Chicago is just weeks away from the grand opening of Navy Pier's new and improved Ferris wheel, and Tuesday it was given a new name.
City officials announced the new, taller Ferris wheel will be called the "Centennial Wheel" in honor of the pier's 100th birthday, kicking off its centennial celebration.
The rebuilt attraction will offer nightly light shows, temperature-controlled gondolas, padded seats, TV screens and speakers. It's part of a $640 million project approved in 2013 aimed at drawing more tourists and trade shows to Chicago.
At 196 feet tall, the Centennial Wheel reaches 49 feet higher and fits up to 180 more passengers per ride than the previous attraction.
The city's history with the Ferris wheel runs deep. The first one was built in 1893 in Chicago for the World's Columbian Exposition.
The Centennial Wheel opens to the public at noon on May 27. Tickets go on sale May 20.
