Iron Gwazi

Iron Gwazi (formerly Gwazi) is a steel-track hybrid roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, a theme park in Tampa, Florida, United States. Great Coasters International (GCI) built Gwazi, a wooden dueling roller coaster with two separate tracks. It was named after a fabled creature with a tiger's head and a lion's body. Named Lion and Tiger, trains riding on both tracks reached a height of 105.4 ft (32.1 m) and a maximum speed of 51 mph (82 km/h). To replace the former site of the Anheuser-Busch brewery, Busch Gardens announced the construction of Gwazi in July 1998, with construction initiating the same day.

Iron Gwazi
Previously known as Gwazi (1999–2015)
A script text of "Iron Gwazi Busch Gardens", with the word "Iron" being at the top, followed by the next line word "Gwazi" and then "Busch Gardens" at the bottom. The word "Iron" appears slightly larger than "Gwazi", with "Busch Gardens" being the smallest text centered. "Iron" is colored silver, with a darker green hue outlining the text at the top which transitions into a yellow gradient towards the bottom of the word. The words "Gwazi" and "Busch Gardens" are colored purple, with "Busch Gardens" appearing in a slanted text. Atop the script text is a geometric crocodile colored in various shades of green and yellow. The crocodile appears to sink its white teeth into the "Iron" text, with yellow appearing on one of the scales on its head, its eyes, and its nostrils.
Appearing from the central plaza, Iron Gwazi's lift hill is prominently shown in the skyline with the barrel roll-down drop under the lift structure. Parts of the building that houses the hybrid roller coaster are imaged at the bottom, with a thatched roof in the center-right. Trees are also visible on either side of the image.
An overview of Iron Gwazi
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay
LocationBusch Gardens Tampa Bay
Park sectionMorocco
Coordinates28°02′02″N 82°25′23″W
StatusOperating
Soft opening dateFebruary 13, 2022 (2022-02-13)
Opening dateMarch 11, 2022 (2022-03-11)
ReplacedGwazi
General statistics
TypeSteel – Hybrid
ManufacturerRocky Mountain Construction
DesignerAlan Schilke
ModelI-Box Track
Track layoutTwister
Lift/launch systemChain lift hill
Height206 ft (63 m)
Drop206 ft (63 m)
Length4,075 ft (1,242 m)
Speed76 mph (122 km/h)
Inversions2
Duration1:50
Max vertical angle91°
Trains2 trains with 6 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 24 riders per train.
ThemeCrocodile
Quick Queue available
Iron Gwazi at RCDB

Gwazi opened to the public on June 18, 1999, and received positive reviews from critics and the public. Overtime, the wooden roller coaster became difficult to maintain, resulting in the Tiger side closing in 2012. Following rising maintenance costs and declining ridership the remaining side was closed in 2015. The wooden structure sat dormant for several years, and the park considered various replacement attractions, including a remodeled roller coaster, an amphitheater, and a new attraction. In 2018, the park indicated it would refurbish the wooden structure, with site preparation taking place in late 2018 and preliminary work starting in early 2019.

In 2019, Busch Gardens formally announced plans to replace the wooden structure with Iron Gwazi, a steel-tracked roller coaster. The park hired Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) to retrofit the existing layout using portions of the original structure. It was initially scheduled to open in 2020 but was delayed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other issues. Iron Gwazi soft-opened to passholders on February 13, 2022, and to the general public on March 11. The refurbished ride was marketed and opened as North America's tallest, steepest, and fastest hybrid roller coaster. The steel-hybrid roller coaster is 206 ft (63 m) high, features a maximum speed of 76 mph (122 km/h), and received a track length increase of 567 ft (173 m) over its predecessor. Iron Gwazi debuted to positive reviews from critics, later winning the 2022 Best New Roller Coaster category from the Golden Ticket Awards.

History

In October 1995, Anheuser-Busch announced the closure of its Tampa brewery located in the middle of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, which had operated since the park's inaugural year in 1959.[1][2] The brewery closed in December and was demolished afterwards,[3] freeing up the land.[1][2] To replace the brewery, the park chose a wooden roller coaster rather than one made of steel due to growing preferences for antiquated attractions. The park wanted to differentiate itself from other Florida theme parks with modern ride technology.[4]

Mark Rose, then the park's vice president for planning and design, chose the builder for the wooden roller coaster after touring several amusement parks over 17 days[4][5] He informally selected five roller coasters, seeking a prospective designer for a new Busch Gardens attraction, and eventually settled on Great Coasters International (GCI) for the project based on the company's Wildcat installation at Hersheypark. Officials for Busch Entertainment (later renamed SeaWorld Entertainment) confirmed the choice and signed GCI.[4][6] Washington University in St. Louis helped name the new roller coaster, selecting Gwazi.[4] The name Gwazi refers to a mythical African lion with a tiger's head that struggles with inner conflict.[4][5]

In early June 1998, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay considered on-site expansion for a resort to compete with other Florida amusement parks, including a projected $10 million attraction scheduled to open in 1999.[7][8] By mid-month, park owner Busch Entertainment filed a trademark for the name "Gwazi" with the United States Patent and Trademark Office.[9] Groundbreaking began on July 15,[10] and Busch Gardens announced it that day.[11][12] The dueling roller coasters would be built as the park's fifth coaster, with the tracks themed as a Lion and a Tiger.[13][14] The announcement also revealed that GCI would be building the roller coaster.[10][15] The Tampa Tribune ran pictures of the hills under construction in November.[16] Gwazi was reported to have been re-designed several times throughout construction.[6] By April 1999, it was near completion,[17] and testing began in May.[5]

Operation

To promote the opening of Gwazi, park officials sold "first ride" tickets for a preview event in June 1999; of the 5,700 tickets sold, 3,500 tickets went to passholders. Approximately 500 guests from American Coaster Enthusiasts were in attendance.[18][19] Construction of the roller coaster's theming and removal of excess wood were ongoing during the preview event.[19] Gwazi opened the next day as Florida's first dueling wooden roller coaster[20] and the first wooden roller coaster at any Busch Entertainment park.[10][21]

The original Gwazi entrance is viewed in 2006. The thatched roof containing the original Gwazi logo depicting the clash of the yellow-orange tiger and blue-purple lion is seen above the word "Gwazi". The entrance is located on the right, with another thatched roof structure on the left. The Lion's lift hill is seen above the left thatched roof with tree foliage in the foreground.
A view of the original Gwazi's entrance and Lion's lift hill in 2006

Gwazi developed a reputation for delivering a rough ride overtime despite regular maintenance.[22][23] The Lion side of the roller coaster was re-tracked in 2009, and the Tiger side was re-tracked the following year.[24] The last part of the renovation included the installation of four GCI-designed Millennium Flyer trains to replace the trains originally supplied by Philadelphia Toboggan Coasters (PTC) in 2011.[24][25][26] Even with re-tracking and new trains, the wooden roller coaster remained difficult to maintain, and ridership continued to decrease.[23] Following the 2012 season, the Tiger side closed, and soon after, the park built a bridge across its loading platform; one of its trains was relocated to the Lion track.[22][27]

The closure of the Tiger side prompted rumors from amusement park enthusiasts that the termination of Gwazi's operation was in the near future.[22] In December 2014, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay confirmed the closure of the remaining Lion side due to low attendance, operating costs, and negative guest feedback.[28][29] Gwazi's last train dispatched in February 2015.[22][30] The trains were relocated and used on rides at other SeaWorld park locations, including InvadR at Busch Gardens Williamsburg and Texas Stingray at SeaWorld San Antonio.[31][32] SeaWorld Entertainment repurposed wooden planks from the structure within the same park and at other properties, including SeaWorld Orlando.[33]

Refurbishment and relaunch

Rose, then vice president of park services, stated there were no plans for the Gwazi site after its closure, although the park was considering possible replacement attractions.[34] A park spokesperson added that engineers discussed adding new elements, manufacturing steel parts, or completely demolishing the structure.[35] Within three years of the closure, rumors circulated about a possible replacement of the wooden structure, speculating it could be a remodeled roller coaster, a new attraction, or an amphitheater.[36] During a September 2018 news conference announcing the park's ninth roller coaster, Tigris, officials said there were construction plans for Gwazi in 2020.[37][38] The same day, SeaWorld Entertainment applied to trademark the name "Iron Gwazi".[39] In December, updated construction-permit applications sent to the city of Tampa listed Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) as the ride manufacturer of an upcoming attraction in the Gwazi area.[40][41] Site preparation and construction started in late 2018 for an attraction code-named "BGT 2020".[42]

In March 2019, the park announced Gwazi's replacement with a hybrid roller coaster conversion by RMC. Busch Gardens promoted the attraction as North America's steepest, fastest, and tallest hybrid roller coaster.[43][44][45] By August 2019, the placement of the roller coaster's track had begun.[46] Busch Gardens revealed the roller coaster's name as "Iron Gwazi" the following month, being 206 feet (63 m) tall with a 91-degree drop and a maximum speed of 76 mph (122 km/h).[47][48] During the 2019 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Exposition in November, RMC unveiled the trains for Iron Gwazi.[49][50] RMC completed track work on March 8,[51] and testing began the next day.[52][53]

Iron Gwazi as pitured in July 2020 under construction, the façade of the main queue building from the entrance plaza can be seen. The lift hill is on the right with a construction crane on the left. Various tree foliage surrounds the roller coaster in the foreground on the left and right.
Iron Gwazi under construction in July 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the initial opening date was missed, and construction halted at the testing phase after a week.[54] RMC filed a lien against SeaWorld in May 2020 for $3.5 million out of $9 million the company says it was owed for work on Iron Gwazi, delaying further construction.[55] As a result of the pandemic, SeaWorld Entertainment's preliminary second-quarter results for 2020 included several approaches to reorganize its assets, with one plan to postpone the opening of all 2020 attractions to the following year.[56][57][58] In September, the park said it scheduled to open Iron Gwazi in 2021,[59] releasing a point-of-view video of the roller coaster two months later.[60][61] In August 2021, Busch Gardens postponed Iron Gwazi's launch date a second time to 2022.[62]

In January 2022, the park specified a final launch date in March of that year.[63][64] The park hosted a media day for Iron Gwazi in February.[65][66] The roller coaster soft opened for passholders on February 13,[67] and it opened to the general public on March 11.[68][69] Iron Gwazi became the tallest roller coaster in Florida and the tallest hybrid roller coaster in North America on its opening.[70][71] Iron Gwazi is tied in height with Zadra at Energylandia, another RMC-built hybrid roller coaster located in Europe.[61][72] In addition, the attraction became the fastest and steepest hybrid roller coaster in the world.[65][70]

Ride experience

Gwazi

The ride experience of both the Lion and Tiger sides of Gwazi followed paths similar to each other as dueling roller coasters. The park promoted Gwazi as the first dueling coaster with six "fly-bys",[73][74] in which the two roller coasters pass each other in opposite directions at high speeds, giving the false impression they will collide.[22] Gwazi was also promoted as the largest and fastest dueling wooden roller coaster in the southeastern United States.[75] One cycle of each ride took approximately 21⁄2 minutes.[27]

The lift hill of the lion track as it ascends 105.4 ft (32.1 m) and turns to the right towards the 91.8 ft (28.0 m) drop. Various pieces of track and tree foliage circumnavigate in the foreground.
Lift hill of the Lion track

After leaving the station, the Lion train moved forward before dipping into a right-handed U-turn to pass the other train. The train climbed slightly to the left and ascended the 105.4 ft (32.1 m) lift hill.[27] At the top, the train dipped slightly into a pre-drop, turned right, and then descended 91.8 feet (28.0 m), reaching maximum speed of 51 mph (82 km/h) near the bottom.[27] The train banked slightly right before ascending into a left-banked turn through the lift hill of the Tiger side, exiting downward and entering a right-banked turnaround. The train then banked up into a left turn before traversing downward into the outer region of the layout, making multiple, slightly-banked right turns. Afterward, the train entered a series of hills parallel to the opposite train, passing by the station before banking leftward into a downward spiral. The train descended before rising into a slight right turn, transitioning into a left turn and into the brake run. Completing the course, the train then turned right and then slightly left before returning to the station.[6][27][76]

The Tiger train departed the station, moved forward into a slight right turn, then dipped into a U-turn to the left to pass the other train. It climbed slightly to the left before ascending the 105.4 ft (32.1 m) lift hill.[27] At the top, the train entered a pre-drop, turning left and descending 91.8 ft (28.0 m), reaching its maximum speed of 51 mph (82 km/h) near the bottom.[27] The train slightly banked right before ascending into a banked right turn followed by a drop. Continuing the banked angle, it climbed, dipped, and climbed again into a left-banked turn, traversing a series of curves before turning toward the outer region of the layout in multiple, slightly banked left turns. The train then entered a series of hills, running parallel to the opposite train, passing by the station, and turning right down a banked spiral. It descended slightly before rising into a slightly-banked left turn, moving into a right turn, and finishing at the brake run. Completing the course, the train turned left and slightly right before returning to the station.[6][27][77]

Iron Gwazi
A view of the lift hill and downward barrel roll structure of Iron Gwazi. The roller coaster is central, with foliage surrounding the roller coaster in the foreground. The picture was taken from the Lory Landing area.
The lift hill of Iron Gwazi, with a train in the downward barrel roll

Iron Gwazi begins with a sharp left-hand turn, followed by a descending turn leading to the 206 ft (63 m) lift hill section.[78] As the train crests the hill, it slows down before descending its 91-degree drop, reaching its top speed of 76 mph (122 km/h).[78] The train then climbs a hill and banks in the opposite direction making an outer-bank turn.[79] Iron Gwazi's train returns downward in a left-hand turn and upwards to the right. Reaching the apex of the hill, the train navigates through a barrel roll downdrop, followed by an overbanked turn to the left.[78] The train climbs above the station and banks outward to perform an extended wave turn until flattening out.[80] The train continues to climb a series of left-curved hills, transitioning into a zero-g stall.[78] Completing the stall, the train traverses a small outer-banked hill and continues into a series of upward-curved hills to the right.[80] Iron Gwazi finishes with a turnaround into a hill and a left turn into the final brake run.[80] Upon completion, the train makes a left turn passing the car barn, and a last right turn before entering the station. One cycle of the roller coaster takes about two minutes to complete.[78][81][82]

Characteristics

Wooden roller coaster
Gwazi as captured from the park's transportation Skyride with the full layout. A Lion train can be seen descending its initial drop.
A view of Gwazi from the Skyride in 2006

Gwazi's footprint covered eight acres (3.2 ha) previously occupied by the brewery.[10][14] Gwazi was Great Coasters International (GCI)'s third project.[83] The individual wooden tracks were 3,508 ft (1,069 m) long,[27][84] and the maximum height of each side was 105.4 feet (32.1 m).[27] GCI built the wooden roller coaster with 1.25 million board feet (2,900 m3) of treated southern yellow pine, two million bolts, and 4.4 million nails.[5] Its tracks consisted of 20-foot-long (6.1 m), 2-by-12-foot (0.61 by 3.66 m) planks in eight layers.[5][85] The wooden structure could withstand 100 mph (160 km/h) winds without riders. Gwazi was given a sealant coat instead of being traditionally painted.[5]

Gwazi was originally supplied with six-car PTC trains arranged with two seats across in two rows.[27] According to designer Mike Boodley, GCI offered new Millennium Flyer trains, but Busch Gardens did not want to use an unproven design.[24] Following the 2011 season, the park replaced the PTC trains with Millennium Flyer trains.[24][27] The park moved the roller coaster's sensors to accommodate the new trains, modified the rollback system, and implemented a new release system for the restraints.[24] The four GCI trains consisted of 12 cars with a single row that was two seats across.[27] Both the PTC and GCI trains could accommodate 24 riders,[27] and they featured a lap-bar restraint system.[5]

Gwazi's trains were commonly known as Lion and Tiger. Lion trains were mainly yellow, and Tiger trains were mostly blue.[22][27] Gwazi's theme depicted the struggle between two territorial wildcats; the African lion and the Asian tiger. The surrounding plaza was similarly themed for each cat; the Lion side included a desert-like atmosphere, and the Tiger side had landscaping and streams.[10][21][27]

Steel roller coaster
A view of Iron Gwazi's various support structure and track from a footpath in 2022. Most prominent in the background is the first outer-banked hill.
A view of Iron Gwazi from a footpath in 2022

Iron Gwazi was designed and built by RMC using portions of the original Gwazi coaster.[86] Alan Schilke designed the I-Box track.[23][78] Iron Gwazi reuses the same loading station from Gwazi.[87] Director of Design and engineering, Andrew Schaffer stated, "about 25 percent of the original wooden structure has been re-utilized, and 75 percent of the foundations".[88] RMC added an additional 375,000 board feet (880 m3) of lumber for structural support.[89] RMC reconstructed the entire lift hill with steel rather than reusing the wooden structure.[72] The steel track reaches a total length of 4,075 feet (1,242 m).[78]

The roller coaster's theme is the crocodile, similar to other attractions at the park that carry an animal theme.[88][90] The queue area has educational elements about the species and their conservation, with reptile-themed graphics and paint throughout.[88][91] Iron Gwazi operates with two six-car RMC trains. Each car has two seats in two rows, accommodating up to 24 riders per train.[78][81] Riders are secured with lap-bar restraints.[92] The lead car features the rendition of a crocodile's head; its trains are green, purple, and blue. The track has a purple color scheme.[88][93]

Comparison
Statistics Gwazi[27] Iron Gwazi[78]
Years 1999–2012 (Tiger)
1999–2015 (Lion)		 2022–present
Manufacturer Great Coasters International Rocky Mountain Construction
Designer Mike Boodley Alan Schilke
Track Wood Steel
Height 105.4 ft or 32.1 m 206 ft or 63 m
Drop 91.8 ft or 28.0 m 206 ft or 63 m
Length 3,508 ft or 1,069 m 4,075 ft or 1,242 m
Speed 51 mph or 82 km/h 76 mph or 122 km/h
Duration 2:30 1:50
Inversions 0 2
Max vertical angle — 91.0°
Trains PTC (1999–2011) GCI (2011–2015) Rocky Mountain Construction

Reception and legacy
The Iron Gwazi lift hill is depicted from the queue line bridge that sits above where the train initially descends into the lift. The purple track significantly appears into the skyline. Parts of the barrel roll downdrop under the lift hill and the exit from the wave turn can be observed.
Lift hill of Iron Gwazi track

Gwazi received generally positive reviews upon its debut. In a St. Petersburg Times report, guest reactions to the roller coaster were positive, with many commenting on its twists and turns, air time, and smoothness.[94] In writing for The Tampa Tribune, Levin Walker noted among guests that Gwazi was praised for its speed and initial drop; some riders commented on the partial rattle typical of wooden roller coasters.[95] An editor for Park World, Paul Ruben, stated that Gwazi had "everything a good coaster should have", adding "it never slows down".[94]

The opening of Gwazi in 1999 coincided with the debuts of several other major roller coasters at Florida theme parks, including Dueling Dragons and The Incredible Hulk Coaster at Universal's Islands of Adventure and the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster at Disney-MGM Studios.[96][97][98] Gwazi was one of several wooden roller coasters that opened in North America during a resurgence of interest in vintage-style attractions.[99] Gwazi opened one month after the steel dueling roller coaster Dueling Dragons.[22][100] Dueling Dragons and Gwazi were frequently compared because of their dueling feature.[101][102][103]

Iron Gwazi garnered positive reviews by critics on its debut. Writing for the Tampa Bay Times, Sharon Kennedy Wynne described it as "glass-smooth" and noted its numerous air time moments.[92] Dewayne Bevil of Orlando Sentinel pointed out Iron Gwazi's anticipation and sustained pacing.[93] American Coaster Enthusiasts members praised the ride's speedy maneuvers, smoothness, and re-ridden ability.[92] Bobbie Butterfield, a writer for Theme Park Insider, stated that from any seat, "Iron Gwazi is a winner", in addition to praising the roller coaster's signature "barrel roll drop" and air time moments.[81]

Awards

Before its closure, Gwazi was occasionally ranked in Amusement Today's annual Golden Ticket Awards. In its debut year, Iron Gwazi received the Golden Ticket Award for Best New Roller Coaster.[104]

Golden Ticket Awards: Top wood Roller Coasters
Year2002200320042005200620072010
Ranking 34 (tie)[105]44 (tie)[106]38[107]43 (tie)[108]46[109]40 (tie)[110]46[111]
Golden Ticket Awards: Top steel Roller Coasters
Year2022
Ranking 4[112]

Incidents
Main article: Incidents at SeaWorld parks

In 2006, a 52-year-old Palm Harbor man collapsed after riding Gwazi. He was rushed to a local hospital where he later died. It was determined that the roller coaster, which was functioning properly, had aggravated his high blood pressure.[113][114]

In 2022, a guest riding Iron Gwazi during its preview hit their hand on a beam, prompting Busch Gardens to remove two beams. The guest refused medical treatment.[67][115]

See also

References
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