SANTA CLARA, Calif. — California’s Great America (CGA) will introduce Patriot, the first floorless roller coaster in the park’s 41-year history, for the 2017 season.

Patriot will emerge from a technical makeover of Vortex, which opened at the park in 1991, was designed by Werner Stengel and manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard of Monthey, Switzerland.

Patriot will carry riders in a seated position, legs dangling free, to the top of a 91-foot-high lift before sending them into a 360-degree loop at 45 mph.

“With the track visible beneath their feet, Patriot will create unique and exciting new perspectives throughout the ride,” said Raul Rehnborg, CGA’s vice president and general manager.

The theme of the coaster was inspired by both the ride’s position adjacent to the park’s All American Corners section and the name of the park itself. The stand-up-to-floorless transition will include new blue-and-white trains.

Guests can take their final rides on Vortex on Sept. 5., after which it will be closed in preparation for its remaking into Patriot.

CGA’s 2016 season continues weekends through Oct. 30, with Halloween Haunt running Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 24-Oct. 30.

Making its debut at CGA this year, WinterFest takes center stage Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 25-Dec. 30, with daily operation Dec. 19-23 and 26-30. —Dean Lamanna

• «Previous Post
• Next Post »

---