Busch Gardens Tampa retiring Scorpion roller coaster

Scorpion (RIP) > RRR

Heck, Scorpion > Kumba the way it rides these days.

It was a fun little ride and I always made it a point to ride it. But I can't remember the last time I made it a point to go to that park.

So... You are the reason it's closing then.

Way to go, Brett. Magnum is next!?

Little coasters like that were such a big deal back in the 70's and 80's when going upsidedown was considered a big deal. What a great ride back in the day and the perfect starter to "big" rides for kids.

I thought Kumba was going down to get the Hulk treatment of track replacement?

I love that ride. It still runs great, and the low height requirement meant that my kids both got their first looping coaster credit at 5 years old when at most places they'd be relegated to kiddieland. It was a true family ride.

To sum up my feelings: Sucks.

My feelings: sad.

I'm guessing the track is EOL. It's almost certainly the oldest Schwarzkopf that was in year round operation.

Rode it last year for the first time. It was ok, but I don’t remember much about it?

Would be a great starter coaster for kids for sure.

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.

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?)

Lord Gonchar:

I wonder where anyone in this photo is 23 years later?)

That’s me in the front, shades on looking cool as ice. You found me!

I don't understand the nostalgia for film grain. I hated it in every scan.

Im surprised how short notice this is, and considering they just got Phoenix, but nothing new for Seas (United is still a terrible name).

Another family coaster? Or possibly a water ride?

While I hate to see a coaster go, it is 45 years old. And, given that BGT runs year round as opposed to 4-6 months of the year, it has basically had twice the number of cycles of any comparable ride (i.e. Souper Dooper Looper...)

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.

Big bummer :/

Do they still have two servicable trains for it ?

So it goes ... not this ride, but the Silver Arrow ride model was my first looping ride.

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.”