Texas Sized Birthday Bash for the Texas Giant

Arlington, TX -- For a decade, the Texas Giant has carried roller coaster lovers through ultimate highs and breath-taking lows, and the tradition is not slowing down. Six Flags Over Texasis throwing the "world's #1 wooden roller coaster" a birthday party blowout on Friday, March 17.

"The Texas Giant is the crown jewel of Six Flags," said Steve Calloway, vice president and general manager of the park.

"Long after a fun-filled day at the park, people remember the Texas Giant and it's one of the main reasons they return." It's only appropriate that Friday's birthday party is highlighted with the cutting of the largest cake ever made in Texas. The cake in the shape of the Lone Star State boasts a massive 16 feet by 13 feet and will feed 8,000 people. Candles will be blown out at 11:00 a.m.

The Texas Giant has earned its name from the start. The ride is a sprawling three acres and reaches an impressive 14 stories tall. For two minutes, guests zoom at top speeds of 62 mph and an average speed of about 40 mph. One of the most talked about features of the ride is its dramatic 137-foot first drop at a 53-degree angle.

"You hear screams of excitement or some are silent in disbelief. There's nothing like it anywhere else in the world," said Mr. Calloway.

The Texas Giant has acquired an accolade of honors since the ride opened in 1990. Among the awards, the ride has been named the #1 wooden roller coaster in the world by Amusement Today, Inside Track and The National Amusement Park Historical Association. "The Texas Giant's enduring popularity stems from all the exciting elements of a great wooden roller coaster," said Tim Baldwin, regional representative for American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE). "The Texas Giant utilizes its speed with wonderful directional changes through a monstrous spaghetti bowl of track."

Six Flags Over Texas is open March 11 - 26 from 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Sunday through Friday and from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. on Saturday. Spring BreakOut events open at noon and run until one hour before park closing. All Spring BreakOut events are included in the regular park admission.

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