Friday, Jan. 8, 2010 | 2:56 p.m.
The Stratosphere plans to charge $100 per jump after opening its "SkyJump" attraction in April. The Stratosphere released this promotional photo Friday.
The Stratosphere, which already boasts several rides atop its tower, is planning on adding another attraction, the SkyJump.
The Stratosphere is seen Monday, December 21, 2009.
The Stratosphere hotel-casino in Las Vegas today unveiled details about previously-reported plans to install a "SkyJump," allowing thrill-seekers to dive 855 feet off its tower while tethered to a metal cable.
Stratosphere said the attraction is expected to open in April and is currently priced at $100 per jump.
The Stratosphere’s three existing rides — Big Shot, X-Scream and Insanity, the Ride — cost $30 for an all-day pass.
SkyJump Las Vegas will become one of the top tourist attractions in North America and the experience is described as a "controlled freefall" similar to skydiving and base jumping in which riders will hit speeds up to 40 mph, the company said.
"This will not only be North America's only skyjump, but, also the highest skyjump in the world," said Frank Riolo, chief executive of Stratosphere owner American Casino & Entertainment Properties LLC.
Riders will be given a safety lesson and then get in custom jump suits. They will then be connected to a "descender machine."
After jumping off the tower, riders will be guided by wires to stay on course during the 108-story descent facing the Las Vegas Strip before the descender slows the rider down for a controlled landing.
Stratosphere called the ride "an incredibly safe, yet audacious adventure."
American Casino & Entertainment said in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission last month that $3.6 million of its $22 million 2010 capital expenditure budget would be allocated for the SkyJump.
Stratosphere said Friday it expects to accommodate six to 10 jumpers per hour and that the attraction will be open 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Sunday-Thursday and until 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday.
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