A Ferris wheel is opening to the public Friday on the end of a Seattle waterfront pier where it offers views of the city and Puget Sound.

The Seattle Great Wheel is 175 feet tall and carries more than 40 gondolas, which can each hold six people. A VIP gondola has a glass floor.

The wheel was built by Pier 57 owner Hal Griffith who hopes it will keep tourists and other visitors coming to the waterfront during the demolition of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and construction of a new Highway 99 tunnel.

Tickets are $13.