Busch Gardens Tampa Tops Off New Dive Coaster

Tampa, FL -- Construction crews at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay fitted and secured into place the highest track portion of the park's new dive coaster, SheiKra, 200-feet above ground, setting the mark as the tallest roller coaster in the state of Florida. Upon fitting the piece into place, a ceremonial evergreen was placed atop the newly secured track segment.

The new piece is the portion of the steel track from which riders will soon experience the first of two 90-degree dives. The first dive from 200 feet is the tallest 90-degree dive for any roller coaster in the world. Following the initial dive, riders will experience an inverted loop called an Immelmann followed by the second 90-degree dive from 138 feet into an underground tunnel.

SheiKra will also incorporate a 360-degree climbing carousel and a water feature, all included on more than 3,188 feet of track.

The coaster is slated to open in May in an all-new themed area that will include a 500-seat smokehouse restaurant and grill.