Kennywood announces Steel Curtain roller coaster as anchor to Steelers Country football themed area

The Steel Curtain was the moniker given to the Steeler’s famous defensive line in the 70’s, when the team won 4 Superbowls in six years.

I’m not a big football fan either but I can Google.

Maybe Kings Island should call their giga Big Red Machine.

super7* said:

Can someone inform a non-football fan if "Steel Curtain" has another meaning? Its a dreadful name for a roller coaster. The word "curtain" does not imply excitement in any way shape or form. It actually brings up images of communism as it is close to Iron Curtain.

They could have gone with Communism Cruiser. As an added bonus have parts fall off as it traverses the track.

I’m no structural engineer but this thing looks really over-engineered & bulky.

Its very ugly looking structurally, as if some teen built it on NoLimits and uploaded a POV. I can’t believe how much steel they are using on this. It’s really overkill & unnecessary seeming.

I'm not a fan of the theme nor the name because it will not appeal to anyone not from Pennsylvania. That being said the coaster looks great. Weird but great. As long as it isn't delayed and is smooth is should be a top 100 coaster for sure.

Yes, speaking on the importance of the fine art of subtlety...Gaga Tatt Monster. ;)

If you’re a Pittsburgh native, you’re likely excited about the coaster and the theme. Pretty cool for the city. I’m looking forward to another trip home to give it a spin.

I would really like to know what they are paying the Steelers and NFL to license this and for how long.

None so far

They have definitely paid something already.

Carrie J. said:

If you’re a Pittsburgh native, you’re likely excited about the coaster and the theme.

I'd argue that no park has ever hit a theme that so perfectly resonated with their customer base. Yinzers love their Stillers. Hell, you see Steelers shirts at Kennywood all summer long already - because they're just standard issue western PA wardrobe.

This is nothing short of genius.

jaws_16 said:

I'm not a fan of the theme nor the name because it will not appeal to anyone not from Pennsylvania.

I understand what you're getting at, but more correctly, it wouldn't appeal to anyone not from the Steelers regional fan base (which would include parts of Ohio and West Virginia).

Coincidentally, the exact same regional customer base Kennywood serves. Go figure.

Honestly, the amount of business they're not picking up because their new ride and area are themed to the Steelers is literally going to be nil.

The NFL theming is brilliant because now any head banging, headaches, or even concussions are all just part the theming.

Lord Gonchar said:

I understand what you're getting at, but more correctly, it wouldn't appeal to anyone not from the Steelers regional fan base (which would include parts of Ohio and West Virginia).

Coincidentally, the exact same regional customer base Kennywood serves. Go figure.

Honestly, the amount of business they're not picking up because their new ride and area are themed to the Steelers is literally going to be nil.

And thats why I am curious about the lease agreement. Those fans would already be there anyways so why pay for a license agreement for so many years at (x) amount of dollars. You have to figure it is a good amount of money to license this considering the NFL is a billion dollar industry and they give nothing away for free.

It may not be that kind of licensing agreement. It could be treated more as another retail channel for the franchise to sell merchandise. That may be naive, but given the relative investment level of the owners, I don't imagine they'd shell out a lot of cash just for licensing.

I get the feeling that the Steelers theme isn't to sell the Coaster, (A 9-looping coaster sells itself,) but the entire area as a whole. In an area themed to a team with such a passionate fan base, I think people will be more apt to play Steelers themed games, eat Steelers themed food, and buy Steelers themed souvenirs. That's where the theming will pay the park back.

Gaga Tatt Monster said:

I’m no structural engineer but this thing looks really over-engineered & bulky.

Its very ugly looking structurally, as if some teen built it on NoLimits and uploaded a POV. I can’t believe how much steel they are using on this. It’s really overkill & unnecessary seeming.

Agree. Especially today with the minimal structures being used to save on steel... I mean, look at Fury or Valravn.

Mostly that comes down to the track design and if they will utilize deep or double spines to increase the stiffness and such like B&M and Intamin do. It does look way, way overbuilt though. Hopefully a bit more refined when it goes up ;)

Tommytheduck said:

I get the feeling that the Steelers theme isn't to sell the Coaster, (A 9-looping coaster sells itself,) but the entire area as a whole. In an area themed to a team with such a passionate fan base, I think people will be more apt to play Steelers themed games, eat Steelers themed food, and buy Steelers themed souvenirs. That's where the theming will pay the park back.

The Steelers also fit into the "theming" of the city too. Black and yellow are the colors of ALL of their sports teams. Its based off of Pittsburgh Steel. Its known for the blue collar work ethic. This clearly showed that Kennywood is trying to go after the local market, and not the national market. But that's probably fine, its a little unusual for people to travel for parks anyway. Not everybody is an enthusiast like we are.

Exactly. I'm agreeing with this. It's perfect for the market and a fantastic move by the park. IDK why so many enthusiasts don't get that a local park isn't trying to attract guests from far away.

The extra steel supports are part of the "Steelers" theme. ;)

I agree that the Steelers theme doesn't appeal to me in any way, but would "<Scary Adjective><Animal><Number>" be any better? They almost certainly aren't going to lose anyone out of region (I dunno, will people from Ravens region skip the park?), but they're going to activate a whole lot of their local base.

It's interesting reading what people outside of the region think about the new area as a whole. I'm a local, I'm a Steelers fan, and find it completely stupid.

A good friend from western Pa. who now lives in Columbus still considers Kennywood her home park, her favorite park, and goes every time she returns to visit family during the summer. She told me just today that locals are fired up for Steelers Country and it’s all the talk since it was announced.
I can imagine that if Columbus had a theme park, an area called Buckeye Nation would be a big draw. Never mind what attractions would be included- the fan base here is so serious that everyone would be up for a visit.
I still think this will be nothing but good for the park.

Lol. I love anecdotes. I live in Pittsburgh and I haven't heard a peep from the "locals." My friends know I am into theme parks, no one has asked about it, no one has posted anything on Facebook, etc. That's my anecdote about Steelers Country.