Opryland USA of the Smokies

tntornadox · #1 08-10-2007, 10:41 PM

Opryland USA adds new area to showcase new coaster
For Immediate Release

SEVIERVILLE, TENN.- Opryland USA of the Smokies, the Theme Park that was acquired from Six Flags, Inc. and formerly known as Six Flags Tennessee Adventure, today showed off its latest area that will soon house it's latest roller coaster attraction at the theme park that has a history of over 85 Years.

"Since Gaylord Entertainment acquired the park from its previous owners, we have been constantly improving the theming and product available here at the new Opryland USA." said Curtis Smith, Park Executive Vice President. "We have added additonal landscaping and infastructure to the park, and plan to having it up to our standards come opening day."

The park has demolished the following areas and attractions it deemed "in-consistant" with its theme:

- Metropolis: including Superman: Ride of Steel. The only remaining structure is The Whizzer roller coaster, a park classic.

- Hurricane Harbor Water Park

- Blair Witch Project: The Ride (Wooden Coaster at entrance)

- The stand-up coaster formerly known as Riddler's Revenge. This coaster was doomed by its bad location- in Looney Tune Harbor. The new coaster will replace this one, and promises to be a hair-raising experience.

The park has added new landscaping and areas, as well as new rides, such as:

- Grizzly River Country Area: including the Grizzly River Rapids attraction, and lengthing of the Opryland Railroad to service this new area.

-Looney Tune Harbor: The park was acquired from Six Flags, and has a license to operate using the Looney Tune characters through 2015. This "Family" area is undergoing refurbishment.

- Power Tower: Found on top of "Hill Country" area near the main entrance. This drop tower is over 300 feet tall, and provides a wonderful view of the park and the Smoky Mountains, nearby... before the DROP.

- Expansion of the "Cajun Delta" area, to include the new "Cajun Dragon" stand-up roller coaster. This coaster is designed by Bolliger & Mabillard and will include a 120 foot first drop and 12 inversions, as you try, desperately, to escape the feared CAJUN DRAGON...

Pictures of the coaster itself will become available when construction starts, until then, here is the new area being built for it:

The Park, which was acquired three months ago from Six Flags, is just one part of a massive new Resort under construction in Sevierville by Gaylord Entertainment's hospitality arm- Gaylord Hotels. The brand new Gaylord Smokies Resort & Convention Center is currently under construction adjacent to the theme park. The facility will house 1,500 guest rooms and 500,000 square feet of Convention and Meeting space within five different themed guest areas, all themed around East Tennessee and its history.The hotel is expected to open in April 2008.

"The theme park is a major part of our overall family-friendly atmosphere at this particular hotel. We hope conventioneers will bring their families with them and experience all we have to offer here, at this new resort." said Colin Reed, CEO of Gaylord Entertainment.

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The What's Next, Doc? Contest

Opryland needs YOU! Think you are the next big theme park designer!? If so, here is your chance to put your "RollerCoaster Tycoon" skills to the test! The What's Next, Doc? Contest! Opryland has an expansion area and wants YOU to help fill it! Whether your idea be an area, or an attraction! If you win, you will reap the rewards!

The area:

Contest Restrictions: You must be at least 15 years of age to participate. Employees of Gaylord Entertainment or Opryland USA are prohibited from entering. Award is non-transferable. Only 1 entry per household, please.

To Enter: Send me a Private Message (PM) or AIM message with your idea, and or drawings. The winner will be announced Saturday, September 1, 2007. GOOD LUCK!