The Skyview Ferris wheel opened on Tuesday in Atlanta, according to CBS Atlanta. The Ferris wheel is located in downtown Atlanta, across from Centennial Olympic Park on the 100 block of Luckie Street next to Tabernacle Atlanta.
Crews made their final security checks, taking the Ferris wheel on dry runs to ensure it was running properly before it opened on Tuesday morning.
There were people camped out as early as 7 a.m. to be among the first people to get to ride the city's newest 200-foot tall attraction. It's equipped with 42 climate-controlled gondolas that each hold up to six people. Air-conditioning is a necessity in the city nicknamed "Hotlanta." Located in the center of a major park, the Ferris wheel offers a unique view of the city skyline.
Each ride, called "flights," is four full revolutions around the wheel, which total a 15-minute ride. There is also a VIP gondola that has leather seats and a glass floor to make the flight what the web site calls the "ultimate experience."
A ceremonial ribbon cutting occurred around noon. Mayor Kasim Reed and City Council members took the first official ride.
"When you get to see Atlanta from that vantage point, it just makes you feel good about the city when you see how well it's laid out and how much is going on," Reed said. "You can see all over on to the Ponce de Leon corner, you can see up north to Buckhead.
"You can see, of course, west Atlanta," Reed continued. "It just gives you a sense of pride."
The ride has the slogan "you can see Atlanta from here."
Ferris wheels have become very popular in cities, especially in Europe, where many cities, such as London and Paris, feature them.
Rides cost $13.50 plus tax for adults and $8.50 plus tax for children. It's open most days from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. with an extra hour on Saturday, when it closes at 11 p.m.
Video of the new attraction.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
