AGAWAM, Mass., April 19 -- Six Flags New England launched its newest thrill ride Batman-The Dark Knight last evening at the Park's special VIP coaster opening. Guests enjoyed a spectacular pyrotechnic and firework display that illuminated the roller coaster against the night sky. Attendees had the opportunity to ride the only free flying, floor-less coaster in New England.
Based on the courageous and popular super hero Batman, Batman-The Dark Knight is an innovative steel roller coaster that takes guests on an amazing free-soaring ride. Unlike traditional roller coasters where passengers' feet are firmly planted inside the train, Batman-The Dark Knight allows passengers the freedom of a floorless coach. Once riders are harnessed into the pedestal style chairs, the floor drops away providing the "floorless" effect. The unique train simulates a "flying chair", giving every passenger a virtual front-row view through five inversions that include high speed banked turns, a dive loop and interlocked corkscrews.
Batman-The Dark Knight becomes the eighth roller coaster and the latest super hero to arrive at New England's Thrill Capital. Standing 117-feet high with over 2,600 feet of track, Batman-The Dark Knight travels at a racing speed of 55mph, thrilling its passengers during 47 seconds of pure excitement!
It provides the amazing thrills and adrenaline rush that only a super hero like Batman can give.
"Six Flags is known world-wide as the industry leader in quality thrill ride innovation and Six Flags New England is no exception," said Ron Sevart, vice president and general manager of Six Flags New England. "Batman-The Dark Knight is so thrilling and so unique that there is nothing to compare it to in New England."
Batman-The Dark Knight is designed & engineered by Bolliger & Mabillard of Monthey, Switzerland, one of the leading manufacturers of roller coasters worldwide.
Over the past several years the New England theme park has undergone extensive expansion in the form of world-class rides, attractions and new themed sections. The expansion has featured four roller coasters including
Superman-Ride of Steel, the tallest roller coaster on the East Coast, standing 221 feet above the earth. Superman-Ride of Steel was voted the "#1 Roller Coaster on the Planet" by Park World Magazine in 2000 & 2001. Other coaster additions include Poison Ivy's Twisted Train, Flashback and the Mind Eraser, all steel coasters featuring hair-raising twists and turns.
"Six Flags provides unprecedented fun with an exciting combination of thrill rides and family entertainment. And now, with the addition of our
eighth coaster, Six Flags New England is an unbeatable value!" Sevart added.
Six Flags New England's 2002 season is jam-packed with entertainment for the entire family. Highlights include the return of the fabulous Hollywood-style stunt show, The Batman Thrill Spectacular, family favorites in Looney
Tunes Movie Town and Tiny Timber Town, fun festivals like Kids Fest and FrightFest and the coolest place to be all season long, Island Kingdom Water Park - FREE with park admission.
Six Flags New England is open weekends beginning April 20 and daily starting May 24. Admission is $39.99 (54" in height & over), $24.99 (under 54" in height), under 36" in height is FREE. A season pass allows guests unlimited visits to Six Flags throughout the season. Now through April 28th, a season pass is only $54.99 (when purchasing four or more passes), and $59.99 (when purchasing 3 or less). Six Flags New England is located on Route 159 (1623 Main Street) off the Mass. Turnpike at Exit 6 in Agawam, Mass., just 90 minutes from Boston between Springfield and Hartford, Conn. For more information go to http://www.sixflags.com or call (413) 786-9300.
Six Flags New England is owned by Six Flags, Inc., the world's largest regional theme park company. The company owns and operates 39 parks throughout North America, Latin America and Europe. Six Flags theme parks serve 40 of the 50 largest metropolitan areas in the United States. The parks annually host more than 50 million guests worldwide. A publicly held corporation, Six Flags, Inc. maintains corporate offices in New York City and Oklahoma City. The company's stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol: PKS.
SIX FLAGS and all related indicia are trademarks of Six Flags Theme Parks Inc. (R),(TM) and (C)2002. LOONEY TUNES, characters, names and all related indicia are trademarks of and (C)Warner Bros. BATMAN, SUPERMAN and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and (C) DC Comics.
