We’ve been watching the giant ferris wheel on the Seattle waterfront as it has been erected over the past several months, and its due for its grand opening on Saturday, June 29! Who knew, however, that it was a decades old dream in the making for one Seattle businessman?
Seattle businessman and restaurateur Hal Griffith envisioned a Ferris wheel in Seattle for nearly 30 years. As is typical with a project of this magnitude, Griffith met various roadblocks that halted his dream.
With plans to dig a tunnel to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct quickly approaching, the project took on added significance. Griffith was concerned that without a big attraction, many waterfront businesses would suffer and may even go out of business during construction. The waterfront community has been overwhelmingly supportive of the project and crucial in helping to realize what was once only an idea.
While it has been little more than a dream for several years, the Seattle Great Wheel will now be a part of the city’s skyline and an attraction the whole family can enjoy! The grand opening is set for Saturday, June 29, and you can be among the first to ride!
Tickets are $8.50 for kids 11 and under, $13.00 for people ages 12 and up. Tickets can be purchased online HERE. Special prices for Seniors and Military Personnel are available onsite with valid ID.
For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.SeattleGreatWheel.com.
The Great Wheel is located at:
1301 Alaskan Way
Seattle, Washington 98101
206.623.8600
http://www.TheSeattleGreatWheel.com
