Record Breaking Hybrid Coaster Replacing Gwazi At Busch Gardens Tampa

Celebrating six decades of unforgettable experiences, Busch Gardens Tampa shared even more exciting news with us during the 60^th Anniversary Celebration Kickoff this evening. In addition to debuting a new menu for the 2019 Food & Wine Festival and the launch of the all-new Pin Trading program, the park revealed more details for upcoming attractions including Tigris, Florida’s tallest launch coaster, and a new hybrid coaster coming in 2020.

Opening on March 16, the Food & Wine Festival returns with an exciting new menu, featuring more than 35 dishes inspired by regional cuisine around the country. Guests can sample over 100 wines, craft brews and specialty cocktails while enjoying world-class concerts of all tastes, including Daughtry, Justin Moore, El Gran Combo, Boyz II Men, Foreigner and more! The park recently announced a NEW performance for Stone Temple Pilots on Saturday, April 6.

Also as part of the park’s 60^th Anniversary, Busch Gardens launches a NEW Pin Trading program today. With more than 150 pins now available in the park, guests can begin collecting and trading the pocket-sized souvenirs. From fan-favorite animals, attractions, and events to exclusive collections not sold in stores, guests can trade pins with employees as they explore the park.

Beer lovers, rejoice because FREE BEER IS BACK!! New beginnings come from old traditions, so that means complimentary beer all summer long! in addition to free beer, is the the all-new Busch Garden’s Brew Club – which features craft brews, light snacks and available Brew Club memberships. Brew Club memberships include a personal 20oz. stein, stein storage and discounted refills from more than 20 on tap brews all year long! More details in the video below.

Excitement is building with the eagerly anticipated spring opening of Tigris, Florida’s tallest launch coaster. With the recent arrival of the ride vehicles, testing for the new attraction will begin soon to prepare for opening day this spring.

“We’re moving quickly to open our ninth roller coaster, Tigris, with a tenth coaster already underway for next year,” said Stewart Clark, President of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island. “This cadence of back-to-back new attractions is unprecedented for our park, and continues our legacy as Florida’s thrill ride leader.”

The orange glowing track for Tigris is officially complete!

Construction is moving along very fast as you can see in the video below.

The buzz continues with more history in the making at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, as construction begins on a NEW hybrid coaster arriving in 2020. When it opens next year, the new ride replacing Gwazi will become North America’s Tallest Hybrid, AND the Fastest, Steepest Hybrid coaster in the world!

Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, the newest addition at Busch Gardens will be a wood and steel hybrid coaster design, featuring a maximum height of more than 200 feet tall. The ride will feature all-new thrill elements, as well as restored elements of Gwazi.

Just to get a feel for how massive this project is, here’s a look a Gwazi in all its former glory.

Coaster enthusiasts can follow the progress of Tigris and the new 2020 attraction through our social media channels and also by using the hashtags #TakeOnTigris and #2020Rising.

Below is today’s 2020 media announcement video featuring 60 years of Busch.