Great America adding virtual reality to Raging Bull coaster

Six Flags Great America in Gurnee announced Wednesday that its Raging Bull roller coaster will become the world's first virtual reality hyper-twister ride experience later this summer.

Raging Bull riders will strap on special gear, allowing them to enter a 360-degree virtual world as they twist and turn at more than 70 miles per hour on the 202-foot ride - the park's tallest, longest and fastest roller coaster.

"It is simply an amazing experience. You are on a pretty intense roller coaster, and you are in a different world," said Dameon Nelson, director of operations at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee.

Nelson is one of the Six Flags staff members who has tested the virtual reality ride.

"You put the Samsung Gear VR headset on your head. In front of you is a screen. You can turn your head right, left, up or down, and you are completely immersed. You'll look at the person next to you, and you won't even see that person."

Nelson said that some of the virtual reality visuals planned include a Superman theme, where riders "fly" along with Superman, and a New Revolution concept, where coaster riders are "fighter pilots" in a war zone.

An announcement about the opening date is forthcoming, although Nelson said the virtual reality coaster should open in "late summer." Six Flags 2016 season pass holders will be given the opportunity to be the first riders, he added.

For season pass and other admission information, visit sixflags.com.