Giant Dipper 100th Anniversary
Enjoy this great article from the May 15, 2024 issue of Good Times, the Santa Cruz free weekly newspaper! Giant Dipper celebrates a century of thrills | Good Times
California’s Great America has been teasing a new roller coaster at the park for 2018, dubbed “Project SR1.”
In late June, observant park visitors noticed a set of painted white tire tracks leading to a construction stake placed in the large grassy area that formerly housed the Invertigo coaster. Written on the stake was “2018” on one side and “Project SR1” on the other.
A teaser for the 2018 coaster popped up in the park in late June. | Photos: Erik Chalhoub
A series of markers for the 2018 attraction have showed up throughout the area. | Photos: Erik Chalhoub
The teaser comes at a time when park owner Cedar Fair applied for a permit for a 110.5-foot steel roller coaster. The permit was approved by the Santa Clara Architectural Committee on July 5.
Soon after the approval, construction walls were erected around the site, with only a sign stating “Pardon our dust” greeting guests.
Construction walls popped up on July 11. | Photo: Nicholas Laschkewitsch
The development is a welcome sign for park fans, who have been waiting for Invertigo’s replacement for nearly a decade.
The inverted boomerang, manufactured by Vekoma, opened in 1998 in the County Fair area of the park, replacing the longtime Sky Whirl attraction.
Invertigo, shown here in 2008, operated for 12 seasons at California’s Great America. | Photos: Erik Chalhoub
After being closed for most of the 2010 season due to mechanical issues, Great America announced Invertigo would be removed for the 2011 season for a “new opportunity.” The ride reopened at Dorney Park in 2012 as Stinger.
Since 2011, Invertigo’s former location has been marked by a large grassy area used for special events, such as Free Friday Family Flicks.
Invertigo’s spot during opening day of the 2011 season. | Photo: Erik Chalhoub
The area as of July 10, 2017. | Photo: Nicholas Laschkewitsch
That will change in 2018, when a new steel coaster replaces the long-removed Invertigo. Expect an announcement in late August, as that is when Cedar Fair typically makes announcements for its parks in the following year.
