Albuquerque To Become Home For New CCI Wooden Coaster

Albuquerque, NM -- Cliff's Amusement Park announced plans today to build a major wooden roller coaster to open this summer. The new $2-million roller coaster will become the flagship attraction at the 43-year old park.

Custom Coasters of West Chester, Ohio has been contracted by the park to design and build the new roller coaster. The 2,750-foot "out and back" coaster will feature an 80-foot drop at 52 degrees and reach speeds of nearly 50 mph.

The roller coaster will be built with a steel structure, wooden track and stand nearly nine stories. It will become a new icon in the skyline around Albuquerque.

Park owner Gary Hays expects the new coaster to boost attendance at the park by 30-percent over the next two years. Hays said the new coaster will likely boost tourism by drawing thrill seekers to the Albuquerque area. Cliff's is the only amusement park in New Mexico.

A name for the roller coaster has not been selected, but according to Hays a contest will be held in April to choose one. The winner will receive a season pass to the park.

Construction is expected to take four months and tentative opening date for the new roller coaster has been set for June 21.

Roller Coaster Facts

Layout: Out and Back

Drop: 80 feet

Angle of Decent: 52 degrees

Top Speed: 50 mph

Length: 2,750 feet

Cost: $2 million

Tenative Opening Date: June 21, 2002

Location: Cliff's Amusement Park, Albuquerque, New Mexico