Lebron James and Cedar Point roller coaster name a complicated affair

Funny how they mention Mantis and Mean Streak as "in need of a makeover." Those were the two adult coasters I skipped during last week's visits. I would have ridden MS if not for a breakdown and a late-opening, but I'm not going near Mantis unless/until they rename it Zorak.

If I were Cedar Point, no way I'm paying money to use his name on a ride. If it comes down to that, I would either do a weekend renaming or just drop the idea.

You mean LeBron or Zorak? While Zorak is a copyrighted character, I don't think they'd have to pay anyone to call a coaster King James or anything bland like that. I don't imagine they'd theme it with his image and NBA material.

They should use Michelle Beadle's nickname for Lebron.. "The Akron Hammer" - for Mean Streak.

I think it's the opposite, they are trying to partner with the Cavaliers to do more than just a simple name change. In the article it states that Cedar Point began talking to the Cavs front office shortly after the initial tweet. I'd imagine the Cavs are going through their process with the NBA of getting things approved for such a "sponsorship".

Adam Silver proved he knows the value of "the brand" when handling the Sterling affair...the NBA would be happy to team up with CF/CP, but he's looking at the bigger picture, more cross-promotional opportunities, etc. If the NBA does give its blessing to LBJ and CP working something out, look for more similar deals SHORTLY thereafter. Suggestions...

Dorney - 76ers

ValleyFair! - T-Wolves

Knott's - Clippers (noone cares about the Lakers anymore, LOL)

Great America - Warriors

Canada's Wonderland - Raptors

Carowinds - Hornets

I still don't see anything more than a short term promo.

It goes back to what I was saying in the article... There is not likely going to be any rights granted in perpetuity. I don't know if "Intimidator" is an Earnhardt trademark, but regardless, you won't see a NASCAR mock up outside of the rides forever. Heck, there is even ancient precedent at Cedar Point, when one of the water rides was called "The Nestea Plunge." That didn't last forever.

Best of my recollection, Nestea Plunge lasted one year. (Before and after, it was Mill Race.)

That one year was one where the park went big on corporate sponsorships (I've yet to be able to determine what year it was, exactly) -- there were several information booths built that were sponsored by Encyclopedia Britannica, and a few others that escape me.

Most of the Tony Hawk rides at Six Flags parks have been renamed Pandemonium at this point.

Thirty-five years ago, when I was a wee tot, I lived in Houston, TX. I recall that the log flume at Astroworld was called The Nestee Plunge.

And that's all I can add to this topic about sports personalities.

Long ago, the Log Flume at Great Adventure had a sign at the top of the last lift hill/drop that read "Take The Nestea Plunge!" But AFAIK, the ride was not actually re-named.

Jeff said:

It goes back to what I was saying in the article...

Wait... I have to read the article?

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Okay. I didn't know they were looking that deep in to sponsorships.

On another note... what professional journalist, even when writing about something frivolous, frames an article like that? My daughter won't be happy about it? Seriously?

She's a travel writer... it's pretty typical to write travel pieces from your own (or related) perception.

Mike Gallagher said:

Long ago, the Log Flume at Great Adventure had a sign at the top of the last lift hill/drop that read "Take The Nestea Plunge!" But AFAIK, the ride was not actually re-named.

What?! I thought naming similar rides the same chain-wide was a recent thing.

[/not really]

Snake River Falls used to be sponsored by Pepsi.

Mike Gallagher said:

Long ago, the Log Flume at Great Adventure had a sign at the top of the last lift hill/drop that read "Take The Nestea Plunge!" But AFAIK, the ride was not actually re-named.

The 2nd flume that was removed after 2006 was renamed to Poland Spring Plunge for a few years. http://www.greatadventurehistory.com/GA%20Rides/Hydro%20Flume/AAR/20021355.jpg

Cedar Point announced on Twitter that they will unveil news related to Lebron James on this Tuesday, 9/16.

https://twitter.com/cedarpoint/status/511222628309532673

We finally get to find out which train type Mantis/King James in getting. I'm hoping for floorless and expecting sit down trains.

The only real question is, will CP show Lebron dunking over the grim reaper in the announcement video. If so, I'm routing for Death. {/}horrible Bill & Ted reference.