Busch Gardens Williamsburg has announced a new roller coaster. Pantheon will be the fastest multi-launch coaster in North America when it opens in 2020.
The record-breaking coaster boasts four launches, top speeds of 72.5 mph, forward and backward launches, two inversions, and a 95-degree drop. It will be supplied by Intamin.
Located in the Festa Italia area, the new attraction is themed to five Roman gods – Jupiter, Mercury, Minerva, Neptune, and Pluto.
“Pantheon is going to be non-stop action for riders,” said Larry Giles, Senior Director, Design & Engineering. “We’ve designed it so that the experience is changing all the time and will keep riders wondering what’s next.”
Pantheon roller coaster has top speed of 72.5 mph
“Multiple launches, speed changes, a sharp drop and backwards acceleration are just a few of Pantheon’s one-of-a kind traits.”
Busch Gardens Williamsburg Pantheon stats
- 95-degree drop
- Two inversions
- Four launches
- Launch 1 speed of 36 mph
- Launch 2 speed of 50 mph
- Launch 2 speed (backward) of 61 mph
- Launch 3 speed of 67 mph
- Track length – 3,328 feet
- Maximum speed – 72.5 mph
- Maximum height – 180 feet
- Ride duration – 2 minutes
- Seats/train – 2 trains, 20 riders per train
“Pantheon is going to be non-stop action for riders”
“Busch Gardens has a history of opening new attractions to thrill guests with exceptional experiences,” said Robert Ulrich, President of American Coaster Enthusiasts.
Pantheon’s arrival in 2020 will mark the fourth consecutive year of new attractions at Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and follows the opening of Finnegan’s Flyer in 2019 – the first ‘Screamin’ Swing’ in Virginia.
Earlier this year, sister park SeaWorld Orlando released a teaser video for a new roller coaster for 2020, promising “plunging thrills” and “predatory heights”.
Images: Busch Gardens Williamsburg
