TAMPA, Fla. — Iron Gwazi, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s new record-breaking roller coaster, will open to the public March 11, the theme park announced Thursday. 


What You Need To Know

  •  Iron Gwazi to offiicially open to the public March 11

  •  The coaster will be the tallest hybrid coaster in North America and the steepest in the world

  • Busch Gardens' record-breaking coaster was originally set to debut in 2020

The coaster was one of many SeaWorld attractions originally set to debut in 2020 but delayed because of the pandemic.

It’s an attraction that thrill seekers have been eagerly awaiting. 

“The incredible anticipation for Iron Gwazi is shared by our guests and Ambassadors, and we are beyond excited to open this amazing coaster,” Busch Gardens park president Neal Thurman said in a statement. “Iron Gwazi diversifies our thrill ride portfolio and is an impressive addition to the Tampa skyline.”

Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, the wooden, steel hybrid coaster will be the fastest of its kind in North America and steepest of its kind in the world. 

Iron Gwazi will reach speeds of up to 76 mph and feature dozens of airtime moments and three inversions. Riders will also be sent up a 206-foot-tall peak before dropping at a 91-degree angle. 

Although Iron Gwazi opens to the public in March, pass members will be among the first to experience it, Busch Gardens said. Starting Feb. 11, pass members will be given exclusive access to the coaster on select dates.

Iron Gwazi will open after SeaWorld Orlando’s Ice Breaker coaster makes its debut on Feb. 18.