Sandusky banking on Valravn

SANDUSKY — Most roller coaster riders receive their thrills when plunging down tall peaks.Sandusky officials, however, get their jollies after seeing an upward revenue climb each time Cedar Point debuts a twisting, turning and looping attraction.Projections show the admissions tax, a 4 percent fee tacked onto ticket sales at city-based entertainment venues, should balloon to a record $3.8 million in 2016.Collections almost solely depend upon attendance at Cedar Point.Admissions tax revenue represents about one-fifth of Sandusky's total yearly income, helping cover costs for services ranging from police, fire, parks, blight elimination, economic development and more.Officials believe Valravn — debuting this year, it's the tallest (223 feet), fastest (75 mph) and longest (3,415 feet) dive coaster on Earth — can help the admissions tax amount surge to unprecedented levels this year."All positive investments, particularly those of the scale Cedar Point regularly makes in attractions, such as Valravn, and resort amenities, like Hotel Breakers, have a positive impact on the city's bottom line," city manager Eric Wobser said.The city of Sandusky skyline can be seen over Sandusky Bay as riders start their ride on Valravn on Wednesday. Cedar Point welcomed the media to preview the park's new record breaking coaster for 2016 Valravn.Riding the roller coaster waveHistory tends to shows a direct correlation between a new Cedar Point roller coaster and a positive gain in Sandusky's admissions tax collection.Since 1998, the tax amount grew in almost every year Cedar Point unveiled a major roller coaster compared to the year prior, according to a Register analysis of city data obtained through a public records request.Among the examples, when:• Millennium Force debuted in 2000, the admissions tax produced a 14 percent gain compared to 1999, when Camp Snoopy opened• Wicked Twister debuted in 2002, the admissions tax produced a 3 percent gain compared to 2001, when the now-defunct VertiGo opened• Top Thrill Dragster debuted in 2003, the admissions tax produced a 5 percent gain compared to 2002• Maverick debuted in 2007, the admissions tax produced a 6 percent gain compared to 2006, when Skyhawk opened• GateKeeper debuted in 2013, the admissions tax produced a 9 percent gain compared to 2012, when Dinosaurs Alive! and Luminosity opened• Rougarou, the former Mantis, debuted in 2015, the admissions tax produced a 35 percent gain compared to 2014, when Lake Erie Eagles and Pipe Scream openedIn fall 2014, Sandusky voters approved a citywide increase to both the admissions (from 3 percent to 4 percent) and income (from 1 percent to 1.25 percent) tax rates.For 2016, the $3.8 million projection for Valravn comes in almost at 5 percent more than in 2015, which totaled $3.67 million.Reach reporter Andy Ouriel at ouriel@sanduskyregister.com and follow him on Twitter @AndyOurielRiders make many different faces on Valravn on Wednesday. Cedar Point welcomed the media to preview the park's new record breaking coaster for 2016 Valravn.