Pepsi Max Big One (roller coaster)

**Pepsi Max Big One** is a steel roller coaster located at Blackpool Pleasure Beach amusement park in Blackpool, Lancashire, England. It was opened to the public on May 28, 1994, and has been a popular attraction ever since.

The coaster was designed by Arrow Dynamics and stands at a height of 213 feet (65 meters), making it the tallest and fastest roller coaster in the UK at the time of its opening. It reaches a top speed of 74 miles per hour (119 kilometers per hour) and features a 205-foot (62.5-meter) first drop with a maximum vertical angle of 65 degrees.

The Pepsi Max Big One has a track length of 5,497 feet (1,675 meters) and lasts for approximately 3 minutes and 15 seconds. It features several thrilling elements such as a double helix, a tunnel, and multiple airtime hills.

The coaster is named after its sponsor, Pepsi Max, and can be found in the park's Central area. It has become one of the most iconic attractions at Blackpool Pleasure Beach and is a must-ride for roller coaster enthusiasts visiting the park.

## Relationship with Pepsi

The Pepsi Max Big One has a strong relationship with Pepsi, as evidenced by the ride's name and branding. The ride was originally named the Big One" when it opened in 1994,but in 1999 it was rebranded as the "Pepsi Max Big One" in a sponsorship deal with PepsiCo

The ride's blue and yellow color scheme is a nod to Pepsi Max's branding, and the ride's station and signage prominently feature Pepsi Max logos. The ride's trains also feature Pepsi Max branding, with the Pepsi Max logo displayed on the front of each train.

The partnership between Blackpool Pleasure Beach and PepsiCo has continued over the years, with Pepsi Max remaining a major sponsor of the park and its attractions. In addition to the Pepsi Max Big One, visitors to the park can enjoy a variety of PepsiCo products, including Pepsi Max, Diet Pepsi, and other PepsiCo brands.

Overall, the relationship between the Pepsi Max Big One and Pepsi is an important part of the ride's identity and marketing. The partnership has helped to establish the ride as a signature attraction of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, while also promoting the Pepsi Max brand to visitors from around the world.

## History

Pepsi Max Big One is a steel roller coaster located at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach in Blackpool, Lancashire, England. It was opened on May 28, 1994, and at the time of its construction, it was the tallest and steepest roller coaster in the world.

The idea for the ride was first proposed by the park's managing director, Geoffrey Thompson, in the early 1990s. Thompson was inspired by a trip to the United States, where he rode several large roller coasters and saw the potential for a similar ride at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. He envisioned a coaster that would break records and attract thrill-seekers from around the world.

To make his vision a reality, Thompson hired Arrow Dynamics, a leading roller coaster manufacturer, to design and build the ride. Construction began in 1993, and the coaster was completed in just over a year. The ride cost around £12 million to build, making it the most expensive roller coaster in the world at the time.

The Pepsi Max Big One stands 213 feet (65 meters) tall and has a maximum drop of 205 feet (62 meters). It reaches a top speed of 74 mph (119 km/h) and features a series of twists, turns, and drops that provide riders with a thrilling experience. The coaster is 5,497 feet (1,675 meters) long and takes about 3 minutes to complete.

The ride was sponsored by Pepsi Max, a popular soft drink in the United Kingdom, and was named after the product. The coaster's bright blue and yellow color scheme and Pepsi Max logo were designed to promote the drink and create a distinctive look for the ride.

When it opened, the Pepsi Max Big One was an instant success, drawing large crowds and rave reviews from thrill-seekers. It became a popular tourist attraction and helped put Blackpool Pleasure Beach on the map as a top destination for roller coaster enthusiasts.

Over the years, the ride has undergone several modifications and upgrades to ensure its safety and keep it running smoothly. In 2018, the coaster was repainted and received a new color scheme, featuring shades of blue, white, and purple.

Today, the Pepsi Max Big One remains one of the most iconic and popular roller coasters in the world. It has inspired countless imitations and continues to draw crowds of thrill-seekers to Blackpool Pleasure Beach every year.

## Ridding experience

The Pepsi Max Big One is a thrilling roller coaster experience that offers riders an adrenaline-packed journey through steep drops, sharp turns, and high speeds. The ride begins with a slow climb to the top of the coaster's 213-foot (65-meter) tall first hill. As the train reaches the peak, riders are treated to a breathtaking view of the surrounding area, including the Irish Sea and the famous Blackpool Tower.

As the train crests the hill, riders are suddenly plunged into a steep 205-foot (62-meter) drop at a near-vertical angle. This initial drop provides an intense burst of speed, with the coaster reaching a top speed of 74 mph (119 km/h).

The ride then features a series of twisting turns, with the train whipping around corners and dropping and rising through a series of hills. The coaster's layout is designed to maximize airtime, with riders experiencing brief moments of weightlessness as the train crests hills and drops.

One of the most thrilling elements of the ride is the final helix, a tight spiral that sends the train hurtling towards the ground at high speed. This element provides an intense burst of G-forces, with riders feeling the force of the ride as they are whipped around the curve.

Overall, the Pepsi Max Big One offers riders a thrilling and intense roller coaster experience that is sure to get their hearts racing. The ride's steep drops, high speeds, and twisting turns provide an exciting and exhilarating journey that is sure to leave a lasting impression on riders.

## Reception

The reception of the Pepsi Max Big One has been overwhelmingly positive since its opening in 1994. The ride was an instant success and drew large crowds of thrill-seekers from around the world. Many roller coaster enthusiasts were drawn to Blackpool Pleasure Beach specifically to experience the Pepsi Max Big One and its record-breaking features.

The ride's steep drops, high speeds, and thrilling twists and turns have been praised by riders and roller coaster experts alike. The coaster has consistently ranked among the top roller coasters in the world in various rankings and polls. For example, in 2019, it was ranked the 15th best steel roller coaster in the world by the roller coaster enthusiast website CoasterBuzz.

The ride's association with Pepsi Max has also been well received, with many visitors enjoying the opportunity to take a break from the thrill of the coaster and enjoy a refreshing soft drink. The bright blue and yellow color scheme of the coaster, combined with the prominent Pepsi Max logo, have become iconic symbols of the ride and Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

However, the ride has not been without its controversies. In 1995, a woman sued Blackpool Pleasure Beach after being injured on the Pepsi Max Big One. The incident, which was reportedly caused by a loose object hitting the woman in the face, led to increased safety measures and inspections for the ride. Since then, the ride has had a good safety record, with no major incidents reported.

Overall, the reception of the Pepsi Max Big One has been overwhelmingly positive. The ride has become a beloved icon of Blackpool Pleasure Beach and continues to attract thrill-seekers from around the world. Its impressive size, speed, and thrills have earned it a well-deserved reputation as one of the world's top roller coasters.

## Venue

The Pepsi Max Big One features a sleek, modern station with a blue and yellow color scheme and prominent Pepsi Max logos. The plaza surrounding the ride provides a gathering place for visitors, with food and drink options and merchandise stands. The open and inviting space serves as a starting point for other rides and attractions at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.

## Awards

The Pepsi Max Big One has received several awards and accolades since its opening in 1994. Here are some of the most notable awards:

* "Best Steel Coaster" at the Golden Ticket Awards in 1995, presented by Amusement Today
* "Top 10 Steel Coasters" at the Golden Ticket Awards in 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, and 2003, presented by Amusement Today
* "Top 20 Steel Coasters" at the Golden Ticket Awards in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2007, presented by Amusement Today
* "Top 50 Steel Coasters" at the Golden Ticket Awards in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020, presented by Amusement Today
* "Best Coaster" at the Theme Park Insider Awards in 2003, presented by Theme Park Insider

These awards highlight the Pepsi Max Big One's status as a world-class roller coaster and a beloved icon of Blackpool Pleasure Beach.