The Big One (formerly Pepsi Max Big One) is a steel hypercoaster at Pleasure Beach Resort (better known as Blackpool Pleasure Beach) in Blackpool, England. Designed by Ron Toomer and manufactured by Arrow Dynamics, the ride opened to the public on 28 May 1994 as the tallest roller coaster in the world, featuring a height of 65 metres (213 ft). It held the title as the tallest until Fujiyama opened in 1996.
Construction of the ride cost £12 million. The ride was sponsored by Pepsi until 2011, at which time Pepsi Max was removed from the name.
History
Construction of The Big One began in 1992, headed by Arrow Dynamics with Ron Toomer as its lead designer. By the time it was completed, the total cost had reached £12 million.[1] The tubular track and supports were airlifted from Bolton to Blackpool and stored at nearby Blackpool Airport before being brought to the park. At the beginning of the ride's construction, the south of Blackpool promenade was closed, and pieces of the structure were stored on the road adjacent to the park. The first pieces to be fitted were the large foundations that would follow on from the main supports. Once all the supports were installed, the track was added, followed by additional supports on the turnaround and the mid-course brake run.
The roller coaster opened as Pepsi Max Big One on 28 May 1994 as the tallest roller coaster in the world.