Construction on the tallest pendulum ride in the Midwest is underway at Six Flags Great America as the Gurnee theme park is set to reopen for the season later this week.
Six Flags unveiled the ride, dubbed “Sky Striker,” in August.
“Prepare to achieve new altitudes on Sky Striker, a high-flying, soaring adventure,” the company said in its announcement.
The Sky Striker will send riders “into the clouds” as they swing back and forth on its massive pendulum, creating the “ultimate stomach-drop feeling” as riders touch the sky.
The ride takes riders 172 feet into the air and swings at speeds of up to 75 miles per hour.
“Take in unique views of Six Flags Great America as you soar along 130-degree swings of the towering pendulum, nearly going upside down,” Six Flags said.
The Sky Striker, which is being manufactured by Zamperla, is being built in the County Fair area of the park.
“This first-of-its-kind ride for the park creates a freefall sensation like no other. As Sky Striker lowers you back down to earth, you’ll already be raring to go on your next journey through the sky,” the company said in its announcement.
Six Flags said the ride will be the tallest pendulum ride in the Midwest.
A spokesperson for Six Flags told Lake and McHenry County Scanner that construction is underway and on schedule. The ride is set to open later this spring.
Six Flags Great America is set to open for the season starting on Saturday. The park will open at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and close at 8 p.m.