
Images: c. Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
