Dueling Observation Wheels Proposed in Las Vegas

Two separate developments are planning to bring supertall "observation wheels" to Las Vegas in an effort to bring tourists to the city as it struggles through the recession.

1 minute read

August 30, 2011, 7:00 AM PDT

By Nate Berg


Similar to the London Eye, the two Ferris wheel-like projects would be linked to new developments in the works.

"'Observation wheels have come back in vogue after being out of popularity for many years,' said industry consultant Dennis Speigel, president of International Theme Park Services Inc. 'They've become the icon du jour.'

Or, in Las Vegas' case, the icons du jour as The Las Vegas High Roller goes head-to-head with Skyvue Las Vegas, a competing project that broke ground in May on an 11-acre site across from Mandalay Bay at the southern end of the Strip. The brainchild of local developer Howard Bulloch, the project will include a 476-foot observation wheel, along with a roller coaster and 200,000 square feet of retail, restaurant and entertainment space."

Wednesday, August 17, 2011 in MSNBC

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