Friday, February 27, 2009

Kings Island's Eiffel Tower a regal landmark


It stands as a majestic symbol; almost like the caretaker of Kings Island.

That description could only fit the Eiffel Tower, the massive 330-foot replica of the original Eiffel Tower in Paris, France.

Guarding the end of International Street, the 450-ton structure has certainly been the dominating landmark at Kings Island and in Warren County and was planned to fit that role.

The design and steel fabrication for the Eiffel Tower was done by Intamin AG of Zurich, Switzerland. Installation and equipment costs for the tower exceeded $1 million. The attraction was erected in just over 30 days by Southern Ohio Fabricators, Inc., after the steel arrived on property in the spring of 1971.

The Eiffel Tower is a one-third scale replica of the pride of Paris.

Twin high-speed elevators whisk 50 visitors each up to twin observation decks where guests are treated to a panorama view of the 364-acre amusement and water park and surrounding area. Ride capacity is 2,000 guests per hour.

More than 35 million guests have ridden to the top of the tower since it opened with the park in 1972.

Other tower facts include:

- Average elevator speed is 10 feet per second.
- Elevator riding time is 30 seconds.
- There are 15,000 bolts holding the structure firm.
- There are 410 steps that lead to the top of the tower.
- On a clear day you can see 18 miles from the top.