Here at Fair Park soars the Top O’ Texas Tower. It is more than just a ride. It is a symbol of the State Fair of Texas. Have you ever wondered what it feels like to be 500 feet in the air? This super gyro tower offers exactly that.
The Top O’ Texas Tower’s story began in the summer of 2011. The foundation was laid. In mid-November 2012, the first two shaft components were stacked. By December, all six shaft components stood tall. The gondola and carrier were then attached.
The Top O’ Texas Tower is an impressive structure. It weighs approximately 1.06 million pounds. Its foundation required 1600 cubic yards of concrete. The tower’s height reaches 500 feet. The cabin’s diameter is 55 feet and the shaft diameter is 10’6″. The whole project cost $12 million.
The Top O’ Texas Tower ride lasts four minutes and 30 seconds. This includes a five-second pause at the very top. Up to 100 passengers can ride per cycle. Thirteen rides occur each hour. This allows 1300 riders to experience the tower’s heights.
During the ride, the cabin travels vertically at 6.5 feet per second. It also rotates at one foot per second. Intamin Ltd. of Glen Burnie, Maryland manufactured the ride. Phoenix 1 of Dallas was the general contractor. TNT Crane & Rigging of Longview, Texas provided the crane. I.L.C. Construction, LLC of Seattle installed the ride. An 800-ton Demag crane with a 530-foot boom erected the tower.
The Top O’ Texas Tower lights up the Midway. It features 1.4 million programmable LED lights. These lights synchronize with the Midway light show. The Top O’ Texas Tower is not just a ride. It’s an experience. It combines height, lights, and views.
As you descend, remember the incredible engineering. Think about the teamwork that brought this tower to life. The Top O’ Texas Tower represents the ambition and spirit of the State Fair of Texas. I hope you have enjoyed the view and the ride.