Structure Would Stand 650 Feet Tall On The Vegas Strip

A company that specializes in building thrill rides has petitioned the FAA for permission to build a 650-foot-tall "Polercoaster" in Las Vegas, but has not mentioned the specific location of the structure.

The company, U.S. Thrill Rides LLC, describes the ride as a "reoriented" roller coaster. It looks much like an airport control tower with a roller coaster attached. The structure would have an observation cab at its top, with the coaster providing access both to the cab and back to the ground. Glass elevators would provide transportation to the restaurants and shopping at the top for the fainter of heart.

Michael Kithcen, the president of the Windmere, FL-based company, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal it would be the tallest roller coaster in the world. He said he has discussed financing with banks for the estimated $100 million cost of the ride, but he does not have solid financing in place.

The structure has also not been approved by the FAA. A map provided with the application shows the polercoaster being built near the Tropicana resort, but the company has not disclosed a specific location.

The structure would not be the tallest on the Las Vegas Strip. It would come in behind the 1,149-foot-tall Stratosphere tower, and the still-unfinished Fontainbleau resort, which will be 735 feet when completed.

FMI: www.usthrillrides.com/products/polercoaster/