NEW Texas Giant Named Best New Ride of 2011

Top industry publication taps super hybrid roller coaster as the premier ride of the season

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Sep 17, 2011, 06:31 ET

ARLINGTON, Texas, Sept. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Six Flags Over Texas, the Thrill Capital of Texas, is now home to the theme park industry's Best New Ride of 2011 — the NEW Texas Giant. The honor was given today during the annual Golden Ticket Awards at Holiday World in Santa Claus, Indiana. The Golden Ticket Awards annually recognize the "Best of the Best" in the leisure entertainment industry. These awards, often referred to as "The Oscars of the Amusement Industry," are voted on by a panel of experts and enthusiasts from across the country. The awards range from best theme park to a variety of accolades focused on superior products offered to guests, including rides and attractions.

"The opening of the NEW Texas Giant has been a true labor of love by our team and we are thrilled to receive the award for Best New Ride of 2011," said Steve Martindale, Six Flags Over Texas park president. "Our theme park has built a reputation on being innovative and this new ride design definitely delivers in that category. This has been a real home run."

In addition to winning this top award, the NEW Texas Giant debuted at number six on this year's list of best steel coasters in the world. In the 14 years of the Golden Ticket Awards, this is the second highest debut of any steel tracked coaster and the highest debut of any coaster in five years.

"The original Texas Giant led the pack for many years and enjoyed a strong allegiance among coaster enthusiasts. Our goal was to merge that legacy with 21st century technology in the form of the Iron Horse steel track design," added Martindale. "The result was a win-win. Everyone who rides the NEW Texas Giant loves what we've created – literally the smoothest wooden coaster anywhere in the world."

The wooden and steel beast opened in April boasting the steepest drop of any wooden coaster in the world at 79 degree; three bank turns at more than 90 degree; and a state-of-the-art steel track that zips riders through an unforgettable, white knuckled 1 1/2 minutes of twists and turns from start to finish. The unique hybrid design of the coaster contains the classic features of a wooden roller coaster with the advanced scientific capabilities of a steel track fabrication.

The creation of the distinctive coaster was a cohesive collaboration between Rocky Mountain Construction, Gerstlauer, Centerline, and Six Flags Over Texas. The result is an exceptional ride that has received a top industry honor and will establish its own legendary status for years to come.

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world's largest regional theme park company with 19 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. Six Flags Over Texas, the company's flagship location, is celebrating its 50th anniversary season in 2011.

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SOURCE Six Flags Over Texas