Reinventing the wheel: Spectrum SunWheel debuts at Irvine Spectrum Center
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The Giant Wheel attraction spun plenty of memories from the time it opened in 2002 at the Irvine Spectrum Center until it closed earlier this year. It became a favored attraction where Orange County families marked special occasions.
“First dates, homecoming. People come to us and tell us they got engaged at the top,” said Blake Windal, general manager and vice president of the shopping center. “There are so many rich stories about the Giant Wheel.”
In January, fans rode the 108-foot Ferris wheel for the last time before it closed to make way for the bigger Spectrum SunWheel.
The new attraction opened with a ribbon-cutting Sept. 19, featuring elected officials and an enthusiastic crowd of riders. The first 300 riders received complimentary admission, courtesy of Hoag Hospital.
“It is a place where families can bring their kids. It is fun for families, and it has amazing views,” said Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley, who attended the event. “We think the SunWheel will be good for Irvine and good for tourism, as well.”
Foley added that nearly 18 million people a year visit the Irvine Spectrum.
“That was with the old Giant Wheel,” Foley said. “So just imagine how many more people will come visit now.”
The SunWheel is 24 feet taller than its predecessor, giving riders a 132-foot view of Irvine and beyond.
The attraction includes 27 gondolas — the term for Ferris wheel cars — with an enhanced audio system that seats up to six passengers. The rim-and-spoke lighting uses programmable LED technology.
“We are always thinking about how we can enhance the guest experience at the shopping center, and this really elevates it, both literally and figuratively,” Windal said.
New software improved ride operations and reduced wait times from 90 minutes to about 45 minutes, he added.
Fabbri Group, a leading manufacturer of amusement rides, built the new attraction in Italy and assembled it in Irvine.
“It turns out Italy is the premier manufacturer of Ferris wheels in the world, so we went to Italy for the best of the best,” Windal said. “The wheel came from Italy through the Panama Canal. It is brand new and was constructed between January and now.”
George Washington Gale Ferris Jr., a civil engineer, built his first wheel for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. At 264 feet, it was the tallest attraction at the event and the centerpiece of the mile-long Midway of attractions. While Ferris didn’t build the first amusement wheel, steel construction set his design apart.
Orange County is home to a few of his namesakes, including the one at the Balboa Fun Zone, the 50 Monkeys at the Santa Ana Zoo and the Pixar Pal-A-Round at Disney’s California Adventure Park.
The Spectrum SunWheel is located at the Irvine Spectrum Center, 670 Spectrum Center Drive. The attraction is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays to Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets, which are $10 or $15 for skip-the-line speed pass, are available at Guest Services Kiosks and online at irvinespectrumcenter.com.
