Iron Gwazi hybrid coaster to open in 2020 at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay

One of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s most iconic roller coasters is evolving – Iron Gwazi, North America’s tallest, and the fastest and steepest hybrid coaster in the world, is set to open in spring 2020.

The coaster will be manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction and will be 206 feet tall with a 91-degree drop, reaching top speeds of 76 miles per hour. The roller coaster will feature three inversions and 12 airtime hills as it travels along more than 4,075 feet of purple steel track. The height requirement will be 48 inches, meaning that families can experience this thrill ride together.

“Iron Gwazi is the evolution of a classic wooden coaster into a modern icon,” said Stewart Clark, park president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. “From the bones of the original Gwazi, a new legend rises, reaching taller heights and faster speeds, delivering the next-level thrills that our coaster fans crave and expect from Busch Gardens.”

This new hybrid coaster will have elements of the former wooden coaster integrated into it, though the steel track and reimagined layout will offer an entirely new experience. The crocodile, known for adapting and thriving over millions of years, is the animal inspiration for Iron Gwazi.

Iron Gwazi will open at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in spring 2020. To learn more, visit BuschGardens.com/Tampa.