Cedar Point Delays Maverick Opening

Thursday, May 10 was scheduled to be a big day at Cedar Point. However, the big Media Preview of their newest coaster, Maverick, has been delayed because of some late track problems. The coaster was supposed to be ready to go for the amusement park's opening day on Saturday, May 12, but park officials announced today that the opening will be delayed until early June to make modifications to the coaster's steel track.

The decision to delay the opening of Maverick was based on pre-opening tests and consultation with IntaRide, the manufacturer of the ride. Based on these discussions, it has been determined that three sections of steel track following the launch tunnel should be replaced. IntaRide has already begun designing the replacement track and the park hopes to have the track laid as soon as possible. However, no opening date has been officially released at this time.

With attendance and revunues down for the '06-'07 season, the park was banking on the new ride drawing in large crowds. At a cost of $21 million, Maverick is the first new roller coaster since Top Thrill Dragster opened in 2003, although the park did add swinging rides, Skyhawk and MaXair, during the last two seasons. Maverick is being billed as a family ride and is one of the first "themed" rides that Cedar Point has constructed. Although not breaking records like so many of their rides have done in the past, Maverick will deliver one of the steepest drops on a roller coaster, fast-paced turns, eight "airtime" hills, low-to-the-ground action and an exciting second launch. The 400 foot tunnel where the second launch takes place is expected to be the coaster's surprise element and is apparently where the ride problems took place. After completing the first-of-its-kind Twisted Horseshoe Roll, the train will slow down to a speed of 5 mph. From there, the train will be launched and will reach speeds of 70 mph before rising over a 74-foot hill.

Construction on Maverick began on October 31, 2005 with the removal of the White Water Landing flume ride. The park kept the ride's old station and will be using it as the Maverick's queue line. Steel erection began on July 18, 2006. The ride is situated on 5.5 acres of land in the park's "western-themed" Frontiertown.

Maverick joins Cedar Point as the park's 17th coaster, more than any other park in the world. Cedar Point will be open daily Saturday, May 12 through Labor Day, Sept. 3. It will reopen for a Bonus Weekend on Sept. 7-9 and seven HalloWeekends from Sept. 14-16 through October 26-28, 2007.