Ride Profile
Guests have turned to social media to share their Hype experience. A series of Youtube videos with the hashtag #Hypehaaste that show guests reactions have attracted nearly 2.5 million viewers. In a country with a population of 5.5 million, that is quite a feat!
Särkänniemi is built on a peninsula. “We already have many rides in relation to the size of the park, so it was not possible for us to build a very large rollercoaster. However, we realised that Hype was everything we needed; it is by far the highest and fastest rollercoaster there has ever been in Särkänniemi and because of the triple launch system the run time is longer than many bigger rollercoasters out there. The triple launch element was much more important to us than just mere length. “We were looking for the best ride for our needs, our team came up with a long list of 20 possible rides, and after a lengthy evaluation process we narrowed this down to just a few candidates – and after a detailed evaluation process Hype was our pick! Premier Rides are a new cooperation partner for us and we could not be happier with our choice. They were able to provide and build the ride according to the strict time schedule that we had.” The first new roller coaster to open at Särkänniemi in nearly a decade, Hype opened ahead of schedule with a great fanfare that included a performance by Finnish pop star Robin Packalen. Fans from all over competed to ride Hype on the opening day and be featured in the singer’s new music video, and a remix of the singer’s latest single is currently being used as Hype’s theme song. The attendance figures of the park have increased
significantly since the opening of Hype, despite somewhat unfavourable weather conditions in Finland this summer. As well as the coaster, a professionally themed Hype square, an urban, modern and vividly colourful area was built around the ride with the help of Themebuilders Philippines Inc. In addition to the beautiful decorative elements, the area hosts a new two-storey restaurant with a lakeside terrace, a souvenir shop and a new throwing game themed to match the ride. “We didn’t just add a new ride,” explains Seppälä. “We
totally renovated the whole area where Hype is located. Hype Square is an urban living room outside, and the atmosphere there is really good. We have succeeded in creating a whole new area for our guests to enjoy, it doesn’t matter if you want to go on Hype or not, it is a pleasure just to be there. I like the atmosphere all around our park, but Hype Square is the new place to be, especially for teens.” Särkänniemi’s Director of Development, Ville Aarresuo
puts their increase in attendance figures down to the successful opening of Hype. “Hype has become one of the most intriguing landmarks in the region with its
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impressive look. It represents the current trend in the industry: speed, acceleration and a dramatic look. Since its opening Hype has made our summer one of the best. In fact, our sales have increased significantly over the last year and we look forward to having one of our best years on record thanks to the success of Hype.” Premier Rides, known for focusing on large, technically
complex projects had the coaster finished ahead of schedule. “All of us at Premier Rides are honoured to have partnered with Särkänniemi to deliver an incredible roller coaster,” commented Jim Seay, President of Premier Rides. “The park’s team has an extraordinary focus on quality, which is evident in the final project. By incorporating our latest technologies – including our most advanced magnetic launch system – we were able to deliver the first triple launch experience with the highest inversion to the Nordic region… and all the buzz from the fans shows that the encounter lives up to the hype!” So what is next for Särkänniemi? “We have a €200
million expansion plan to turn our park into a destination resort,” reveals Seppälä. The expansion plans include a 250 room themed spa hotel inside the park area, a city walk type of restaurant, a movie street by the lakeside in front of the park, a water action park and a whole new type of attraction – which I can’t reveal just yet!”
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