NEWS RELEASE
Contact Information:
Don Helbig
Public Relations Area Manager
(513) 754-5797
don.helbig@visitkingsisland.com

April 16, 2009 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

KINGS ISLAND OPENING DAY WILL BE APRIL 18
More Than $95,000 Raised For Rides On New Coaster

CINCINNATI, OHIO – Local amusement park, Kings Island, will open its gates to the public on April 18. This summer season for the park will include many new attractions, the most popular being a new rollercoaster – Diamondback. More than $95, 000 has been raised for charity through an auction for the first rides on Diamondback.

Kings Island joined forces with A Kid Again (formerly known as Adventures for Wish Kids) to hold an auction for the first rides on the new Diamondback roller coaster. The park auctioned off seats on the first five trains to the highest bidders. The highest bidder will get to select his or her seat on the first train. The auction ended April 15, with the top bidder bidding $5,000.

One hundred percent of the proceeds from the auction will go towards supporting A Kid Again. A Kid Again is an organization that enriches the lives of over 550 children through the tri-state region. These children have life-threatening illnesses and the organization provides fun-filled activities to foster joy and normalcy.

The auction was able to raise this large sum of money due to the appeal to coaster-enthusiasts who wanted a first ride on this one-of-a kind coaster.

The Diamondback boasts of being the tallest, fastest and meanest roller coaster at Kings Island. The coaster has 5,200 feet of steel track, is 230 feet tall and twists through 10 acres of land. The roller coaster ends with a splashdown. The trains on Diamondback feature open-air, stadium-style seating to allow riders to experience an excellent view of the thrills. Kings Island is the first amusement park to have a roller coaster with trains like this.


Also new at the park this year are three new entertainment shows. The new shows include Down Home Country, Don’t Stop The Music and Marty’s Party. Returning favorites include Endless Summer on Ice and Flashback: Totally 80’s. The Vortex (Kings Islands steel coaster with six inversions) has a new, bright orange paint job. The Beast (the longest wooden roller coaster in the world and Kings Island’s claim to fame) will turn 30 years old this year.

Kings Island is located in Mason, Ohio. The 364-acre amusement and water park features more than 80 world-class rides, shows and attractions. Kings Island was recently purchased by Cedar Fair, owners of world-renowned Cedar Point amusement park. Kings Island is open weekends only through Memorial day, then daily the rest of the seasons (hours vary).

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