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Ride Profile
www.parkworld-online.com
Diamond gift
In a difficult economy, the
addition of Diamondback has
been a welcome addition at
Kings Island, where it surpassed
1 million riders by mid-July.
"In these trying economic
times, having Diamondback to
offer has been a great
counterbalance," admits the
park’s vice-president and general
manager, Greg Scheid. "We have
received great media coverage
of Diamondback which in
essence also promotes the park
and all we have to offer here.”
The ride has also helped
benefit a local charity. “One of
the greatest success stories we
Park. Working with Walter Bolliger and his team, I diamondback is the king of all rattlesnakes with a
have regarding this attraction is
knew the high level of professionalism to expect. fearsome reputation,” Scheid concludes. “They’re
A Kid Again,” says Scheid. “We
B&M was nothing but spectacular to work with on big, mean, aggressive and terrifying. The name
were able to help with a first rider
Diamondback and delivered everything either on Diamondback accurately conveys the image of the
auction and raised $107,000 for
time or ahead of schedule, including the final coaster. It really seems like a coiled snake ready to
this organisation which benefits
delivery." strike.”
terminally ill children and their
And strike it does. At the end of their ride families."
Big & Mean passengers leave feeling thrilled, excited, and yes,
But what about that name? “The western Snake bitten.
SEPTEMBER 2009 43
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