Big Shot (ride)

Big Shot is a pneumatically powered tower ride. It was the world's highest amusement ride in terms of overall elevation above ground level, but has since been surpassed by the Sky Drop ride atop the Canton Tower in Guangzhou. The tower is built atop the high deck of The Strat in Las Vegas, Nevada. It remains the world's second highest thrill ride as of 2025.

History

The ride opened on April 29, 1996, in a special VIP gala opening, one day before the ride and casino opened to the general public. While it may not have been the first Space Shot to open in the United States, this one does appear to be the first one built. Big Shot was one of the first two amusement rides to open on the Stratosphere tower at the casino opening. Even initially, Stratosphere guests exhibited considerably greater excitement over the Big Shot gravity drop tower than they did over High Roller.

Ride experience

Big Shot is a pneumatically powered tower ride, featuring a rapid ascent from an elevation of to. The ride accelerates to. The ride generates 4Gs during the rapid ascent.