Skyrush, a groundbreaking wing coaster at Hersheypark, was built in 2012. This thrilling attraction stands 200 feet tall, reaches speeds of 75 mph, and features unique winged outer seats. The construction of Skyrush began after its proposal in August 2010, with the official announcement made on August 2, 2011. The coaster was completed and opened to the public on May 26, 2012, marking a significant addition to Hersheypark’s impressive lineup of rides.
When Did the Idea for Skyrush First Emerge?
The concept of Skyrush was first proposed on August 17, 2010. This marked the beginning of an exciting journey for Hersheypark to bring a revolutionary coaster experience to its visitors. The park’s management recognized the need for a cutting-edge attraction that would set Hersheypark apart from other amusement parks.
How Long Did It Take to Build Skyrush?
The construction of Skyrush took approximately 9 months. Here’s a breakdown of the timeline:
- Proposal: August 17, 2010
- Official Announcement: August 2, 2011
- Construction Start: Late 2011
- Completion and Opening: May 26, 2012
This rapid construction timeline is a testament to the efficiency and dedication of the teams involved in bringing Skyrush to life.
What Makes Skyrush Unique in Hersheypark’s History?
Skyrush stands out in Hersheypark’s history for several reasons:
- First-of-its-kind wing coaster
- Tallest coaster in the park at 200 feet
- Fastest coaster in the park, reaching speeds of 75 mph
- Unique winged outer seats
These features made Skyrush a game-changer not only for Hersheypark but for the entire amusement park industry.
How Does Skyrush Compare to Other Coasters Built in 2012?
2012 was a significant year for roller coaster enthusiasts. Let’s compare Skyrush to some other notable coasters that opened that year:
| Coaster | Park | Height | Speed | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Skyrush | Hersheypark | 200 ft | 75 mph | Wing Coaster |
| X-Flight | Six Flags Great America | 120 ft | 55 mph | Wing Coaster |
| Leviathan | Canada’s Wonderland | 306 ft | 92 mph | Giga Coaster |
| Verbolten | Busch Gardens Williamsburg | 88 ft | 53 mph | Launched Coaster |
As we can see, Skyrush held its own against other major coaster openings in 2012, offering a unique combination of height, speed, and ride experience.
What Engineering Challenges Were Faced in Building Skyrush?
The construction of Skyrush presented several engineering challenges:
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Foundation Depth: The supports for Skyrush had to be drilled 120 feet into the ground, matching the height of the tallest drop on another Hersheypark coaster, Fahrenheit.
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Wing Coaster Design: As one of the first wing coasters in the world, engineers had to innovate to create the unique winged outer seats.
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Speed and Force Management: Designing a coaster to safely reach speeds of 75 mph while providing an intense but comfortable ride experience required careful calculations and testing.
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Integration with Existing Park Layout: Fitting a 200-foot tall coaster into the existing Hersheypark landscape required creative planning and design.
How Has Skyrush Evolved Since Its 2012 Opening?
Since its debut in 2012, Skyrush has undergone several changes and improvements:
- Refurbishment: After 12 years of operation, Skyrush underwent a significant refurbishment to enhance the riding experience.
- Maintenance Upgrades: Regular maintenance and upgrades have been performed to ensure the coaster continues to operate safely and smoothly.
- Queue Line Improvements: The waiting area has been enhanced to improve guest comfort and manage crowd flow more efficiently.
- Theming Enhancements: Additional theming elements have been added around the coaster to enhance the overall experience.
What Impact Has Skyrush Had on Hersheypark’s Popularity?
The addition of Skyrush in 2012 had a significant impact on Hersheypark’s popularity:
- Increased Attendance: The unique nature of Skyrush attracted coaster enthusiasts from around the world, boosting park attendance.
- Media Attention: The coaster’s innovative design garnered significant media coverage, raising Hersheypark’s profile.
- Awards and Recognition: Skyrush has won several awards and has been consistently ranked among the top steel coasters in the world.
- Competitive Edge: The addition of Skyrush helped Hersheypark compete with other major amusement parks in the region.
What Are the Key Statistics of Skyrush?
Here’s a quick overview of Skyrush’s key statistics:
- Height: 200 feet
- Speed: 75 mph
- Track Length: 3,600 feet
- Duration: 63 seconds
- Inversions: 0
- High-Speed Turns: 4
- Zero-G Airtime Hills: 5
These statistics highlight why Skyrush has become such a beloved and thrilling attraction at Hersheypark.
How Does Skyrush Fit into Hersheypark’s Overall Coaster Lineup?
Skyrush plays a crucial role in Hersheypark’s diverse coaster lineup:
- It serves as the park’s tallest and fastest coaster, providing a flagship thrill experience.
- Its unique wing coaster design complements the park’s other coaster types, offering visitors a varied riding experience.
- Skyrush’s location near other popular attractions creates an exciting ‘thrill zone’ within the park.
- The coaster’s impressive statistics and unique features make it a key marketing point for Hersheypark.
In conclusion, Skyrush, built in 2012, has become an integral part of Hersheypark’s identity. Its innovative design, thrilling statistics, and ongoing improvements continue to make it a must-ride attraction for coaster enthusiasts and casual park-goers alike. As Hersheypark looks to the future, Skyrush stands as a testament to the park’s commitment to providing cutting-edge, world-class attractions.
References:
1. The History of Coasters at Hersheypark – Hershey, PA Stories
2. Skyrush Refurbishment: How we enhanced a beloved Experience – Intamin
3. Skyrush: Ride the Edge – Roller Coasters America – PSU Sites