After 44 years of thrills, the oldest roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will close for good next month.
This morning, Busch Gardens announced that Scorpion's final day of operation will be Labor Day, Sept. 2, 2024.
"Scorpion holds a special place in the hearts of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay fans. Debuting in 1980, Scorpion became a favorite for its unique design, offering riders a thrilling experience unlike any other," said the park in a statement. "In fact, Scorpion is the last stationary coaster of its kind in the world, making this the last chance to experience a legend."
Built by Anton Schwarzkopf and designed by Werner Stengel, Scorpion was the second coaster at Busch Gardens (after Python) and made its big debut in May of 1980 in the "Timbuktu" section of the park, which is now called Pantopia.
The popular blue and red ride featured 1,817-feet of track and reached speeds of 41 mph, while whipping guests through a signature 40-foot tall 360 degree loop.
Busch Gardens did not mention what will eventually replace Scorpion, but did hint that something is in the works. "While parkgoers will say goodbye to Scorpion, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is excited that this closure paves the way for exciting new future attractions, with more details about what’s coming to be revealed soon," said the park.
The closure of Scorpion, comes after the park recently debuted Phoenix Rising, which in many ways is a similar, moderate to thrilling, family coaster in the same area of the park. Phoenix Rising replaced the painful SandSerpent ride. 
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This morning, Busch Gardens announced that Scorpion's final day of operation will be Labor Day, Sept. 2, 2024.
"Scorpion holds a special place in the hearts of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay fans. Debuting in 1980, Scorpion became a favorite for its unique design, offering riders a thrilling experience unlike any other," said the park in a statement. "In fact, Scorpion is the last stationary coaster of its kind in the world, making this the last chance to experience a legend."
Built by Anton Schwarzkopf and designed by Werner Stengel, Scorpion was the second coaster at Busch Gardens (after Python) and made its big debut in May of 1980 in the "Timbuktu" section of the park, which is now called Pantopia.
The popular blue and red ride featured 1,817-feet of track and reached speeds of 41 mph, while whipping guests through a signature 40-foot tall 360 degree loop.
Busch Gardens did not mention what will eventually replace Scorpion, but did hint that something is in the works. "While parkgoers will say goodbye to Scorpion, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay is excited that this closure paves the way for exciting new future attractions, with more details about what’s coming to be revealed soon," said the park.
The closure of Scorpion, comes after the park recently debuted Phoenix Rising, which in many ways is a similar, moderate to thrilling, family coaster in the same area of the park. Phoenix Rising replaced the painful SandSerpent ride.
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