California’s Great America has been busy this offseason, and whenever it reopens from its pandemic-induced closure, guests will notice a spruced-up park, carrying the momentum of the previous years’ work.
The park shared with the American Coaster Enthusiasts some of the improvements that have been taking place as it prepares for its unknown opening date.
Before Santa Clara County’s shelter-in-place order went into effect in response to the COVID-19 outbreak, crews were painting rides, touching up buildings and planting landscaping. The work includes repainted ticket booths, a brighter Rue Le Dodge façade, touchups to the Delta Flyer and Eagle’s Flight stations, and more.
Maintenance crews also rebuilt and repainted both trains of The Grizzly. In addition, work has been done on the Whitewater Falls, Rip Roaring Rapids and Delirium ride vehicles to refresh their looks.
The Grizzly’s trains were rebuilt and repainted during the offseason. Photos: California’s Great America
And for those busy days, RailBlazer’s line will move faster thanks to increased capacity. Great America was cleared by the state to run three trains on the Rocky Mountain Construction Raptor coaster, which should speed up an already-efficient operation.
While an opening date has not yet been determined as the pandemic continues to grip the world, Great America announced earlier that all 2020 season pass holders will have their passes, as well as add-on products, extended through 2021.
But as summer nears with the park still closed, a number of events planned for 2020 have been postponed. The popular Red, White and Brews festival will not take place this year, nor will the first-time Monster Jam Thunder Alley event.
Great America will continue to keep guests updated on its social media channels and at its website, www.cagreatamerica.com.
Erik Chalhoub is the Magazine Editor at New SV Media in Gilroy (and a roller coaster fanatic!). He is also the proud recipient of the 2016 ACE NorCal Richard Tuck Spirit Award.
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