American theme park Busch Gardens Tampa, in Tampa Bay Florida – an hour’s drive from central Orlando – has kicked off construction for its brand new thrill coaster, set to open in 2011. Project 2011, as it is commonly codenamed, will be the park’s first major rollercoaster since B&M Dive Machine SheiKra, which opened in early 2005.
February 2010 brought initial speculation of the ride’s revelation when numerous survey markers were spotted around a vast area of the park; around the Edge of Africa attraction and near the Nairobi-themed section. Early rumours suggested the ride’s theme will be that of a cheetah’s speed and instinct, as justified by the new cheetah enclosure being built on-park currently.
Plans for P-2011 were then released at the end of March, showing a colossally sized ride footprint, and indicated the coaster will have three launch sections and will run close to the ground – further hinting the ride’s theme will be speed. It is also thought universally-raved Maverick at Cedar Point, Ohio, is Project 2011’s inspiration, and that the ride will perfectly add to the park’s already incredible coaster lineup.
Construction for the ride is said to have started in the past week, so watch this space for updates on BGT’s exciting 2011 development!
