Dark Knight to Open late at Six Flags Great America

Gurnee, IL (Daily Herald) - If you wanted to be one of the first to ride the new Dark Knight roller coaster when Six Flags Great America opens, you're going to have to wait a little longer.

A brutal winter hampered construction and left the project three to four weeks behind schedule.

"The goal is to have it open May 21," park spokesman Brooke Gabbert said. "We are making up the time we lost because of the weather as quickly as possible. We are working around the clock to get it done."

The $7.5 million coaster will be housed in a seven-story building next to "Superman: Ultimate Flight." It's based on the movie "The Dark Knight," scheduled to be released in theaters in July.

While the Dark Knight is getting all the attention, it's not the only new attraction Great America visitors will see when the park kicks off its 32nd season. It will operate weekends only until May 14.

The park will also hold "Sunday Rocks" featuring musical live acts every Sunday between June 22 and July 27.

And, Great America will host two sporting events this year.

The nationally televised Professional Bowling Association Bowling Tournament will run June 6-8, and the National Cornhole Tournament -- a bag-toss game -- is set for Aug. 23.

There will also be a Dance Fest in May, bands playing in the Warped Tour will be there June 30, and Park Jam is scheduled in August.

And, the Hurricane Harbor water park opens May 26, Memorial Day, Gabbert said.

Still, unveiling a new roller coaster is a big deal, and the Dark Knight is no exception.

Gabbert said Christopher Nolan, the director and writer of the movie, has played a major role in creating the coaster to make sure it "maintains the integrity of the movie."

The 1,200 feet of track is now being constructed inside the building that houses the ride. At the same time, the artwork -- such as buildings and signs designed to add to the experience -- is being installed.

Gabbert said unique pre-show and line enhancements to thrill riders while they wait to board are also planned.

"Everything about this ride is designed to draw people into the story of escaping Gotham City," she said. "It's truly going to be a multi-sensory experience."

She said the coaster is similar to what's known as a "wild mouse" coaster, which features numerous twists and turns to spin people around.