The Big One is an iconic steel hypercoaster located at Blackpool Pleasure Beach in Lancashire, North West England. Formerly known as the Pepsi Max Big One, this massive steel structure dominated global headlines upon opening and continues to stand as the second-tallest roller coaster in the UK, sitting just behind Hyperia at Thorpe Park.
The Big One at Blackpool Pleasure Beach
When The Big One opened to the public on 28 May 1994, it shattered international records by becoming both the tallest and steepest roller coaster in the world. Rising to a colossal peak of 213ft (65m), it serves as the defining skyline feature of the Lancashire coast and holds a premier spot on our tallest roller coasters in the UK leaderboard.
For coaster enthusiasts wanting to experience the staggering scale of the ride from a completely different perspective, you can also take a VIP guided climb to the 235ft summit of the lift hill through the park’s official Walk The Big One experience.
How Fast is The Big One? (Top Speed & Stats)
Reaching a top velocity of 74mph (119km/h), The Big One generates incredible momentum as riders plunge down its infamous 205ft first drop. Built right along the edge of the Irish Sea, the bitter coastal winds and proximity to surrounding park attractions make the sensation of speed feel even more intense as the train traverses its 5,497ft circuit.
Buy Blackpool Pleasure Beach Tickets
Planning your visit to tackle the UK’s iconic hypercoaster? Secure your park wristbands and discount passes directly through the Blackpool Pleasure Beach Official Website.
The Big One Statistics
Click the Compare Button below to check these technical specifications against up to 5 other rides using our comprehensive master log of UK Roller Coasters.
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- Top Speed: 119km/h (74mph)
- Original Cost: £12m
- Estimated Cost Today: £25m
- Track Length: 5497ft (1675m) (Featured on our longest roller coasters in the UK listing)
- Height: 213ft (65m)
- Manufacturer: Arrow Dynamics
- Type: Steel Hypercoaster
- Lift/Launch: Chain Lift Hill
- Inversions: 0
- G-Force: 3.5 G
- Trains: 3
- Passengers per Train: 30
- Ride Duration: 3m 0s
- Year Opened: 1994
- Ride Elements: 205ft First Drop, Camelback Hills, Pre-Lift Tunnel
More Great Queue Line Entertainment
Looking for fun ways to pass the time while standing in line? Explore our full collection of interactive games, multiplayer card battles, and theme park trivia quizzes in our dedicated Attractions Near Me Entertainment Section:
- This or That (Roller Coaster Edition): Test your coaster instincts in our head-to-head matchup game and pick your ultimate rides!
- Roller Coaster Top Trumps: Play our full 1-player vs AI or multi-device multiplayer card game featuring over 50 UK roller coasters.
- Theme Park Trivia & Quizzes: Challenge your visual memory with layout guessing games and hard-hitting enthusiast quizzes.
Construction of The Big One
Designed by legendary coaster engineer Ron Toomer and manufactured by American firm Arrow Dynamics, construction on The Big One began in 1992. The massive tubular steel track and support structures were shipped to the UK and stored at nearby Blackpool Airport. During active assembly, sections of the south Blackpool promenade were closed so heavy machinery and track components could be staged right next to Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Deep concrete pile foundations were sunk into the coastal sand to stabilize the steel framework against high sea winds before the red track was bolted into place.
The Pepsi Max Legacy & World Records
When the ride made its grand debut as the Pepsi Max Big One on 28 May 1994, it instantly set double world records as the highest and steepest roller coaster on the planet. It held the world height record until July 1996, when Fujiyama opened at Fuji-Q Highland in Japan. Following the 2011 season, the commercial Pepsi sponsorship ended, and the ride was officially renamed The Big One. However, eagle-eyed riders will notice that the dark tunnel preceding the main lift hill is still shaped like an iconic giant soft drink can.
Advanced 3D Modeling & Winter Retracking
To ensure the landmark coaster provides a smooth and comfortable experience for modern audiences, Blackpool Pleasure Beach initiated a multi-year retracking project. With original manufacturer Arrow Dynamics no longer in business, Manchester-based engineering firm Taziker Industrial was hired to digitally re-engineer major sections of track.
Using laser scanning and 3D computer modeling, Taziker fabricated exact steel replacements in their Manchester facility. Starting with four key sections during the 2019/2020 off-season, precision-engineered new track pieces were painted in signature bright red and installed ahead of park opening. This ongoing winter maintenance program ensures The Big One remains structurally pristine for decades to come.
Walk The Big One VIP Experience
For those wanting the ultimate thrill, Blackpool Pleasure Beach offers guided structural walks up the lift hill. Accompanied by experienced park harnesses and safety guides, guests can climb the 420 steps to the 235ft summit to soak in breathtaking panorama views across the Irish Sea, Blackpool Tower, and the Fylde coast. To learn more about taking part in these thrilling climbs across the country, check out our guide to High Adventure Experiences at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
The Complete Blackpool Pleasure Beach Coaster Collection
The Big One is the flagship coaster in a historic roster of world-class rides operating at the resort. Explore our detailed guides to the park’s other famous layouts:
- Icon: A sensational Mack Rides double-launch coaster intertwining throughout the entire park.
- Grand National: A rare and legendary classic wooden mobius-loop racing coaster.
- Big Dipper: A classic 1923 wooden coaster featuring historic drops and classic airtime.
- Infusion: An intense Vekoma Suspended Looping Coaster built entirely over water.
- Nickelodeon Streak: A bright orange family wooden coaster located in Nickelodeon Land.
Planning your trip to Lancashire? Check out our complete Blackpool Pleasure Beach Guide or read our in-depth Blackpool Pleasure Beach Review.
UK Record-Breaking Leaderboards
See how The Big One ranks nationally by exploring our official statistics matrices tracking the Tallest Roller Coasters in the UK, the Longest Roller Coasters in the UK, and the Fastest Roller Coasters in the UK.
Top 10 Listings
The Big One is featured in a number of our Top 10 listings.
UK Roller Coaster Rides
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