Six Flags America Reaches New Heights With Superman

Largo, MD -- Six Flags America has officially unveiled plans to construct a 20-story-tall, ultra-fast, steel mega-coaster to open in May of 2000. The addition of Superman Ride of Steel (TM), already under construction, brings the park's awesome roller coaster line-up to an impressive seven. Riders on Superman Ride of Steel will embark on an incredibly steep climb, high into the air, before speeding down a dizzying 70 degree, high-speed drop over more than one mile of sleek steel track. At 200 feet tall, Superman Ride of Steel will be the park's tallest and fastest attraction.

Six Flags, one of the strongest brands in the world, is known for dazzling thrills and cutting edge roller coaster excitement. "The new ultra-fast coaster at Six Flags America makes a bold statement about the commitment of Six Flags to continue to build the greatest and grandest thrill rides in the world. Six Flags is the industry leader in thrill rides and Superman Ride of Steel is the latest addition that is sure to get rave reviews by thrill seekers everywhere," states Kieran Burke, CEO of Premier Parks, the company that owns Six Flags.

"As we looked toward our second year of operation as a Six Flags theme park, we knew that it would be essential to add another world-class roller coaster to our thrill ride roster," comments Janet Porter, general manager. "With its lightning speed and steep first drop, Superman Ride of Steel will give Six Flags America guests an experience unmatched by any other coaster in the region."

Based on the popular DC Comics superhero, Superman Ride of Steel will give riders a bird's-eye view of the park before plunging almost 200 feet at speeds of greater than 70 mph. The tremendous first drop offers close to 10 seconds of weightlessness leading to a total ride time of more than 3 minutes. "If you enjoy traveling at incredible speeds, or faster than a speeding bullet, as I do, don't miss riding Superman Ride of Steel," exclaims noted roller coaster historian and North American Editor of Park World Magazine, Paul Ruben.

Fittingly, the new ride will be located in an expanded DC Comics-themed section of the park that will also include a new retail venue, Metropolis Gifts, and a new family ride called the Krypton Comet. "The response to Six Flags America's opening in Maryland has exceeded our expectations," states Porter. "We completed our historic 1999 season with a strong surge. This blockbuster new coaster is not only a big way for us to say 'thanks' for a great year but also to sustain momentum and build anticipation for the launch of our expanded 2000 season this April."

Construction of Superman Ride of Steel has already begun with a scheduled opening later this season. The addition of this ride follows an incredible 1999 park transformation that included a brand new front gate, beautiful Main Street promenade, two new roller coasters, an all new kids' section, a Batman Thrill Spectacular stunt show and of course, those loveable Looney Tunes characters live and in-person every day. Also for the year 2000, Six Flags America will offer expanded operating dates including "sneak-preview" weekends April 15-16 and 29-30, plus a Spring Breakout party April 15-22 and fall weekends September 9-10 and 16-17.