The chilling shriek pierced the air. It was the last scream of Scorpion.
For forty-four years Scorpion reigned at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. It was a steel behemoth a Silver Arrow model unlike any other. Unlike its portable cousins Scorpion was permanently fixed to the ground. A true Tampa icon.
Scorpion opened on May 16 1980. It was the park’s second roller coaster. Part of a massive $12.3 million expansion called Timbuktu. This section also featured other attractions. Scorpion’s construction was observed by local newspapers. Its May opening was highly anticipated.
The ride itself was a thrilling experience. The 60.7-foot lift hill launched riders into a banked drop. Reaching speeds of 41 mph. The highlight was the 39.3-foot vertical loop. A unique feature for its time. The ride ended with a series of helixes. The entire adventure lasted about a minute and a half. Generating 3.5 G-forces on its riders.
Scorpion’s cost ranged from $2.5 million to $3 million. Initially orange and black it was later repainted red and blue. Accidents were rare. One notable lawsuit involved a model who claimed false imprisonment. She felt she was forced to continue riding despite discomfort.
Despite its age Scorpion consistently received positive reviews. One journalist described it as “scarier than it is.” While another compared the initial drop to a bird gliding.
Sadly Scorpion’s reign ended on September 8 2024. Its closure was met with public outcry. But Busch Gardens plans to replace it with a new attraction. Details remain undisclosed. Yet Scorpion’s legacy remains. A testament to a bygone era of thrilling rides. A memory etched in the hearts of Tampa Bay residents and visitors alike.