Big Shot (Formerly known as Space Shot) is a pneumatically powered tower ride. It was the world's highest amusement ride in terms of overall elevation above ground level, but has since been surpassed by the Sky Drop ride atop the Canton Tower in Guangzhou. The 160 ft tower is built atop the 921 ft high deck of The Strat in Las Vegas, Nevada.

History

The ride opened on April 29, 1996, in a special VIP gala opening, one day before the ride and casino opened to the general public. Big Shot was one of the first two amusement rides to open on the Stratosphere tower at the casino opening (the other being High Roller). Even initially, Stratosphere guests exhibited considerably greater excitement over the Big Shot gravity drop tower than they did over High Roller.

Ride experience

Big Shot is a pneumatically powered tower ride, featuring a rapid ascent from an elevation of 921 ft to 1081 ft. The ride accelerates to 45 mph. The ride generates 4Gs during the rapid ascent.