Silver Dollar City promised us a “historic announcement,” and now we’ve got it. In a live stream today, the park announced that Fire in the Hole will be celebrating its “Grand Finale” during the 2023 season.
“Born from an Ozarks’ legend that became legendary, a rider that inspires riders for generations,” the live stream began. “After more than 50 years, this year, the world’s most historic indoor coaster becomes history.”
This is history. Join us for the Grand Finale of Fire In The Hole. Beginning March 11. pic.twitter.com/cEHt5ouOYd
— Silver Dollar City (@SDCAttractions) February 13, 2023
During the live stream, we heard from a maintenance supervisor and “PIC” – person in charge – for the attraction, who recounted memories they had from years of working on the attraction.
The park’s website now features a note on the ride’s “Grand Finale.”
“Calling all riders, park fans and fanatics and Fire In The Hole aficionados…THE WORLD’S MOST HISTORIC INDOOR ROLLER COASTER will take its final rides through the iconic burning town of Marmaros during the 2023 season. It’s your last chance to squeal in delight as you plummet through the darkness and scream “FIRE—IN—THE—HOLE!”
Built half-a-century ago, the legendary coaster has ushered over 25 million guests onboard and now is the time to add yourself and your loved ones into the final count of riders. “Today’s riders include grandparents who remember riding when they were kids and now they share the fun with their grandkids!” said Brad Thomas, president of Silver Dollar City. And, this year we are asking you to come share in the fun so that you can say you were a part of Fire In The Hole’s history.
With fire brigade-like trains that call to volunteers to join in the twisting and turning journey catching the bad guys and saving the citizens, the ride’s storyline is based on the real-life town of Marmaros that was set ablaze by the infamous gang of Baldknobbers. Onboard you’ll meet townsfolk like Red Flanders’ wearing only his signature red long johns at the hotel or the tavern owner making a hasty getaway out the swinging front doors. And, along the way you’ll catch glimpses of the notorious Baldknobbers causing all the trouble. Not to mention, traveling over the burning Kinney Bridge or nearly getting hit by the train coming down the tracks before dropping through a splash down all in an effort to extinguish the flames!”
Fire in the Hole opened at Silver Dollar City in 1972, and is considered to be one of the earliest dark ride/coaster hybrids. Inside the 3-story building, you’ll find 1,520′ of track, including a 20′ tall drop in the dark. Riders travel at a top speed of 27 mph.
Guests are encouraged to visit Silver Dollar City this season to ride Fire in the Hole for the final time.
This post will be updated as more information becomes available.
I wonder if this decision means anything for Blazing Fury at Dollywood, since it’s basically the same ride.