The Tallest, Fastest Roller Coaster in the Pacific Northwest - Presented by Nike*
Using the financing of Disneyland as an example, corporate sponsorship would subsidize the construction and operating costs. The roller coaster design illustrated here is estimated to cost $12 million. This cost would be covered by private investors and corporate sponsors NOT tax dollars.
Oregon residents spend millions of dollars a year leaving the state in search of this kind of entertainment. That money could be kept locally by offering a world class roller coaster in Portland. Portland also enjoys a healthy flow of tourists already, eager to spend money in our amazing city. Creating a new attraction would create another source of revenue, not for any private company, but for the city and its citizens. The roller coaster would be owned and operated by the city, ensuring that 100% of the profits are given to the people.
There are many examples of profitable, standalone coasters. New York New York casino in Las Vegas attracts 6000 riders a day, each paying $14 a ride. That amounts to over $30 million a year. The Oregon Zoo attracted 1.6 million visitors in 2009, which is over 4000 a day. If 4000 people a day rode a roller coaster charging $10 a ride, the City of Portland would be making $16 million annually. The fact that a full size roller coaster would be the only one of its kind for a 500 mile radius would ensure it's destination status. As an attraction, it would serve to bring more people to whatever redevelopment plan the city sees fit for the Memorial Coliseum.
$16 million a year would go a long way toward funding schools, healthcare, veterans, roads, law enforcement, or any other public services.
New York, New York Casino The Oregon Zoo The Portland Roller Coaster
6000 riders a day 1.6 million visitors/year 4000 riders a day
$14 a ride $10.50 a person $10 a ride
$30 million annually $16.8 million annually $16 million annually!
* Or any corporation.