Six Flags Great America, B&M join forces once again with 'Wrath'

AT: Tim Baldwin

tbaldwin@amusementtoday.com

GURNEE, Ill. — Some partnerships go way back. When Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) branched out on its own, Six Flags Great America stepped up as the first customer. Iron Wolf, a standup coaster, debuted in 1990. Thirty-five years later, the pair are still collaborating on wild thrills.

Just shortly after Iron Wolf, the first B&M inverted coaster debuted at the park in 1992. Again, Six Flags took a chance on a new style of ride. Batman The Ride was such a revolutionary hit, the genre became a global industry sensation. In fact, Batman The Ride was so groundbreaking, it was the youngest attraction ever to receive the designation as an ACE Roller Coaster Landmark (rides designated for their historical significance) from American Coaster Enthusiasts.

This spring, Wrath of Rakshasa brings the total number of B&M coasters operating at Great America to five, tying the record for most at one park. With the retirement of the original installation from 1990, it is clear that the partnership has been a good one.

“It’s been an incredible honor to continue the legacy our park has built with B&M with the addition of Wrath of Rakshasa,” said John Krajnak, regional general manager. “This marks the sixth collaboration with them, and each has been a testament to their unmatched professionalism and innovation. We’re extremely proud of how this coaster turned out. It’s a stunning addition to our lineup and a powerful new chapter in the long-standing story between Six Flags Great America and B&M.”

Opening on May 31, the new dive coaster breaks records for the genre. One of them is inversions. Other models (of the 18 built by B&M), might see taller heights or longer lengths, but Wrath of Rakshasa is the first to pump adrenaline with five upside-down elements: an Immelmann, dive loop, zero-G roll, corkscrew and barrel roll. All this happens without a block brake, making it a nonstop rush for riders without a chance to catch their breath.

The thriller also boasts the steepest drop on a B&M dive coaster: 96 degrees. After pausing at the precipice in the genre’s signature move — a hold for three seconds, staring straight down — trains dive beyond the line of sight in a steeper-than-vertical plunge of 171 feet.

The ride is situated across from the Arrow multi-looper, Demon. Both are positioned in the County Fair section of the park. While it may seem an odd fit to the area, the entrance has carnival-style posters that entice onlookers to see the rakshasa. Despite the quirky tie-in, the park gets major kudos on an original name. Statues, props and signage in the queue note that rakshasas are a mythological race of malevolent demons — perfect for a white-knuckle, pulse-pounding roller coaster.

“The park team played a major role in developing the name and theme for the ride,” conveyed Rachel Kendziora, regional area manager, social media. “From the beginning, we wanted something bold and original that would stand out while also tying into the dark, rich history of our fan-favorite coaster, Demon. The name ‘Wrath of Rakshasa’ captures that perfectly — it’s mysterious, powerful and rooted in ancient mythology. The storyline and theming take guests into a dark, myth-inspired world where they come face-to-face with the wrath of the Rakshasa, literally!”

The ride is situated on a plot of land where multiple rides have been, going back to the park’s original triple-arm Ferris wheel.

“We’re always looking ahead and evaluating which areas of the park offer the best opportunities for new attractions,” Krajnak told Amusement Today. “This particular location stood out — not only did it align with our plans for future growth, but placing it near Demon allowed us to create an exciting connection between two bold, high-energy coasters. It’s a strategic use of space that enhances both the guest experience and the storytelling.”

Riders are positioned in three rows on each train, with each row seating seven, making for a total ridership of 21 per circuit.

“For me, nothing beats sitting in the middle of the front row as you experience that beyond-vertical drop,” Kendziora beamed. “It’s a thrilling pause that really makes you catch your breath and think, ‘What am I doing here?!’ What makes it even more unique is the incredible view of the park’s skyline — something we’ve never seen before. Since the coaster is positioned right in the heart of the park, it offers a perspective that’s completely unique. It’s truly breathtaking.”

The park now boasts 16 roller coasters. Standing at 180 feet tall, Wrath of Rakshasa is the second tallest roller coaster at the park