Tony Hawk's Big Spin

Construction is complete and Tony Hawk's Big Spin is now open. Take a look at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom's all-new ride as it took shape. This exciting roller coaster lets you touch the "Sky" like never before with quick hairpin turns and unique low-to-the-ground drops that simulate skateboard legend Tony Hawk's signature tricks and stunts.

Media Day for Tony Hawk's Big Spin put the ride in the spotlight as VIPs, news media and others enjoyed the exclusive preview.

Television food star Guy Fieri makes Captain Lee chuckle during the opening ceremony as he comments on how weight distribution contributes to how much the ride spins.

Television food star Guy Fieri and his son demonstrate more than 15 times how different each ride can be. Fieri brought his version of extreme sushi for the event, which also included extreme sundaes and energy drinks.

A skateboarder demonstrates his skills during the opening day festivities. In addition to professional and amateur skateboarders, the event included graffiti artists, DJ music and break dancing.

One of the unique features of the new ride are the mounted cameras that capture riders' experiences. These can be purchased at this video booth located outside the ride exit.

Tony Hawk's Big Spin was a huge draw for guests visiting the park on opening day as evidenced by the crowds at the area throughout the day and subsequent weekend.

The clean lines of the tracks can be seen from this perspective which many guests have described as "intense!"

The legendary Tony Hawk is prevalent throughout the ride area with graphic describing his rise to fame and videos showing his most famous stunts. This icon overlooks the entire track.

May 2, 2008

This neat as a pin turn shows how low to the ground the ride will go.

May 1, 2008

The many support poles of the ride seem much more complex because the ride is so compact.

Workers erecting the tracks had no problem following the 1-2-3 track system wherein all the parts were specifically numbered to go together easily.

Captain Lee is interviewed by reporter Mark S. Allen of Good Day Sacramento during the media hard hat tour.

April 30, 2008

This complex mix of things shows a stairway to nowhere, tracks that lead to open air yet deceptively, things are bustling!

Workers add the brightly colored roof panels on the station.

 A view of the queue line from the trackside shows the skateboard park themed line dividers - chain link fencing!

 An interesting perspective as the tracks are pieced together

Another vantage point as the "twisted tracks" take shape.

Chief Explorer Captain Lee acknowledges the heavy duty work going on at the construction site.

April 24, 2008

This cool piece represents the top of the track system, the last time we'll see it this low to the ground!

From all sides you can see that the station is moving along, the first semblance of the track is being erected and cranes are everywhere lifting the heavy steel.

Ground level and it's a busy time on the Tony Hawk's Big Spin construction site.

Workers get ready to life a set of stairs that will be attached to more stairs on the tracks to the right of the photo.

 A track going to nowhere?  Not quite, but it certainly will soon!

The red track with the black support structure is already a thing of beauty even at this early stage.

April 17, 2008

From this view of the queue line area, you can see the chain-linked fencing on the inside, which is actually part of the skateboard park-like theme.

What looks like a hole in the ground is actually trenchwork for a unique aspect of the ride - videos from the ride itself. This is the location of the future video CD booth.

Progress continues on the ride station as work focuses on the roof.

April 15, 2008

The framework for the ride station starts to take shape!

April 11, 2008

The ride components and parts arrive in separate shipments in early April and are laid out on the Tony Hawk's Big Spin construction site.

The vivid red ride colors that are part of the Tony Hawk's Big Spin ride theme can be seen on many of the ride structural components.

The makings of a ride station can be seen in the intial framework that the workers are seen building.

Heavy equipment is needed to lift the heavy steel framework parts on days that have so far been clear and sunny.

The queue line area structure as it is being built, all with the red-color theme that is part of the whole Tony Hawk's Big Spin experience.

February 21, 2008

Workers assemble supports and track segments from Tony Hawk's Big Spin at the Gerstlauer factory in Germany. Once complete, the track and supports will be dismantled, painted and then shipped to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.

Vertical construction of Tony Hawk's Big Spin at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is set to begin in early April.