The Raging Bull roller coaster at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee is set to reopen on Friday after a temporary closure for a complete repaint. Park officials confirmed the popular attraction's return following a "major refresh" that began in August.
Key Takeaways
- Raging Bull roller coaster reopens Friday, October 6, 2024.
- The ride was closed on August 18 for a full repaint.
- Its return coincides with the park's Fright Fest event.
- Raging Bull is 20 stories high and opened in 1999.
Raging Bull Undergoes Major Refresh
Six Flags Great America announced the reopening of its Raging Bull roller coaster. The attraction had been closed since August 18 for a significant renovation. This included a complete repaint of the ride's structure.
Initially, park officials did not provide a specific reopening date. They stated that the timeline depended on weather conditions. However, a recent announcement confirmed the ride would welcome guests again on Friday.
"On October 3, he asked me what day it was. It’s October 3—when Raging Bull reopens," the park posted, adding, "See you Friday!"
The Raging Bull first opened to the public in 1999. It stands an impressive 20 stories high, making it a prominent feature in the park's Southwest Territory area.
Fast Fact: Raging Bull Statistics
- Height: 20 stories (approximately 200 feet)
- Opening Year: 1999
- Location: Southwest Territory, Six Flags Great America
- Type: Hypercoaster
Fright Fest Continues at Six Flags
The reopening of Raging Bull coincides with Six Flags Great America's annual Fright Fest event. Fright Fest began on September 13 and is scheduled to run on select nights until November 2. This Halloween-themed event transforms the park into a spooky experience for visitors.
Park announcements describe Fright Fest as offering "terrifying haunted mazes, sinister scare zones, exhilarating live shows, and specialty food & drink." The park aims to create an immersive Halloween celebration.
According to Six Flags, the park has been "fully transformed for a terrifying Halloween celebration, where nothing is as it screams. Horrors lurk in foggy corners, and haunts await your presence." This suggests a detailed effort to enhance the spooky atmosphere.
Fright Fest Attractions and Warnings
Guests can explore various attractions during Fright Fest. These include "spine-tingling chills" in ambient Scare Zones. For those looking for a break from scares, scary-themed live shows are also available. Additionally, the event features "pay-to-panic Haunted Mazes" for visitors seeking intense frights.
Context: What is Fright Fest?
Fright Fest is a seasonal Halloween event held at many Six Flags parks across North America. It typically features haunted houses, scare zones with actors, themed entertainment, and extended operating hours, often allowing guests to experience rides in the dark.
Six Flags Great America also highlights its newest ride, the Wrath of Rakshasa, as an attraction that is "even scarier after dark!" The Wrath of Rakshasa is a dive coaster that opened on May 31. This new coaster was initially announced in August 2023.
The park advises that Fright Fest is an "intensely scary" Halloween event. It is not recommended for children younger than 13 after 6 p.m. This recommendation helps ensure a suitable experience for all guests.
The Wrath of Rakshasa: A New Thrill
The Wrath of Rakshasa represents the park's latest addition to its coaster lineup. This dive coaster stands 180 feet tall. It features a unique element where it pauses at the peak before a dramatic drop.
The drop itself is 171 feet and is described as a "beyond-vertical 96 degrees." This angle creates a sensation that "feels like a descent into the abyss." The ride also includes five inversions, where riders go upside down.
Riders on the Wrath of Rakshasa can reach speeds of nearly 67 miles per hour. The coaster track spans 3,239 feet of steel. Its design emphasizes both height and speed, offering a distinct experience for thrill-seekers.
The addition of the Wrath of Rakshasa, combined with the refreshed Raging Bull, provides guests with an updated array of attractions. These updates are particularly timely for the Fright Fest season, enhancing the overall park experience.
Wrath of Rakshasa Key Features
- Height: 180 feet
- Drop Height: 171 feet
- Drop Angle: 96 degrees (beyond vertical)
- Inversions: 5
- Top Speed: Approximately 67 mph
- Track Length: 3,239 feet
- Opening Date: May 31, 2024
The park's continuous investment in ride maintenance and new attractions aims to keep its offerings fresh and appealing to a wide range of visitors, from families enjoying daytime activities to thrill-seekers attending evening events like Fright Fest.
