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| www.buschgardens.com |
WILLIAMSBURG, Virginia, USA – Busch Gardens’ Mach Tower officially opened on 19 August, ending months of anticipation from guests eager to ride the parks’ newest and tallest thrill attraction.
“We know our guests have been eagerly awaiting the debut of Mach Tower,” said Park President Carl Lum. “During the manufacturer’s initial testing, some mechanical issues were discovered that caused the delay. Now that the ride is open, we are excited to share this amazing experience with our guests.”
Mach Tower offers a bird’s-eye view as its 30-seat rotating carriage climbs nearly 240 feet above the park’s Oktoberfest village. Thrill elements experienced during the ride keep riders from becoming complacent on their journey to the top. Once riders get a few seconds to take in the view, the carriage plummets at breathtaking speed straight down the massive maypole-themed tower attraction.
“We’re pleased our guests will be able to ride Mach Tower before the summer comes to a close,” said Lum. “We allowed our guests a sneak peek earlier this week and the overwhelming comments have been, ‘it’s been worth the wait.’”
Ray Beyer and his son Brandon were some of the lucky guests who experienced Mäch Tower during the sneak peek.
“I thought it was great,” said Brandon, adding that the drop took his breath away. “Not being able to look down sort of freaked me out.”
Mach Tower anchors a newly rejuvenated Oktoberfest village featuring new game areas, performance spaces and a pretzel bakery serving some of the best pretzel-themed cuisine in the region.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment:
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment inspires people to celebrate, connect, and care for the natural world through the power of entertainment. The company owns and operates 10 parks across the United States, as well as the newly formed SeaWorld Pictures division. The parks play host to 23 million guests a year and provide lasting memories through up-close animal encounters, world-class shows and rides, and high-quality themed attractions. Locations include SeaWorld parks in Orlando, San Diego and San Antonio; Busch Gardens parks in Tampa, Fla. and Williamsburg, Va.; Discovery Cove and Aquatica in Orlando; Sesame Place near Philadelphia, Pa.; and water parks Adventure Island in Tampa and Water Country USA in Williamsburg.
A global leader in animal care and conservation, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment cares for more than 60,000 animals including 200 endangered or threatened species. This commitment extends to animals around the world: The company has contributed more than $50 million to conservation, wildlife rescue and environmental stewardship initiatives and operates one of the world’s most respected animal rescue and rehabilitation programs. SeaWorld has rescued more than 18,000 orphaned, injured or ill animals over four decades.
SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment employs 20,000 people nationwide and is a portfolio company of The Blackstone Group (NYSE:BX).