It’s hard to believe that it has been almost one month since we previewed Cedar Point’s newest coaster Steel Vengeance. We were able to catch up with the park’s Director of Communications, Tony Clark to get his reaction to this monster coaster’s opening and pick his brain about the process of building such a ride.
C101: How long ago did Cedar Point decide or think about doing something with the coaster-that-shall-not-named?
Tony: This has always been an “idea,” but it became pretty solid about 3 years ago.
C101: Did you always want it to be “record breaking” or was that something that just happened due to the nature of the design?
Tony: We always like to do things big and to scale, so when RMC shared their designs with us, they also had the desire to build something bigger than anything they’ve done before.
C101: Knowing the ride’s former reputation for being a rough ride, were there concerns with guests mistaking Steel Vengeance for its predecessor?
Tony: We knew we’d have to explain what we were doing, but we also had confidence that once guests saw the design and the animation, they’d see a completely new coaster.
C101: How challenging was it to inform potential guests that this is a totally new ride experience?
Tony: Not hard at all – the animation and photos spoke for themselves.
C101: What is it like to go from promoting record breaking coasters in GateKeeper and Valravn to Steel Vengeance? How does the marketing plan differ and what unique challenge does each project provide?
Tony: Every attraction is different and serves different needs for the park and the guests. We’ve always wanted to add new and interesting roller coaster experiences and these three rides fit that strategy. We have a very diverse selection that we’re proud of, and we believe they’re all enjoyable. We reinvented two rides in the past 4 years and both have been received well. Overall, the framework for marketing is similar across products, but our tactics will change.
C101: After taking in the excitement of Media Day and getting the season underway, what was your most memorable moment of opening this coaster?
Tony: I hate to say, “I told you so,” but listening to every guest say the same thing I said the first time I had a chance to ride – “what was that?” and “I didn’t know if I was upside-down, sideways or slantways.” I will continue to enjoy the reactions of new guests who ride.
C101: What part of you job do you look forward to the most? Any advice for students looking to get into a similar role as yours?
Tony: I enjoy bringing a “human” side to Cedar Point. We spent a lot of time cultivating our social communities and telling stories through construction diaries and the blog. We have great stories to share, and I love telling them. My advice is simple – if you don’t know how to write or tell a good story, you won’t succeed in this business (or any other) right now. Storytelling is huge right now, and while you can learn the basics in school, it has to be inside your heart or it won’t translate as “genuine.”
C101: Those new sidewinder fries with pulled brisket were killer, what is your favorite place to eat in the park?
Tony: I will always, always go directly to our fresh-cut fries. Garlic parm is my favorite, followed by chili & cheese. But the FrontierTown food locations are slowly threatening fresh-cut fries as my favorite…
C101: What is Cedar Point’s best kept secret? Something typical park goers might overlook?
Tony: Two things: the Tilt-a-Whirl (yes, we have one, and it’s in Camp Snoopy) and the Cedar Point Beach. We still have visitors that have no idea we have a gorgeous beach and that they can enjoy it. And with Cedar Point Nights and the new boardwalk access, there’s no excuse to ignore it anymore. We have a blast out there in the middle of summer.
C101: Whats the best place to grab some grub outside of the park?
Tony: I will always send people to Brick Oven Bistro on Cleveland Road. Delicious pizza and other treats. It’s a somewhat-hidden gem and they’re super nice.
C101: Can we count you in for a ride with the Coaster101 team during CoasterMania?
Tony: Maybe. It’s a busy day for me!
Well we hope there’s a moment to meet up with you, Tony! Thanks again for taking the time to talk with us!
Do you have plans on making it to Cedar Point this summer? We’d love to know what you think of Steel Vengeance!
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