Busch Gardens Tampa tonight confirmed what roller coaster fans have been wanting for the past few years — a Rocky Mountain Construction conversion of the former Gwazi roller coaster. But it gets better... when the new hybrid coaster opens in 2020, it will not only be the tallest hybrid roller coaster in North America, it will be the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world.
From the park's press release:
Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, the newest addition at Busch Gardens will be a wood and steel hybrid coaster design, featuring a maximum height of more than 200 feet tall. The ride will feature all-new thrill elements, as well as restored elements of Gwazi.
And here is the hype video from tonight's announcement:
Over the last 60 years, we’ve made a LOT of history... & we’re not done yet. This spring, Tigris will debut as Florida’s tallest launch coaster. In 2020, Busch Gardens will be home to North America’s tallest hybrid, & the fastest, steepest hybrid coaster in the world. #2020Rising pic.twitter.com/MWfMQpEh9Q
— Busch Gardens Tampa Bay (@BuschGardens) March 1, 2019
The current record holder among RMC hybrids is Cedar Point's Steel Vengeance, which opened last spring to rave reviews, then captured our 2018 Theme Park Insider Award for Best New Attraction and our 2019 Theme Park Insider Award for Best Roller Coaster. If this new, as-yet-unnamed coaster is going to top that... it's gotta be one heck of a ride.
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I'd rather it had been a Fury-325 world beater, but hey, I'll take a better Steel Vengeance as compensation .... :)
Knowing my luck, the pass-holder preview will be when I'm on my Cedar Point 150th anniversary adventure. But then again KI should be adding that giga ??
Good news for us locals though ... SWE are certainly stepping up the roller coaster game with some high stakes in central Florida. Mind you with the good news from yesterday re. the increased attendances and revenue, then they certainly have the money to spend.
2020 is shaping up to be the best year ever for new coasters.
Last row all the way!
I'll be seeing you when I make my annual HHN trip sir :) if not sooner
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Happy sixtieth birthday, Busch Gardens Tampa:)
While the official "birthday gift" is Tigris, I am certainly looking forward to the upcoming hybrid Gwazi successor.