Santa Monica Roller Coaster Opens Today
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Anticipation grew Friday at Santa Monica Pier for fun-seekers looking up at the Santa Monica West Coaster, the first roller coaster built on the pier in nearly 66 years.
The ride, scheduled to open today, weaves a tight oval loop around 10 other rides at the pier’s Pacific Park.
“It’s definitely a ride I want to try,” said Babak Mohady, 12, while admiring the winding red tracks above him. “I like the turns and the parts where you can look over the water.”
A $3 ticket gets you a ride that zips through two 360-degree turns at 35 mph with camel humps reaching a height of 55 feet.
“[Park-goers] can look forward to a great family coaster that gives you a spectacular view of the ocean,” said Frank Dillon, Pacific Park general manager.
Construction of the $1.5-million roller coaster was part of the $15-million amusement park project designed to enhance the pier, Dillon said.
The last roller coaster on the Santa Monica Pier was the Whirlwind Dipper, which was torn down in 1930.
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