Bids for first rides on Diamondback surpass $95,000!

As of Friday, Kings Island has received more than $95,000 in bids to be among the first to ride the park’s new Diamondback roller coaster.

Kings Island is auctioning off seats on the $22 million steel coaster’s first rides to raise money for the non-profit group A Kid Again, which is dedicated to providing fun-filled outings and on-going support to children with life threatening illnesses and their families.

Blackhawk Network currently holds the top bid – $5,000 for one seat. If the California based company wins a seat, it will be donated to A Kid Again so a family member can ride.

Allan Hague from Yantis, Texas has placed the top individual bid – $3,100 for one seat. Hague also has bids on two other seats at $800 each.

The highest successful bidder will select their seat on the first train while all other successful bidders will be assigned their seats according to their bid amount.

Bids can be placed until April 15 at www.kidiamondback.com/auction/. Bids can also be placed by calling Kings Island at (800) 288-0808.

In addition to receiving more than $95,000 in bids to be among the first to ride Diamondback, Kings Island has received an in-kind donation of $50,000 from Bonneville Radio Cincinnati in support of this auction.

Diamondback is the tallest, fastest and meanest roller coaster to ever strike Kings Island. The ride stands 230 feet at its highest point with a first drop of 215 feet at a 74-degree angle. Riders will snake their way around 5,282 feet of track at speeds up to 80 miles per hour. The ride opens to the public Saturday, April 18.