Big Shot (ride)

Big Shot
The Big Shot in 2021
The Strat
Coordinates36°8′50.59″N 115°9′19.40″W / 36.1473861°N 115.1553889°W / 36.1473861; -115.1553889
StatusOperating
Opening dateApril 29, 1996 (1996-04-29)
Ride statistics
Attraction typeSpace Shot
ManufacturerS&S Worldwide
DesignerStan Checketts
ModelSpace Shot
Height160 ft (49 m)
Speed45 mph (72 km/h)
G-force4
Duration0:35
Height restriction48 in (122 cm)

Big Shot (Formerly known as Space Shot) is a pneumatically powered tower ride. It was the world's highest amusement ride in terms of overall elevation above ground level, but has since been surpassed by the Sky Drop ride atop the Canton Tower in Guangzhou. The 160 feet (49 m) tower is built atop the 921 feet (281 m) high deck of The Strat in Las Vegas, Nevada.

History

The ride opened on April 29, 1996,[1] in a special VIP gala opening, one day before the ride and casino opened to the general public.[2][3] Big Shot was one of the first two amusement rides to open on the Stratosphere tower at the casino opening (the other being High Roller).[4] Even initially, Stratosphere guests exhibited considerably greater excitement over the Big Shot gravity drop tower than they did over High Roller.[3]

Ride experience

Big Shot is a pneumatically powered tower ride, featuring a rapid ascent from an elevation of 921 ft (281 m) to 1,081 ft (329 m). The ride accelerates to 45 miles per hour (72 km/h).[5] The ride generates 4Gs during the rapid ascent.[6]

See also

References

  1. ^ RCDB listing for High Roller
  2. ^ AP (25 April 1996). "New casino has high-rolling rides". Lodi News-Sentinel. Lodi, California. p. 10. Retrieved 30 July 2012.
  3. ^ a b Thompson, Gary (30 April 1996). "Tower draws rave reviews". Las Vegas Sun. Retrieved 30 July 2012.
  4. ^ Mitchell, Susan K. (2008). Mega Structures: the Biggest Thrill Rides (Easyread Super Large 20pt ed.). Pleasantville, NY: ReadHowYouWant.com. ISBN 978-1427089434.
  5. ^ "How about a Vegas amusement park ride that touches the sky". Stratosphere Las Vegas. Archived from the original on 23 June 2011. Retrieved June 21, 2011.
  6. ^ Borbe, Jeannie. "Big Shot at the Stratosphere". VEGAS.com. Archived from the original on 12 December 2009. Retrieved November 15, 2009.