Volume 3, No. 8. April 25, 2003
New Arrivals
It’s
a roller coaster!
Six Flags Magic Mountain in Valencia, California, announces the arrival of Scream!,
April 12, 2003. Measurements: 150 feet tall (46 meters), 3,985 feet long (1,214.5
meters), seven inversions, 65 mph (104.5 km/h), three 32-passenger trains. Delivered
by Bolliger & Mabillard.
The media day for this park’s 16th coaster—and first floorless—was
pretty typical. At least the first one was.
On a Thursday two days before the public opening, members of the local media,
coaster enthusiasts and 50 children from the Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls
Club serving as the official first riders, descended on the park for a 10 a.m.
(10,00) press conference, a skit featuring a Dr. Scream, fireworks and VIP rides
until 1 p.m. (13,00).
The next day, Six Flags Magic Mountain hosted college and high school media.
More than 300 student reporters and photographers showed up for their own press
event, giving the park a tremendous publicity outlet directly into its primary
market. “This is something we’ve always wanted to do, and this was
the first opportunity we had to do it,” said Sue Carpenter, Magic Mountain’s
public relations manager. “And I can tell you we’ll definitely do
it again.”
The day the public finally got to ride dawned partly cloudy and California spring
warm. With the gate’s opening, the bulk of the crowd sprinted to the far
end of the park, where Scream! was placed on what had been an employee
parking lot. Breaking from a tradition of putting its coasters up among hills
or behind themed facades, almost the full run of Scream! lies beyond
a plaza that could serve as an amphitheater for people watching the coaster.
Within an hour of opening, the ride’s queue stretched out into the plaza
and beyond, even with an efficient three train operation.
THE LOOP is written and produced by Eric Minton, Minton Enterprises, LLC. To see more examples of Eric Minton's work and Minton Enterprises services, visit www.ericminton.com.
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