NKyTribune staff
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Banks in Cincinnati, SkyStar, a 150-foot-high mobile observation wheel will open August 31 through December 2. SkyStar will operate on Freedom Way at The Banks, across from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
The continued goal of the Banks is to change the way the world sees Cincinnati – both inside and out. It includes an emerging renaissance of vibrant places to live, dining and shopping options and modern and efficient places to work. It also provides an entertainment destination to cheer on the local professional sports team, with more options on the way.
The Banks is viewed by its developers as a cityscape with thousands of people reigniting their passion, by day and night, for Downtown Cincinnati.
“Our restaurants and retailers are excited to welcome new visitors and bring a new view to those who have loved The Banks for years,” said Tracy Schwegmann of Jeffrey R. Anderson Real Estate, developer of The Banks. “We’re thrilled to celebrate the 10th anniversary of The Banks in a sky-high way.”
Each of the 36 SkyStar gondolas is enclosed, climate controlled and can hold up to six passengers. Skystar offers a private experience and riders won’t be paired with strangers. The SkyStar experience consists of four revolutions and lasts approximately 12 minutes.
“SkyStar is America’s largest portable observation wheel and it will light up the sky with over 1 million colored LED lights,” said Todd Schneider of SkyStar. “This experience promises to provide unique views of downtown Cincinnati, Northern Kentucky, the Suspension Bridge and the Ohio River.”
Skystar will face east-to west, allowing riders full views of the Greater Cincinnati riverfront on both sides of the Ohio River and beyond.
The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber announced Downtown Cincinnati’s new attraction in an event on the balcony of the Freedom Center, overlooking the future site of SkyStar.
“SkyStar will inject even more excitement into Oktoberfest Zinzinnati, our Ale to the Queen City Thanksgiving weekend craft beer festival, Bud Light Tailgate Zone pre-game Bengals parties and more,” said Cynthia Oxley, director of Corporate and Community Events for the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber. “We look forward to introducing new events designed to showcase SkyStar and celebrate The Banks.”
The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber serves as the voice for the interests of its 4,000-member businesses and their more than 300,000 employees. The Chamber is committed to expanding the region’s talent base by attracting new residents and finding new ways to connect employers to skilled workers.
SkyStar Hours
Monday through Thursday – 4 to 10 p.m.
Friday – noon to midnight
Saturday – 10 a.m. to midnight
Sunday – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Tickets are $12.50 each and available now at www.skystarwheel.com.