THE CONEY ISLAND CYCLONE OPENS FOR 2010 SEASON
March 28 at 12 noon, First 100 People Ride the Cyclone Roller Coaster for Free!
Brooklyn, NY, March 15, 2010—The world-famous Coney Island Cyclone is revved up and ready to roll for the 2010 season on Sunday, March 28, at 12:00 noon. Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz will crack a bottle of egg cream on the Cyclone’s first car as an array of New York City dignitaries and Coney Island fans cheer in celebration. Festivities begin at 11:30 a.m. with the musical pageantry of the Hungry March Band, New York City’s magical street brass march band.
The first 100 people are invited to ride the Cyclone for free, so roller coaster fans are advised to arrive early. “I can’t wait for opening day and the first ride on the Cyclone! It’s become a tradition I look forward to all winter long,” says Angie Pontani aka “Miss Cyclone” of Brooklyn. The burlesque performer favors the front car and always manages to emerge from the thrilling ride without a hair on her beautiful head out of place!
Among the first riders will be Colleen “Cyclone” Whyte of the Bronx, who has ridden ”the mother of all coasters” thousands of times, including 70 times nonstop at the celebration of the ride’s 70th birthday, in 1997. Whyte is the Regional Representative of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), the largest coaster club in the world.
“The Cyclone has been copied about six times but has never been duplicated,” says Whyte, who has ridden hundreds of coasters on three continents and believes that the reason the Cyclone is the best is because it’s the one by which all others are measured. ”The drops are sharp, the turns tight and it’s probably the best maintained coaster and undoubtedly the No. 1 in the world.”
The Cyclone is one of only 17 roller coasters in the world that the American Coaster Enthusiasts have designated as an “ACE Roller Coaster Landmark,” an award reserved for rides of historical significance. Since 1927, the legendary Cyclone has been the definitive ride at Coney Island and has transitioned splendidly over the years. Designated a New York City landmark in 1988, the coaster remains a contender as the public’s favorite ride not only at Coney Island but among the 21st century offerings in the amusement industry.
“We are once again proud to be opening another season of the world-famous Coney Island Cyclone,” says Carol Hill Albert, whose family has been operating the roller coaster since 1975. “With the arrival of the new Luna Park, this truly will be one of the most exciting summers in Coney in a long time. The Cyclone crew has been working all winter to polish, shine, replace, and renew the Cyclone from stem to stern. She’s ready to sail, and so we say, with our annual Brooklyn Christening, ‘Welcome and All Aboard!’”
On March 28, the Cyclone is expected to kick off a Coney-tastic season of fun at the People’s Playground. From the Mermaid Parade to the Siren Festival to the world-famous Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest and Friday Night Fireworks, there is plenty to see and do in Coney Island.
Schedule and Ticket Info
After opening day, the Coney Island Cyclone is open daily from March 29- April 6, which is spring break for New York City schools, and from May 14 through Labor Day. Hours are 12 noon till closing. The Cyclone is open weekends only from April 7-May 13, and after Labor Day through the end of September. Hours are 12 noon till closing. Ticket prices are $8 for the first ride, $5 for additional rides. For directions and more information visit www.coneyislandcyclone.com or email us at info@coneyislandcyclone.com. Friend us on Facebook, join our Facebook Group and follow us on flickr and twitter!
Cyclone Roller Coaster, 834 Surf Ave at West 10th St, Brooklyn NY 11214
Subways: F, Q to West 8th Street; D, F, N, Q to Stillwell Ave.
Phone: 718-265-2100 Website: www.coneyislandcyclone.com
