Kennywood's Steel Curtain Set to Reopen for Memorial Day Weekend
Kennywood amusement park is gearing up for the return of its Steel Curtain roller coaster, which has been out of service for a year. The highly anticipated reopening coincides with Memorial Day weekend, promising thrills for coaster enthusiasts.
On Thursday, a select group of coaster fans experienced preview rides as the first cars ascended the towering track, reaching speeds that rival those of NFL star Fast Willie Parker. "Yeah, it was pretty fast. It was pretty scary," remarked Tim Buck, an avid coaster enthusiast.
The downtime was utilized to enhance the Steel Curtain's structural integrity and rider experience. Despite the hiatus, park officials are confident in its impressive credentials, already dubbing it a Hall of Fame contender.
Lynsey Winters from Kennywood highlighted the coaster's record-breaking achievements: "It holds the title for the highest inversion in Pennsylvania, the highest inversion in North America, the tallest roller coaster in Pennsylvania, and boasts the most inversions in North America."
Bill Linkenheimer, representing the American Coaster Enthusiasts of Western Pennsylvania, shared his insights on the Steel Curtain. "Of all the steel coasters I've ridden all over the world, I can honestly say there is none like this one," he stated, drawing from his extensive experience.
With nearly 1,100 roller coasters under his belt, Linkenheimer is well-versed in what defines a thrilling ride. He enthusiastically detailed the Steel Curtain's specifications: "To have 4,000 feet of track, nine inversions, and a height of 220 feet—all within a compact footprint where the track is literally on top of itself—is unique."
Tim Buck traveled from Muncy, Pennsylvania, eager to experience the ride again. With 200 coasters logged on his resume, he expressed excitement about the initial dive loop leading into the drop. "My favorite part was the dive loop at the beginning, down to the drop," he said.
This Saturday, May 24, at 11:30 a.m., the Steel Curtain will officially reopen to the public, ready to deliver exhilarating rides to all who dare to board.
Ross Guidotti, a Pittsburgh native and Point Park graduate, has been with KDKA since 2001 as a general assignment reporter.
