Nik Wallenda To Walk Tightrope Between Chicago Skyscrapers

In what he predicted will be "the most incredible tightrope walk of my career,” daredevil Nik Wallenda announced Tuesday he will walk between two Chicago skyscrapers on Nov. 2.

Wallenda plans to walk from Marina City’s west tower, across the Chicago River, to the Leo Burnett Building without a net or harness. He then will walk between Marina City’s west and east towers.The stunt will be completed at night and televised live on the Discovery Channel.

“I can’t think of a better city to do it,” Wallenda said in a statement released by the Discovery Channel. "I have fond memories of spending time performing in Chicago and the Midwest with my family."

It will be the highest skyscraper walk in Wallenda family history and the first time Wallenda has attempted such a steep-angled tightrope walk, Discovery said. Wallenda's grandfather Karl Wallenda died after falling from a tightrope in Puerto Rico in 1978.

Discovery said dozens of cameras positioned across the city and on helicopters will capture the spectacle.

Mayor Rahm Emanuel said he supports the idea.

“This will be one for the history books," Emanuel said. "We are thrilled Nik Wallenda has chosen our great city with its iconic skyline as the site of his next walk.”

Wallenda was in Chicago in April scouting possible locations for the tightrope walk.

He said at the time he hadn't ruled out Willis Tower but that it would be problematic because there isn't a nearby building tall enough to connect his rig to.

Wallenda has walked across the Niagara Falls and Grand Canyon in the past two years. He's part of a family of acrobats that has been thrilling audiences for decades as The Flying Wallendas.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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