( Mason ) - Thrill-seekers are getting ready for the big debut of the new Mystic Timbers roller coaster at Kings Island when the park opens for the season this Saturday, but some generous fans got a first ride on Thursday.
The first official rides on Kings Islands' new, 109-foot-tall, wooden coaster went to people who helped raise money for the Andy & Jordan Dalton Foundation. The Bengals QB himself (pictured right) took the first ride with the top bidders. (Jordan Dalton pictured center, Kings Island VP and GM Mike Koontz pictured left)
A statement from Kings Island says sponsor donations for the event included Trident Engineering, RE Middleton Construction, Ashlee Fence, The Toy Factory, Perkins/Carmack Construction, Elaut USA Inc/Coast to Coast Entertainment, Springdot and U! Creative.
Kings Island says Mystic Timbers features 16 "airtime moments" on more than 3,000 feet of track, hitting speeds up to 53mph. Riders will also try to solve the mystery of "What's in the shed?"