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Busch Gardens announced on social media Friday morning that Scorpion will close on Sept. 2. The steel roller coaster, which opened in 1980, was the park’s second thrill ride.
Read more from The Tampa Bay Times.
I'm guessing the track is EOL. It's almost certainly the oldest Schwarzkopf that was in year round operation.
I develop Superior Solitaire when not riding coasters.
This is the first looper my kid ever did, maybe. It might have been Cheetah Hunt, but that one has more of a gentle roll than a "loop." Naming things is hard.
Jeff - Editor - CoasterBuzz.com - My Blog
Scorpion was the very first roller coaster I photographed with intention - meaning after the whole idea and creation of coasterimage. That was February of 2001. Oddly enough, I've never been back to Busch Gardens Tampa.
And, damn, photography has come a long way. (I wonder where anyone in this photo is 23 years later?)
I don't understand the nostalgia for film grain. I hated it in every scan.
Jeff - Editor - CoasterBuzz.com - My Blog
I visited the park today to get my final rides in. I will miss it especially since it is the only Schwarzkopf in the state. sooperdooperLooper is one of my favorite coasters at Hershey and I also really liked Laser at Dorney so when I moved from PA to FL 3 years ago, I was glad that Scorpion was here so I still could ride a Schwarzkopf looper frequently.
Sharpel007:
Im surprised how short notice this is
I don't have any inside information here – but I suspect it might not have been planned. Maintenance may have found something that they've deemed terminal.
I develop Superior Solitaire when not riding coasters.
Just one train. The second train has supposedly been used for parts to keep the other train running.
They also just sent out an email stating the ride will be open for another week.
”Good news, thrill seekers! There's even more time to enjoy the twists and turns of the iconic Scorpion roller coaster, because we've extended the closing date to Sept. 8, 2024. This unique coaster has been a fan favorite since 1980, and it’s your last chance to experience a piece of history. While we say goodbye to Scorpion, exciting new attractions are on the horizon.”
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