When the Alabama Adventure theme park changed to a “waterpark-only” operation in 2011, the future of the park’s signature Rampage wooden coaster was uncertain.
Rampage originally opened in 1998. It stands 120 feet tall and reaches a top speed of 56 mph as it maneuvers its 3,500-foot course.
The chances of the wooden coaster being sold and relocated were slim. So it seemed that all hope was lost for the Alabama coaster.
That is until the Koch (Holiday World) family bought the waterpark earlier this year. With that change in ownership and direction, there was a glimmer of hope that the Custom Coasters International wooden coaster would run again.
Photo © ACE Southeast
And run again it did, for members of American Coaster Enthusiasts during their “Rip Roaring Rampage” event Saturday night, October 25, 2014.
Photo © Splash Adventure
The park was preparing for the event earlier this month and shared the above photo of the new train in place.
Photo © Splash Adventure
Even Mrs. Koch took a seat in the new Rampage car.
Photo © Splash Adventure
But the reopening involved more than a new train. The Rampage overhaul also included sections of track that were reworked over the summer. Over $1 million was invested in the refurbishment.
The Kochs plan to open Rampage to all when the park reopens in 2015. For the latest updates, visit the park’s website.
Were you one of the lucky few to ride Rampage over the weekend? Let us know what you thought of the coaster in the comments section below.
Recent Discussion