Work on Busch Gardens’ newest roller coaster continues as the builders installed the last piece of its 3,300-foot track Wednesday.
In a tweet from Busch Gardens, the entertainment park announced the last piece of track was added to its newest record-breaking roller coaster, Pantheon.
The coaster has been in the works since July 2019 and is expected to be available for riders in spring of this year.
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The ride is featured in the Festa Italia Village where animal pastures were reconfigured to accommodate the park’s ninth roller coaster.
Pantheon will reach speeds up to 72.5 mph with a 95-degree drop and heights up to 180 feet with four launches.
Launch speeds include:
- Launch one: 36 mph
- Launch two: 50 mph
- Launch two backward: 61 mph
- Launch three: 67 mph
The ride also features a unique “switch track” that has only been used once in rides in China and at Universal Studios in Florida. A switch track means that at one point the track will automatically move laterally and switch from a banked element to a straight element in a matter of two seconds.
“Pantheon is going to be non-stop action for riders. We’ve designed it so that the experience is changing all the time and will keep riders wondering what’s next,” said Larry Giles, senior director of design and engineering, in a previous interview.
As North America’s fastest multi-launch coaster, it’s expected to draw in adrenaline enthusiasts, including those from the group Busch Gardens Williamsburg Fans, which has been updating their Twitter and website with information on the ride.
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The ride will feature two trains with 20 passengers per train and each special feature on the ride is themed with “the might” of five Roman gods: Pluto, Mercury, Neptune, Jupiter and Minerva.
Stay up to date on Pantheon and Busch Gardens Williamsburg by following them on social media or by clicking here.
