Irvine Spectrum's New 132-Foot SunWheel Opens This Weekend
Irvine, Calif. – – September 19, 2026 -- Irvine Spectrum Center opens its new Spectrum SunWheel to the public on Saturday, September 19, with a 9:45 a.m. ribbon cutting followed by a full day of festivities starting at 10 a.m.
The new wheel stands 132 feet tall, 24 feet taller than the original attraction it replaces
The Spectrum SunWheel takes the place of the center's Giant Wheel, which first opened in 2002. Manufactured by Italy-based Fabbri Group, the new structure features 27 gondolas that each seat up to six passengers.
Riders get upgraded audio and programmable LED lighting
Each gondola includes an enhanced in-gondola audio system. The wheel itself is outfitted with programmable LED technology across its rim and spokes, and operators redesigned ride operations to cut down on wait times.