LAS VEGAS, NV— It takes something extraordinary to get noticed on the strip in Las Vegas. The Stratosphere Casino Hotel & Tower’s unique12-story "pod" atop a 1,149-ft needle-like structure stands out. A revolving restaurant and the world's highest roller coaster are two of the main attractions at the top of the tower.
The Stratosphere Tower, which opened in April 1996, is the tallest freestanding tower in the United States. Thrill seekers can take a wild ride on the High Roller, with its 865-ft track wrapped around the top of the pod, or the more adventuresome can experience the feeling of zero gravity on The Big Shot, which shoots 160 ft vertically above the pod. In addition to the main tower, the original plans for the property included a 24-story hotel tower expansion. The expansion project was put on hold in late 1996, but business has continued to be brisk. The hotel has hosted more than 12.5 million visitors in the last five years. In April 2000, construction resumed on the tower, and the expansion project will be completed in late 2001.