Jackson, NJ — December 2, 2019 — As the tri-state area braces for today’s bitter winter weather, some are focused on the temperatures forecasted for Saturday, Dec. 7 — Six Flags Great Adventure’s Polar Coaster Challenge. Named after the meteorological term for dramatically fluctuating temperatures expected for this winter, the Polar Coaster Challenge dares guests to ride the 80-pmh, 230-foot-tall Nitro roller coaster wearing just tank tops and shorts in frigid winter temperatures.
While pre-registration is not required, some hopefuls have committed to taking the challenge, which will benefit Special Olympics New Jersey:
New Jersey:
- Bergen County: Nick Nicastro and Kristy Olivier – This adventurous couple from Lyndhurst can’t resist a thrill on their favorite roller coaster;
- Middlesex County: Kyle Majkowksi and Richard Wanamaker – These Plainsboro residents are true roller coaster enthusiasts who have participated in marathons and game shows on coasters, and are ready for their next coaster challenge;
- Middlesex County: Shawn Smith – This newlywed and former Six Flags team member from Plainsboro is ready to experience the chill on a coaster he once helped to operate;
- Ocean County: Leah and John Emmons – Nurse Leah and her husband John, from Brick, have taken the Polar Plunge with Special Olympics and want to raise awareness for those with special needs;
- Ocean County: Jessica Geneski – Bayville resident Geneski is battling neurofibromatosis and wants to challenge herself on her favorite roller coaster; and
- Camden County: Kyrus Keenan Wescott – This ultimate thrillseeker from Bellmawr is passionate about roller coasters and considers Nitro among his most favorite.
Pennsylvania:
- Bucks County: Dan and Kristen Murter – Dan survived the Coffin Challenge in 2018, and now he and his wife Kristen, who hail from Levittown, are ready for their next challenge;
- Bucks County: David and Mikaylah Lee – David and his eight-year-old daughter Mikaylah, from Quakertown, are theme park enthusiasts who look for unique and fun ways to spend quality time together while making lifelong memories; and
- Delaware County: Bill Kneass – This Clifton Heights resident wants to combine his love of the holidays, Nitro and Six Flags while challenging himself in a new way.
Townsquare Media’s Chief Meteorologist Dan Zarrow will celebrate the polar coaster as he helps launch the first riders. Zarrow also intends to face the winds of winter on his own freezing Nitro ride.
To participate in the Polar Coaster Challenge, participants must:
- Reach the height requirement of 54 inches to ride Nitro;
- Wear a tank top or T-shirt (sleeves must be elbow length or shorter), and shorts (to the knee or shorter);
- Wear closed-toed shoes;
- Sign a photo and video release form and a safety waiver. Anyone under 18 years of age will require a parent or legal guardian signature; and
- Provide a Membership, Season Pass or one-day ticket to enter the theme park.
Gloves and hats may be worn. Hats must be secured. No loose articles are permitted on the ride.
The theme park has partnered with Special Olympics New Jersey to host the event, kicking off the plunge season, which includes their popular Polar Bear Plunges at Wildwood in January and Seaside Heights in February of 2020. The Polar Coaster Challenge is free with theme park admission, Membership and Season Pass. Discounted admission tickets are available on sixflags.com using the promo code “polar” and $2 from every admission ticket will be donated to Special Olympics New Jersey.
Polar Coaster Challenge check is at 11 a.m., and the event begins at 12 p.m. A group photo will be taken at 12:45 p.m., and the theme park opens to the public at 1 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, go online to sixflags.com/greatadventure.
The Polar Coaster Challenge is part of Holiday in the Park, an annual festival which transforms the theme park into a winter wonderland with more than a million glittering lights, festive food and holiday entertainment in addition to its world-class thrill rides. Holiday in the Park operates weekends and select days through Jan. 1, 2020.
