Carolina Crossroads Announces Purchase of Roller Coaster

Roanoke Rapids, NC - Carolina Crossroads Developers announced today that they’re exploring the logistics of relocating the Zippin Pippin Roller Coaster and several other pieces of historic country music memorabilia to North Carolina. “This is all part of our goal to make Carolina Crossroads the East Coast’s newest destination for music, fun, and entertainment,” said Michael Dunlow, president of Carolina Crossroads. “We’re currently exploring other similar pieces of music history located across the country.”

The Zippin Pippin is the second oldest wooden roller coaster in North America and is reported to have been the favorite ride of Elvis Presley. The 3,000-foot roller coaster was built in 1923. The ride was once a top attraction at Libertyland, an amusement park located in Memphis, which closed last October.

“We’re currently receiving bids from contractors to dismantle and relocate this wonderful piece of American history to Carolina Crossroads,” said Elizabeth Branham, Carolina Crossroads Events Director. “This will be a great addition to the Randy Parton Theatre, the outdoor amphitheatre, shopping, restaurants, and the other attractions.”

Hilton Garden Inn also started construction this month on a five-story hotel and conference center at Carolina Crossroads. The $16 million, 147 room hotel is being built by Blanchard & Calhoun Hospitality of Atlanta, Georgia. The hotel will feature conference facilities, a restaurant, bar, fitness center, and pool.

About Carolina Crossroads: Carolina Crossroads is located off Interstate 95 in Roanoke Rapids, NC (Exit 171). The entertainment, tourism and retail destination located between Richmond, VA and Raleigh, NC will offer live performance theaters, shopping, hotels, convention and conference facilities, recreation and amusements and numerous dining options. The Randy Parton Theatre, which opens in 2007, will anchor the Carolina Crossroads Music Theatre and Entertainment District and will feature country, pop, beach and gospel music acts. For more information, visit www.carolinacrossroads.com.