Newly Renovated Texas Giant Reopens For Six Flags' 50th Anniversary

Arlington, TX – One of the most anticipated new coasters of the year will make its public debut Friday morning at Six Flags Over Texas. After a year long renovation the new Texas Giant will resume its role as the flagship attraction at the Texas theme park. The $10 million upgrade is the centerpiece of Six Flags' 50th anniversary season.

The new Texas Giant opens at Six Flags Over Texas on Friday, April 22.

Texas Giant has been transformed from a wooden coaster into a steel hybrid featuring a state-of-the-art steel track that Six Flags is calling "Iron Horse Coaster Track". 40 to 53-foot lengths of the prefabricated steel I-beam track have been bolted to the ride's original wood structure, replacing the original layered wood track.

Thrill-seekers will experience a faster, smoother ride experience that was previously offered on the original wood coaster.

The new steel track also allowed the park to enhance the coaster with new elements that were not previously possible. The lift hill has been raised 10-feet taller than the original, increasing the ride's speed to 65 miles-per-hour. The new Texas Giant also now has one of the steepest drops in the world at 79-degrees and the world record for the steepest bank at 95-degrees.

Six Flags also replaced the original trains with three new ones that symbolize everything that is great about the Lone Star State.

The new 48-foot long, six-car trains designed by Gerstlauer pay homage to the popular 1961 Cadillac Deville. The details can be found in the body of the car, the grill, headlights and even the taillights. Each train is also equipped with a "cattle horn" and custom designed saddle seats with individual lap bar restraints and sports its own color scheme – aqua metallic, black metallic or red metallic.

The park is hoping the $10-million renovation will restore the Texas Giant's reputation as being one of the top rated coasters in the world.

Six Flags Over Texas is now open weekends through May 15 and daily starting May 18. Season passes valid for the entire 2011 season are now on sale for $59.99 each when you buy four or more. Visit sixflags.com now to purchase your pass or tickets.