A few months ago we watched, with anticipation, as the Mandalay Bay’s Sky-Vue 500-foot Wheel broke ground and erected two 60 feet tall pillars confirming the coming of the first ever Observation Wheel in Las Vegas. We thought this was a defining moment in Las Vegas’ development and economic resurrection. Well, news reports this week show a shift as Caesars Entertainment received the Amusement and Transportation System (ATS) permit from Clark County for construction of the “High Roller” Observation Wheel.
The soon to be largest observation wheel in the world, surpassing both the London Eye and Singapore Flyer, the High Roller will top out at 550 feet and will be the focal point of The LINQ, a fully funded $550 million retail, dining and entertainment district located at the 50-yard line of the world-famous Las Vegas Strip. The 520-foot diameter wheel, situated north and south (parallel to Las Vegas Boulevard), will feature 28 glass-enclosed cabins, taking 30 minutes to complete one full revolution. Each cabin will accommodate up to 40 people. According to LasVegasNews.com, Caesars Entertainment officials have already received scores of inquiries from soon-to-be brides and grooms interested in hosting nuptials at 550 feet.
Standing nine feet taller than the Singapore Flyer the current world record holder, and 110 feet taller than the London Eye, the tallest wheel in Europe, the Las Vegas “High Roller” is slated to be the tallest observation wheel in the world. The Caesars’ project would also be 50 feet taller than the rival wheel SkyVue currently under construction only three miles south on Las Vegas Boulevard. Both wheels are expected to open in late 2013.
Well, we talked about it, we asked for it, and in Las Vegas fashion, one 500 foot observation wheel just won’t do.
Las Vegas Trivia
Gambling was legalized in Nevada in 1931, at that time the Nevada Hotel, built in 1906, was renamed the Sal Sagev (Las Vegas backwards) Hotel. It was the first casino in Las Vegas.
Image: Caesars Entertainment Corporation
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