For Immediate Release Contact: Adam Birkner April 26, 2016 [email protected] 502/813-8264 (office)

KENTUCKY KINGDOM COMPLETES $53-MILLION DEVELOPMENT PLAN WITH ADDITION OF STORM CHASER, ITS FIFTH ROLLER COASTER

Louisville, Kentucky, April 26, 2016: , opening for its third season on April 30, is marking the completion of its three-year redevelopment plan, with the introduction of its fifth roller coaster – and second new coaster in three years – Storm Chaser.

In discussing the achievement of this milestone, Ed Hart, President and CEO of Kentucky Kingdom, noted, “When we were awarded the lease to reopen and operate Kentucky Kingdom, we promised the state that we would commit $43.5 million over three years. In fact, we have spent a total of $53 million, exceeding our commitment by $10 million.”

As for the new coaster, Storm Chaser packs an abundance of thrills, including 12 airtime moments, three inversions, two overbanks, and a ten-story barrel roll drop from the first lift hill - the first such drop on any coaster in the U.S.

“It’s pretty simple,” said Ed Hart, President and CEO. “Families and fun seekers of all ages love to ride a great coaster and will even travel long distances to do so. And we know Storm Chaser fits the bill.”

Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC), the renowned coaster design and construction company that built Storm Chaser, has also built some of the world’s top rated coasters, including Outlaw Run at Silver Dollar City and El Toro at Great Adventure. Both were included among the top ten coasters in the country in a recent USA Today readers’ poll.

What makes Storm Chaser so special is that it will have RMC’s unique and patented IBox track supported by a steel superstructure. In fact, this is RMC’s first steel coaster. It yields a ride that’s smooth as glass, yet also very fast and intense. The IBox track also allows for the addition of thrilling elements not often found on other coasters.

After taking a ride on Storm Chaser, Fred Grubb, President of RMC and inventor of the IBox track, proclaimed, “I know coasters and this is a great coaster!”

Added Hart, “Kentucky Kingdom is proud to announce that USA Today named Storm Chaser one of the ten most anticipated coasters of the year and the L.A. Times included it on its list of top new rides for 2016. And for the second year in a row, Fodor’s Travel listed Kentucky Kingdom as one of the ten best amusement parks to visit.” (http://www.fodors.com/news/photos/10-best-amusement-parks-to-visit-in-2016#!9- kentucky-kingdom1)

Julie Johnson, the park’s Director of Sales and Marketing, remarked, “Each year, we add new attractions and focus on ways to improve our guests’ experience. For example, in addition to Storm Chaser, we’re introducing an exciting, family-friendly film, “Angry Birds: The Ride,” at our 5D Cinema. We’ve also added new games, food and beverage locations, and retail shops and we’ve installed 25% more seating throughout the park. This is in addition to the 700 seats available in our Aqua Theater, home of the popular Sea Lion Splash show, and the 5,000 seats available in our special events arena.”

Johnson added that season pass sales are trending substantially higher in comparison with last year and passes are still on sale at the “early bird” price of $59.95. Passes can be purchased on the park’s website (https://www.kentuckykingdom.com/tickets/season-passes/) or at any area Kroger store.

Jason Anderson, the park’s Horticulture Manager, explained another initiative the park has undertaken to enhance the experience for its visitors. “We’re launching an exciting new program this year by labeling more than 100 species of perennials and ornamental grasses, more than 20 cultivars of particularly interesting and colorful annuals, and many specimen coniferous and deciduous trees. Each label includes a Q.R. code that our guests can scan with their smart phones. This will link them to Kentucky Kingdom Gardens, where they’ll find photos and detailed information about their selections.”

Added Hart, “We’re very proud of Kentucky Kingdom Gardens. Sure, the Kentucky Kingdom experience centers on the rides and attractions, but we think the Gardens program provides an extra dimension for many of our guests, riders and non-riders alike.”

Visit www.kentuckykingdom.com for more information.

###