High Roller (Ferris wheel) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids High Roller |
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High Roller in 2015
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| General information | |
| Status | Operating |
| Type | Ferris wheel |
| Location | Las Vegas Strip, Paradise, Nevada, U.S. |
| Coordinates | 36°07′03″N 115°10′05″W / 36.117402°N 115.168127°W |
| Opening | March 31, 2014 |
| Owner | Caesars Entertainment |
| Height | 550 feet (167.6 m) |
| Dimensions | |
| Diameter | 520 feet (158.5 m) |
| Design and construction | |
| Engineer | Arup Engineering |
| Other information | |
| Seating capacity | 1120 |
The High Roller is a giant Ferris wheel located on the famous Las Vegas Strip in Paradise, Nevada, U.S.. It's owned and operated by Caesars Entertainment.
This amazing wheel opened on March 31, 2014. It stands 550-foot tall (167.6 m), which is about the height of a 55-story building. The High Roller is currently the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. It is 9 ft (2.7 m) taller than the Singapore Flyer, which held the record before it.
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Designing the High Roller
The High Roller was first announced in August 2011. It was planned to be the main attraction of a new $550 million area called The LINQ. Arup Engineering helped design the structure. They had also worked on the Singapore Flyer.
How the Wheel Turns
The huge wheel spins on two special bearings. Each of these bearings weighs about 19,400 lb (8,800 kg). They are very large, measuring about 7.55 feet (2.30 m) across.
The outer part of the wheel is made of 28 sections. Each section is 56 feet (17 m) long. These sections were held in place by strong supports during construction. Later, four cables secured them permanently.
Passenger Cabins
The High Roller has 28 passenger cabins, also called capsules. These cabins are attached to the outside rim of the wheel. Each cabin has its own electric motors. These motors make sure the cabin floor stays flat as the wheel turns. This gives riders a smooth experience.
Each cabin can hold up to 40 people. This means the entire wheel can carry 1,120 passengers at once. Each cabin is quite large, about 225-square-foot (20.9 m2). They weigh around 44,000 pounds (20,000 kg). Each cabin also has 300 square feet (28 m2) of glass for amazing views. There are also eight flat-screen televisions inside.
Night Lights
At night, the High Roller lights up with a system of 2,000 LED lights. These lights can show many different colors. They can display one solid color or different colored sections. The lights can also move around the rim. Special light shows are created for holidays and events.
Building the High Roller
The High Roller is located on Las Vegas Boulevard. It is right across from Caesars Palace. Construction was supposed to start in September 2011. The goal was to finish by late 2013, but this was later changed to early 2014.
Construction Milestones
The outer rim of the wheel was finished on September 9, 2013. The first passenger cabin was put in place in November 2013. The last cabin was installed the next month.
The High Roller's lighting system was turned on for the first time on February 28, 2014. This happened at sunset. The High Roller officially opened to the public on March 31, 2014, at 4 p.m.
Ticket Information
When the High Roller was first planned, tickets were expected to cost less than $20. By 2012, estimates went up to about $25 per person. In September 2013, news reports said tickets would be around $30 per person.
When the High Roller opened in March 2014, a single 30-minute ride cost $24.95 during the day. A night ride cost $34.95. An "Express Pass" was also available for $59.95. This pass let people skip the line and ride anytime.
Future Tallest Wheel
Another Ferris wheel called the Ain Dubai in the United Arab Emirates might become taller than the High Roller. The Ain Dubai is planned to be 210 m (689 ft) tall. Construction started in May 2015. It was expected to open in October 2020.
Images for kids
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View of High Roller from The Linq in 2014
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One of the 28 cabins in 2014
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High Roller view of the Las Vegas Strip in 2014
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High Roller view looking east in 2014
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Top of the High Roller from the base in 2015
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