AGAWAM - Officials at Six Flags New England are hoping to open a new indoor roller coaster in time for the summer season.

The Zoning Board of Appeals in Agawam has approved a height variance for the 70- foot-tall structure, which would exceed the city’s 45-foot limit for business zones.

The $7 million "Dark Knight Coaster" will have a Batman theme and operate almost entirely in the dark. A Six Flags spokeswoman says the park hopes to have it up and running by the Memorial Day weekend.