At the start of the 1980 season, construction already started on a brand new ride. Park guests were puzzled about the upside down coaster-like structure being built in the Coney Mall section, with Kings Island officials being tight-lipped. On October 29, 1980, the park invited news media outlets to reveal more details about their new attraction. The press members were led to the recently constructed station, which resembled a Victorian mansion. Several Halloween characters such as the Dracula, the Dracula's Wife, Frankenstein and a human version of The Bat were invited to the announcement as well. The new ride would be named The Bat and be a prototype suspended roller coaster. One of the ride vehicles was on display complete with sculpted bat heads produced by Kings Island's art department attached to the front of the cars.