An ‘Icon’ is born

Blackpool Pleasure Beach has today announced the name of its new £16.25 million rollercoaster – Icon.
 
Revealed in a dramatic sizzle – a movie-style promotional trailer, adrenalin enthusiasts are treated to a taste of what will be the world’s most exciting rollercoaster, featuring 15 interactions with other rides at the famous amusement park.  
 
It will also be the UK’s first ever double launch rollercoaster – propelling riders at high speed, not only at the start of the ride but also at a second point half way through the two and a half minute experience.
 
Unveiling more than just the name of the rollercoaster, the Blackpool Pleasure Beach sizzle provides a first look at the design too, with a state-of-the-art computer generated image revealing anthracite columns combined with high-shine steel track.  A CGI film takes viewers on the Icon journey as it powers through, over and around other rides including The Big One.
 
The logo invites adventure seekers to ‘dare to ride’ the thrilling new rollercoaster.  A red Japanese emblem embedded within the logo symbolizes speed, with guests of Icon to experience the same levels of acceleration as that felt by a Formula 1 driver, reaching speeds of up to 80 miles per hour.
 
Speaking on the name unveil, Blackpool Pleasure Beach Managing Director Amanda Thompson OBE, said: “Icon is going to be one of the most talked about, iconic rollercoasters of the future.  The name speaks for itself as it will be one of the most iconic rides on the planet.
 
“This is Blackpool Pleasure Beach’s biggest investment to date and will have a real impact on the town and region as a whole.”
 
Blackpool Pleasure Beach Deputy Managing Director, Nick Thompson, adds, “After over 43,000 hours of planning and with the first phase of construction work complete, we’re thrilled to unveil the name of this incredible new attraction today and to provide rollercoaster enthusiasts with a first-look at Icon.”
 
With Blackpool Pleasure Beach now open daily for the 2017 season, visitors will have the unique opportunity to see first-hand, work on the incredible new ride in progress. Work commenced in December 2016 and has, to date, seen over 5500 tonnes of soil excavated and over 8,000 metres of pre-cast concrete piles and steel tubes driven up to 12 metres into the ground. 
 
Icon is being manufactured by Mack Rides at their world-class factory in Waldkirch, Germany. It will open in spring 2018.