Wooden Roller Coaster To Race Backwards Into 2002

Gurnee, IL -- Following an unprecedented year of coaster additions, Six Flags Great America blasts forward to the beginning of another remarkable season of cool coasters, unbeatable entertainment and fun for the whole family! Many exciting elements are slated for the 27th season of the Midwest's premier theme park including the reintroduction of some all-time ride favorites, a blockbuster new entertainment package, an extraordinary festival series and a head-turning twist on one of the park's favorite wooden coasters.

Thrilling Rides Return – Two tracks, two experiences, twice as much fun! Experience out of this world thrills on Six Flags Great America's racing wooden coaster – American Eagle – where front is back, back is front and the usual coaster rules do not apply! This season, guests will have a rare opportunity to conquer the double-tracked racer as one side operates…backwards!

For those who wish to be a part of this exclusive engagement, trains on the blue side will be turned around for enthusiasts to step on board and experience the ride facing backward. And if traditional screams and thrills are desired, American Eagle red side will remain facing forward. Either way, guests will enjoy two minutes of mind-boggling fun as they speed through nearly one mile of coaster track – riding forward or backward!

"We are extremely excited to offer this incredible ride experience," said Jim Wintrode, vice president and general manager. "Just when you thought you had it figured out, American Eagle adds a whole other dimension of thrills!"

For more than two decades, America Eagle has remained a favorite among park patrons. With an initial drop of 147 feet at a 55-degree angle, racing up and over hills at nearly 60 mph, a ride on the American Eagle belongs at the top of every thrill-seeker's checklist – especially this season!

5-4-3-2-1 blast-off! Space Shuttle America, originally introduced in 1994, returns to Six Flags Great America. This simulated ride will once again propel guests through space while on their way to a lunar mission set in the future! On Space Shuttle America, passengers will experience the excitement and wonder of space flight without ever leaving their seat! This is an adventure the whole family can enjoy together.

Returning this season to Six Flags Great America's arsenal of thrills, are the park's newest monster coasters, Vertical Velocity and Déjà Vu. Speed, twist and flip on these adrenaline rushing rides or challenge more than 40 other rides and attractions.

Six New Shows Compliment Variety of Entertainment Slated for 2002

Be sure not to miss this season's spectacular new entertainment package at Six Flags Great America. Enjoy unbeatable show productions, which feature incredible musical revues, daring aerial acts, unbelievable illusions and more. Six Flags Great America is pure entertainment at its best!

Headlining the 2002 entertainment is ZAJIE! An Acrobatic Adventure. Direct from China, this edge-of-your-seat production will leave audience members utterly amazed. The troupe of tumblers, trapeze artists, aerial flight specialists, gymnasts and contortionists perform daring feats of skill and will astonish crowds with their bravery and dexterity.

Other new shows include To Fly!, an IMAX film recently inducted into IMAX Hall of Fame, which explores the early balloon flights of the 1800's, biplanes, helicopters, hang gliders and more as viewers travel through the rich history of flight; RadioActive, a fast-paced energetic show which will have audience members dancing in their seats to a variety of popular musical styles; The Snowshoe Revue, a singing, dancing and heart stompin' good time; Bugs Bunny Goin' Hollywood, where BUGS BUNNY and his LOONEY TUNES pals comically prepare for an exciting film shoot; and for that perfect ending to the perfect day, see Dancin' in the Streets, the night time parade spectacular featuring your favorite LOONEY TUNES stars as they sing and dance through a jaw-dropping, hip-hopping special effects extravaganza.

Summer Festival Series Sizzles – Six Flags Great America festivals are better than ever! This summer, the park will host an array of family fun and added entertainment as the streets come alive for three unparalleled festivals.

Kick off summer break with the family during KidsFest, June 22-June 30! During KidsFest, Six Flags is transformed into a happy harbor for high-energy kids and their young at heart parents. The event features over four acres of kid-size rides, plus colorful decorations, live entertainment and mesmerizing variety acts including magic, puppets, juggling and pony rides!

July is hot, hot, hot! Join Six Flags Great America for Fiesta Del Sol, July 13-July 21. Celebrate summer and Mexican heritage at this new celebration in Six Flags' Southwest Territory. Traditional mariachi's and contemporary Latin recording artists will be on hand to entertain the entire family.

Cajun fun fills the air during Mardi Gras-Six Flags Style, August 7-August 11. During Mardi Gras, the streets of Orleans Place hum with non-stop jazz and zydeco music. New Orleans flavored variety acts, Creole food and a special nightly Mardi Gras parade will be the highlight of the festivities.

For more information visit sixflags.com/greatamerica.