Newport, Kentucky -- The Purple People Bridge Climb, the first of its kind in the United States and the northern hemisphere, will be dedicated today in the Greater Cincinnati/ Northern Kentucky area. Climbs begin for the public on Monday, June 19.
Rivaled only by attractions in Sydney and Brisbane, Australia, and Auckland, New Zealand, the Purple People Bridge Climb spans the Ohio River, giving climbers a bird's eye view - from 150 feet in the air.
"It's been a great adventure to take the Purple People Bridge Climb from concept to completion," said developer Dennis Speigel, president of International Theme Park Services, Inc. "We're proud that we could bring this truly unique experience to the entire region, and in fact be the first Bridge Climb in the USA. We look forward to its future as a signature tourism destination."
Starting at the foot of the Purple People Bridge in Newport, Kentucky, climbers embark upon a two-and-a-half hour journey that takes them among the upper trestles of the 2,670-foot-long bridge's five spans. And at the apex of the bridge, climbers walk out onto a glass floor suspended directly over the Ohio River.
Each participant is outfitted with more than $2,000 worth of safety equipment, including a yellow climb suit, as well as a fall-restraint system that secures climbers to the bridge. Climbers wear state-of-the-art headsets that utilize bone conduction technology, transmitting sound to the inner ear through the bones of the skull. This allows participants to communicate with an experienced guide, while still hearing ambient sounds.
The Purple People Bridge Climb is for people of most fitness levels. Participants must be 12 years of age and 48 inches in height to climb.
Tickets for regular climbs begin at $59.95, with sunrise, sunset and night climbs starting at $79.95. There are a limited number of climbs available daily. Reservations can be made at www.purplepeoplebridgeclimb.com or by calling 859-261-6837.
About the Purple People Bridge
Originally built in 1872, the 2,670-foot bridge underwent a $4 million renovation in 2003 and re-opened as one of the country's longest, pedestrian- only walkways connecting two cities in two states - Newport, KY, and Cincinnati, OH. Its unique moniker comes from the fact that the bridge is painted a very distinct shade of purple making it easily recognizable.
