Great America Introduces Patriot Floorless Coaster For 2017

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Aug 18, 2016, 10:18 ET

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Aug. 18, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today California's Great America announced that for the 2017 season, it will introduce Patriot, the first floorless coaster in the park's 41-year history. Patriot will emerge from the soon to be retired Vortex coaster, the oldest stand up roller coaster in the United States.

Patriot will take riders to a 91-foot height before plummeting them into a 360-degree loop at 45 miles per hour. Patriot's position in the park makes it a dynamic visual from three different sections of Great America.

Patriot, Great America's new floorless coaster for 2017, beautifully frames Gold Striker and Star Tower.

A rendering of the floorless Patriot roller coaster coming to California's Great America in 2017.

The inspiration for the coaster's name was taken from the fact that the ride is nestled adjacent to All American Corners within a park whose name celebrates America.

The transition from a stand up to floorless ride will include state-of-the-art blue and white trains positioning guests with their feet dangling above the blue and white track.

"With the track visible beneath their fee, Patriot will create unique and exciting new perspectives throughout the ride," said California's Great America Vice President and General Manager Raul Rehnborg.

Guests can take their "Last Stand" on Vortex through September 5. Then work will begin to ready Patriot for the 2017 season.

Great America's season continues weekend operations through Oct. 30, with Halloween Haunt running Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 24-Oct. 30.

WinterFest debuts and takes center stage Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Nov. 25-Dec. 30, with daily operations Dec. 19-23 and 26-30. Guests can ice skate in front of the iconic Carousel Columbia, admire magnificent displays of lights and décor, view spectacular live holiday shows, experience 18 rides, see Santa's workshop and Mrs. Claus' kitchen, and enjoy scrumptious holiday foods around the park.

Season Passes for the 2017 season go on sale today at the lowest price of the season, offering unlimited admission for the rest of 2016 and all of 2017. 2017 Gold Season Passes are now on sale for 9 easy payments of $9.75 and include unlimited visits during the rest of the 2016 season, admission to Halloween Haunt, WinterFest, Gilroy Gardens (excluding Lumination), unlimited admission during the 2017 season, and more.

CEDAR FAIR

California's Great America is owned and operated by Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, a publicly traded partnership that is listed for trading on The New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "FUN." In addition to California's Great America, Cedar Fair owns and operates ten other amusement parks, four water parks, one indoor water park, and five hotels. Cedar Fair also operates the Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park in California under a management contract.

www.cagreatamerica.com

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SOURCE California's Great America