70 stories above downtown Los Angeles, the "Skyslide" -- part of the new "Skyspace" attraction atop the U.S. Bank Tower (a.k.a. Library Tower) offers a quick, 5-second thrill ride where, for a way-too-brief period of time, the only thing separating you from plunging down to the earth, nearly 1,000 feet below, is a thick piece of glass on all four sides. Here's what it's like: It's FAST. You turn a corner, and for a split second your heart beats -- as you wonder if it's going to be YOUR FEET that finally cracks the slide wide open. And then you quickly tumble out.
The Skyspace is now open, and it finally gives Los Angeles its own skyscraper viewing experience, something that was weirdly in short supply in our city. It also opens as the U.S. Bank/Library Tower is still the tallest tower west of the Mississippi. (The Wilshire Grand, still under construction, will soon be the tallest -- and will also boast an observation deck. But because the Wilshire Grand is on lower land, the U.S. Bank/Library Tower will still look taller when you glance at the skyline.)
The "Skyslide" adds a little something extra to the traditional observation deck experience. The trip through the "Skyspace," which includes four floors of attractions, costs $25 for adults over 13; it costs $8 extra to ride the Skyslide. (That's more than $1 per second... but it is something you can say that you did.) Kids are $19 to the top + $8 for the Skyslide, while seniors over 65 are $22 + $8.
Some pics from the experience:
The tagline: "Transform Your View."
A close-up view of the slide. Seriously, who came up with this idea?
Before you get to the 70th floor, there's the "Skyspace" Experience on the 52nd floor. I guess this is meant to make you feel it's worth the money. Cool video screens and visual illusions.
One of the visual effects: Through mirrors, it looks like you're peering into the building's spine.
Meta video screen of the downtown skyline (they'll have to re-do that when the Wilshire Grand tower is completed)
An Australian reporter prepares to slide down. She wasn't happy: Security told her she couldn't hold up her GoPro camera for the spot. Apparently others had been filming while going down, and not paying attention as they landed -- and suddenly it was a safety risk.
Another slider.
My turn!
Preparing the mat -- so you don't slide out on to rough concrete.
The view of someone sliding down from the bottom.
The observation deck is quite classy. This ain't the Empire State Building. Given the fewer tourists likely to cycle through, Skyspace is betting on the attraction for events -- parties, weddings, receptions up high.
View east from the 70th floor
The view north (that's the 110 to the left)
Southwest view (check out the Wilshire Grand, still under construction)
The south view
The northwest view of Hollywood.
Pershing Square from way up high!
Echo Park!
South.
Goodies for sale include miniature U.S. Bank Towers.
T-shirts too. 2016!
Mural on the way out
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