Family-friendly roller coaster ready for season opening at Six Flags

Date: 4/19/2011

April 20, 2011

By Debbie Gardner

Assistant Editor

AGAWAM — For 80 lucky individuals, it was the chance for first-rider bragging rights. For members of the media, it was an opportunity to get up-close and personal with a few thrills.

On April 14, Six Flags New England unveiled its newest roller coaster, Gotham City Gauntlet Escape from Arkham Asylum to an invitation-only audience of families, couples, town officials and reporters. The consensus: this coaster is destined to be one of their most popular family rides.

"It was awesome," said East Windsor, Conn. resident Cassie Craig, who with fellow radio station WRCH 100.5 contest winner John Jones, was among one of the first attendees to try out the ride's 1,213 feet of twists, turns and drops.

"It's something everyone can ride," a smiling Jones chimed in.

Before stepping aboard a car for a test ride with Six Flags New England President Jason Freeman, Mayor Richard Cohen praised the management of Six Flags for their commitment to keeping the park's entertainment offerings fresh and interesting for guest from across the region as well as those across the street.

"We are so fortunate to have the best park in all of Six Flags and New England and have it right here in Western Massachusetts," Cohen said during Gotham City Gauntlet's official opening ceremony. "I can remember when [Six Flags President] Jason [Freeman] and I used to park cars in a dirt parking lot where the water park is. It's come a long way."

Freeman said the addition of the Gotham City Gauntlet — the park's 10th coaster — solidified Six Flags New England's hold on the title of "Coaster Capital of New England."

He added that in addition to the Gotham City coaster, the park had added three new shows, including one based on the popular "Survivor" TV program and "enhanced food station offerings throughout the park" for the 2011 season.

"We're gearing up for another great year," Freedman said, noting that voters in Yankee Magazine's annual "Best of New England" poll had recently chosen Six Flags New England as the region's "Best Amusement Park" for a second year in a row.

Agawam Town Clerk Richard Theroux, who rode the Gotham City Gauntlet with Cohen and Freedman, said the new coaster was really a lot of fun.

"It has great turns and dips ... it throws you around a bit, but it isn't scary," Theroux said.

Six Flags Advertising and Promotions Manager Kerri Jones said the event's 80 guests won their tickets through a text-to-win promotion offering a pre-season chance to ride the new coaster and have lunch at Johnny Rockets. She said the contest was advertised through Facebook, the park's Web site and on several area radio stations.

"This was a new promotion for us," she said of the text format, adding that it was so successful the park was planning to use that contest platform frequently.

Six Flags New England officially opened for the season on April 16. Park hours during school vacation week are 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday. Visit www.sixflags.com to pre-purchase tickets at the kid's admission price and for more information on other events and season passes.