New Thrills for a New Year

Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington to be home to longest log flume ride ever

The log flume ride at Six Flags Over Texas is about to get much much longer.

Six Flags Over Texas

For the first time in more than a decade, Six Flags is adding new rides, including a new-and-improved ride at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington.

The attraction formerly known as El Aserradero — which was the world’s first log flume when it opened in 1963 — will soon become El Rio Lento, one of the world’s longest log flumes, in 2024. The improved ride will feature one new lift hill and two big drops, including a giant, steep nosedive.

Arlington is not the only Six Flags location in Texas to receive a refresh: Six Flags Fiesta Texas in San Antonio will see an expansion of the DC Universe land, with improvements to three rides:

Cyborg Cyber Revolution, with four individual arms rotating in fast, intermeshing orbits
Shazam Tower of Eternity, a rotating family drop tower
Metropolis Transit Authority, which gives passengers an aerial view of DC Universe land

According to a release, it's part of big round of investments in more than a dozen parks across the U.S. that include three new roller coasters - none of which are in Texas - being deployed at Six Flags parks in St. Louis, New York, New Jersey, Illinois, and Georgia.

“At Six Flags, our relentless drive for innovation is powered by our passion to create moments of pure joy and excitement for our guests,” said Selim Bassoul, President and CEO of Six Flags, in a statement. “This investment is central to our strategy to create fun and memorable experiences for every member of the family and reinforces Six Flags’ position as the leader in thrills."

The announcement of the new investments coincides with Six Flags' "Biggest Sale of the Year," which offers discounts of up to 70 percent on season passes and tickets available through September 5. Season pass holders receive admission throughout the remainder of 2023, including access to Six Flags Fright Fest.

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Pickleball News

Indoor pickleball concept from Georgia bounces into Frisco

Ace

Pickleball paddles face off.

There's a new indoor pickleball concept coming to Dallas: Called Ace Pickleball Club, it's a growing chain from Georgia, making its Texas debut in Frisco in an old BuyBuy Baby space at at 2930 Preston Rd. #600. According to a release, it opens July 12.

Ace Pickleball was founded in Roswell, Georgia in 2023, and calls itself the only facility of its kind, delivering a member-focused approach and all-inclusive pricing.

Professional-grade cushioned courts and a welcoming community create the optimal playing experience for all skill levels. The chain currently has 15 locations across the U.S. including Colorado, Oklahoma, and Illinois.

They emphasize an inclusive community with unlimited open play, and offer clinics, tournaments, social events, and ball machine reservations. They also offer paddle demos so that members can test out the newest technology from a variety of brands to find their favorite.

When they open, they'll offer free introductory pickleball clinics for beginners to go over the rules of the sport and feel more comfortable as they learn about the game.

Ace Pickleball ClubAce Pickleball Club

Indoor facilities have an advantage in that they're impervious to weather so players can play year-round.

The Frisco location is a nearly 33,000-square-foot facility with 11 full-size courts and one dinking court designed to welcome players of all skill levels. Memberships are $129 monthly with the first month free.

Bringing the concept to Frisco is Juan Menchaca, a former corporate worker who is a pickleball player himself. When he and his wife relocated to the DFW area in May 2023, he brought with him a lifelong dream of opening a sports facility.

Introduced to pickleball by his brother-in-law, who is now training to go pro in pickleball, Menchaca was instantly hooked by the game’s fast pace, simple rules, and strong sense of community.

Opening a dedicated pickleball facility felt like the ideal first serve into the world of sports.

“I saw the demand I knew Ace Pickleball Club was the right fit,” Menchaca says. “The model is perfect for all skill levels across the Frisco community. I’ve always wanted to create something people could rally around, and this not only provides that, but helps in bringing our community closer.”

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