BRISTOL, Tenn. – Bristol Motor Speedway won’t open its new HVAC Chill Hill tube slide until next week – but when it does, it’s likely that Monday’s excited review from Matthew Rowe will be repeated often.
“It’s a lot of fun,” said an out-of-breath Matthew, moments after the 8-year-old went screaming down the 300-foot snowless slide in a rubber tube.
“Really fast. Kinda like a roller coaster.”
Such words were like a sweetly purring engine to BMS officials, who unveiled the Chill Hill Monday night as the newest attraction for this year’s Speedway in Lights festival, which will officially open Nov. 13.
“Our thought process, every year, is to add something new and exciting to Speedway in Lights,” said Jeff Byrd, BMS president and general manager.
“And we think the Chill Hill really fits that goal this year. It’s going to be a great addition, and give folks something else that will be fun to do.”
Speedway in Lights, now approaching its 13th year, is annually the speedway’s largest charity event, raising hundred of thousands of dollars for area organizations. Each winter, an estimated 250,000 people attend the attraction.
Chill Hill joins traditional favorites, including more than 200 lighted displays along a four-mile stretch of BMS – as well as the covered Johnson Controls Ice Rink in the speedway’s parking lot.
BMS officials said while Speedway in Lights won’t officially kick off until Nov. 13, both Chill Hill and the ice rink will open Nov. 10.
Byrd said one inspiration for Chill Hill, which will have two lanes, came from personal experience: the numerous hours he’s spent with his grandchildren at tube-slide attractions in recent years.
“Everyone just seems to love them, and not just kids,” Byrd said with a laugh. “It doesn’t take any ice or snow or water. You just get on, slide down pretty fast and have fun. And we think Chill Hill is going to live up to that, too.”
rbrown@bristolnews.com | (276) 645-2512
When: Nov. 10 through Jan. 10.
Where: Next to the Johnson Controls Ice Rink.
Hours: 4-9 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays; 4-10 p.m. Fridays; 2-10 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
Cost: $7 per person for a 50-minute session.
Rules: A rider must be 4 feet or taller to ride alone; children at least 3 feet tall can ride if accompanied by someone 16 years or older.
Reservations are encouraged, and can be made by calling the BMS ticket office at (423) 989-6900.
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