The Great Bear at Hershey Park was built in 1997-1998. Construction began in mid-November 1997, with excavation and concrete foundation work completed by December. Track work started in December 1997 and was largely finished by March 1998. The roller coaster opened to the public on May 23, 1998, during Hersheypark’s 92nd operating season. This $13 million project was the largest sum ever spent on a single attraction at Hersheypark at that time.
What Led to the Construction of the Great Bear?
The decision to build the Great Bear was part of Hersheypark’s ongoing efforts to expand and modernize its attractions. In the late 1990s, inverted roller coasters were becoming increasingly popular, and Hersheypark wanted to stay competitive in the amusement park industry. The park’s management recognized the need for a thrilling, state-of-the-art coaster that would attract more visitors and provide a unique experience.
How Long Did It Take to Build the Great Bear?
The construction of the Great Bear was a relatively quick process, taking approximately six months from start to finish:
- Announcement: August 19, 1997
- Construction start: Mid-November 1997
- Excavation and foundation work: Completed by December 1997
- Track work: December 1997 – March 1998
- Opening date: May 23, 1998
This efficient timeline allowed Hersheypark to debut the new attraction for the 1998 summer season, maximizing its impact on park attendance and revenue.
What Were the Key Milestones in the Great Bear’s Construction?
The construction of the Great Bear involved several key milestones:
- Project announcement (August 1997)
- Site preparation and excavation (November 1997)
- Foundation work (November-December 1997)
- Track fabrication and delivery
- Track installation (December 1997-March 1998)
- Installation of mechanical and electrical systems
- Testing and safety inspections
- Employee training
- Grand opening (May 23, 1998)
Each of these steps was crucial in ensuring the timely completion and safe operation of the new roller coaster.
What Makes the Great Bear Unique Among Hersheypark Attractions?
The Great Bear stands out among Hersheypark’s attractions for several reasons:
- First inverted looping coaster in Pennsylvania
- Largest single investment ($13 million) in a Hersheypark attraction at the time
- Innovative design that integrates with existing rides and landscape
- Four inversions, including a vertical loop, immelmann, zero-g roll, and corkscrew
- Utilizes terrain to enhance the ride experience
- Passes over Spring Creek, adding a scenic element to the thrill
These features combined to create a truly unique and exciting experience for park visitors.
How Did the Great Bear Impact Hersheypark’s Popularity?
The addition of the Great Bear had a significant impact on Hersheypark’s popularity:
- Attracted an average of 1.2 million riders annually in its first five seasons
- Helped distribute guest traffic more evenly throughout the park
- Increased overall park attendance and revenue
- Enhanced Hersheypark’s reputation as a destination for thrill-seekers
- Won a Brass Ring Award for its marketing campaign, increasing visibility
The success of the Great Bear demonstrated the value of investing in cutting-edge attractions and set a new standard for future developments at Hersheypark.
What Are the Technical Specifications of the Great Bear?
Here’s a detailed breakdown of the Great Bear’s specifications:
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | Steel – Inverted |
| Manufacturer | Bolliger & Mabillard |
| Designer | Ing.-Büro Stengel GmbH (Werner Stengel) |
| Height | 90 feet (27 meters) |
| Drop | 124 feet (38 meters) |
| Length | 2,800 feet (850 meters) |
| Speed | 58 mph (93 km/h) |
| Inversions | 4 |
| Duration | 2 minutes and 55 seconds |
| Riders per train | 32 |
| Hourly capacity | 1,300 |
| Lift system | Chain lift hill |
These specifications highlight the Great Bear’s impressive engineering and capacity to provide thrills for a large number of visitors.
How Has the Great Bear Evolved Since Its Opening?
Since its opening in 1998, the Great Bear has remained a popular attraction at Hersheypark. While the fundamental structure and ride experience have remained the same, there have been some changes and updates:
- Regular maintenance and safety upgrades
- Repainting and cosmetic improvements
- Integration with newer attractions in the surrounding area
- Updated queue line and boarding procedures
- Enhanced theming and storytelling elements
These ongoing improvements have helped keep the Great Bear relevant and exciting for new generations of park visitors.
What Safety Features Were Incorporated into the Great Bear’s Design?
Safety was a top priority in the design and construction of the Great Bear. Some key safety features include:
- Over-the-shoulder restraints for each rider
- Redundant locking mechanisms on restraints
- Multiple sensors to ensure proper restraint closure
- Netting placed below portions of the track to catch dropped objects
- Regular inspections and maintenance protocols
- Trained operators and safety personnel
- Emergency stop systems
- Weather monitoring systems for safe operation
These features work together to provide a safe yet thrilling experience for riders.
How Does the Great Bear Compare to Other Roller Coasters of Its Era?
When the Great Bear opened in 1998, it was at the forefront of roller coaster technology. Here’s how it compared to other coasters of its time:
- One of the early inverted coasters in the United States
- Among the tallest and fastest inverted coasters when it opened
- Unique layout that integrated with existing park attractions
- Comparable to other B&M inverted coasters like Alpengeist at Busch Gardens Williamsburg
- More inversions than many contemporary steel coasters
- Utilized modern computer-aided design for a smoother ride experience
While newer coasters have since surpassed the Great Bear in height and speed, it remains a beloved and thrilling attraction at Hersheypark.
In conclusion, the Great Bear at Hershey Park was built between 1997 and 1998, opening to the public on May 23, 1998. Its construction marked a significant milestone in Hersheypark’s history, introducing the first inverted looping coaster in Pennsylvania and setting new standards for thrill rides in the park. The Great Bear’s enduring popularity is a testament to its innovative design and the foresight of Hersheypark’s management in investing in cutting-edge attractions.
References:
1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Bear_(roller_coaster)
2. https://www.hersheypa.com/about-hershey/history/hersheypark-history.php
3. https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Great_Bear