Six Flags America to Close Apocalypse Stand-Up Coaster

Six Flags America today announced that Apocalypse, the park’s stand-up roller coaster, will close in September of 2018.

Apocalypse at Six Flags America closing

The somewhat unexpected announcement comes only six years after Apocalypse: “The Last Stand” roller coaster opened at Six Flags America.

The 100-foot-tall Bolliger & Mabillard stand-up coaster features a 90-foot drop and reaches a top speed of 55 mph.

The 2,900 feet of track includes two inversions: a vertical loop and a corkscrew. Its two trains each seat (or stand) 28 riders.

Apocalypse first opened as Iron Wolf at Six Flags Great America in 1990. It was notable for being coaster manufacturer and designer Bolliger & Mabillard’s first roller coaster.

For a brief time after its opening in 1990, Iron Wolf was the tallest (100 feet) and fastest (55 mph) standup coaster in the world. Iron Wolf’s last day of operation was September 5, 2011. It was soon disassembled and shipped to Six Flags America.

Six Flags America park president Rick Howarth issued a statement about Apocalypse’s forthcoming closure:

“Our wheels are always turning when it comes to new and innovative thrills and attractions to bring to the park. The end is near but saying good-bye to Apocalypse will allow us to bring an all-new thrilling experience to our guests in 2019.”

The stand-up coaster’s reincarnation at Six Flags America was unique for a Six Flags park in that it was themed rather extensively with set pieces such as a plane crash, fiery explosions and “macabre” zombies.

Since it opened in 2012, Apocalypse has given more than 1.6 million rides (that’s roughly 267,000 per year).

Your last chance to ride Apocalypse: The Last Stand will be on Saturday, September 8, 2018. American Coaster Enthusiast members along with Gold Plus, Platinum, Diamond and Diamond Elite Six Flags members will be offered special ride times. More information is available on the park’s website.

What do you think Six Flags America is planning for 2019? Do you think this is the last we will see of this stand-up coaster? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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