Glass 'Skyslide' opens in Los Angeles, 1,000 feet from the ground

The new one-of-a-kind Skyslide offers visitors the opportunity to slide 45 feet (about 13.7 meters) around the 70th and 69th storeys of the US Bank Tower in Los Angeles on a small mat. The square tube slide is made entirely from transparent bulletproof glass, 1.4 inches (3.5 cm) thick. A small but heart-racing curve at the start is followed by swift acceleration downwards towards a shock-cushioning mattress. The slide opened to the public this Saturday.

The new OUE Skyspace

The new feature includes a 360°, 2,800 square foot (260 square meter) observation deck on the two top floors, as well as interactive and educational digital installations on storeys 2 and 54. Except for the Skyslide, highlights include an Infinity Mirror and a Silhouette Wall specifically designed for the OUE Skyspace. The renovation of the skyscraper, part of a project to transform the commercial building into "a vibrant business, social and tourist destination" has been estimated at over $50 million. 

The launch party

The launch of the OUE Skypace in downtown Los Angeles saw performances by Snoop Dogg, Far East Movement, Jessica Sanchez, Niykee Heaton and Raquel Rodriguez. The block party ran from 10am-11pm and also featured food trucks and a speciality beer garden.

Tickets to reach the OUE Skyspace observation decks are $25, with visitors required to pay $8 more to ride the slide. Find out more on the website: www.skyspace-la.com.

Watch people having a go at it: