Celebrating six decades of being “Florida’s first theme park”, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay kicked off their 60th Anniversary by sharing first details of their new 2020 project – a new wooden/steel hybrid coaster designed by RMC (Rocky Mountain Construction).
In addition to announcing the coaster, a new menu for the 2019 Food & Wine Festival and the launch of the all-new Pin Trading program, and an up-close look at the Tigris roller coaster vehicle were all revealed tonight.
“We’re moving quickly to open our ninth roller coaster, Tigris, with a tenth coaster already underway for next year,” said Stewart Clark, President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. “This cadence of back-to-back new attractions is unprecedented for our park, and continues our legacy as Florida’s thrill ride leader.”
Construction has already begun on the former Gwazi coaster. The new hybrid coaster’s name or theme was not shared – but will become North America’s tallest hybrid, and the fastest, steepest hybrid coaster in the world when it opens next year.
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.
Tigris, Florida’s tallest launch coaster, is set to open later this Spring. With the recent arrival of the ride vehicles, testing for the new attraction will begin soon.
