Blackpool’s Pleasure Beach Resort has announced that a ride will be reopening with a new name for its 2025 season.
Until now, it has remained tight-lipped about its plans for the Ice Blast ride which closed for the 2024 season.
Ice Blast is a 210-foot shot tower which catapults riders skywards at 80mph and fans of the ride have spotted that work has been taking place.
Now, Pleasure Beach Resort has revealed what is in store for the attraction – here’s what we know.
What is happening to the Ice Blast ride?
The Ice Blast ride is being reimagined and re-themed plus it will re-open under the name Launch Pad.
As well as the new theming and branding, the ride has received a new pressure cylinder which will transform the current ride experience and thrust riders with more force than they’ve experienced in recent years.
Amanda Thompson OBE, CEO of Pleasure Beach Resort, said: “Earlier this year we announced that we are focusing on constantly evolving and renewing our ride offering, and confirmed our intention to make some exciting announcements in the future.
“The new era of Launch Pad is only the first, and we’re looking forward to everything the future holds at Pleasure Beach Resort.”
Karl Murphy, director of engineering at Pleasure Beach Resort, added: “A new cylinder might not sound much on paper, but it will make a huge difference in terms of the ride experience.
“That, coupled with Launch Pad’s re-theming, makes for a very thrilling new era indeed.”
When did the Ice Blast originally open?
The Ice Blast ride, now known as Launch Pad, first opened in 1997 under the name PlayStation: The Ride due to its sponsorship with Sony.
It was the first tower ride in the UK and was opened by Boyzone. The band, fronted by Ronan Keating, were the first riders alongside 94-year-old Doris Thompson, the late grandmother of current CEO, Amanda Thompson.
The ride was renamed Ice Blast after its sponsorship changed to Tango in 2000 and has operated under that name until now.
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When will Launch Pad open?
Launch Pad is expected to be open for Pleasure Beach Resort’s 2025 season which starts on Saturday, March 2 and thrill seekers can book the ride now.
The Nickelodeon Land area of the park is aimed at families and younger riders.
It opens for the February half term from Saturday, February 15 until Sunday, February 23 at a reduced price of £25.00.
Guests can secure the best value tickets by booking online where prices start at £32.00 for adults and £28.00 for children under 12.
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