Scorpion
Scorpion was a steel roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida, operating from 1980 until 2024.
Last updated August 26, 2026
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Overview
Scorpion was a steel roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay in Tampa, Florida. Designed by Anton Schwarzkopf and engineered by Werner Stengel, it was manufactured as one of Schwarzkopf's three Silver Arrow model coasters. The attraction opened on May 16, 1980, as the second roller coaster at the park and formed part of the newly developed Timbuktu themed area. The ride was compact but intense. Its 60.7-foot lift hill led to a maximum speed of 41 miles per hour and a signature 39.3-foot vertical loop. The 1,817.6-foot layout also included banked turns, hills, and a series of descending right-hand helixes. Riders experienced forces of up to 3.5 g, and the attraction used lap-bar restraints with a 48-inch minimum height requirement. A complete ride cycle lasted approximately one and a half minutes. Scorpion was unusual among the Silver Arrow installations because it was built on a permanent support structure. The other known examples were portable installations. The ride occupied a footprint of approximately 93.5 by 213.8 feet and originally operated with six-car trains. In its later configuration, it used two five-car trains, with two riders across in each of two rows per car, for a maximum of 20 riders per train. The attraction was initially painted with orange track and black supports. In 2004, Busch Gardens repainted it with red track and blue supports, while the trains later carried red, orange, and yellow colors. The coaster was subsequently situated in the park's Pantopia area, near the former Timbuktu and the Phoenix Rising attraction. Scorpion received generally favorable reactions when it opened. Contemporary commentary emphasized the intensity of its drop, loop, and compact layout, although some reviewers found the sequence predictable. Following the closure of the sister coaster Python in 2006, Scorpion became the oldest operating roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. Busch Gardens announced its permanent closure in August 2024. Although the original final operating date was September 2, the park extended operations by one week after public criticism of the abrupt announcement. Scorpion last operated on September 8, 2024, after 44 years of service, and was demolished in May 2025.
History
The development of Scorpion followed a major expansion plan for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay. After the park's Congo area had introduced Python during the 1976 season, Anheuser-Busch announced on May 9, 1978 that the park would receive another substantial expansion. Early reports described a project costing between $5 million and $10 million, with site preparation expected to begin after approval. Construction activity for the new area, later named Timbuktu, was visible by November 1978. On February 5, 1979, Anheuser-Busch formally announced a $12.3 million expansion. The seven-acre Timbuktu addition was planned to contain several attractions, including a European-designed roller coaster with a 360-degree loop. The project was intended to open in phases. Although initial reports anticipated a December 1979 opening for the coaster, construction and scheduling changes delayed the ride. Timbuktu opened to visitors on January 25, 1980. Construction of the roller coaster continued into the spring, and Scorpion opened on May 16, 1980, becoming the park's second roller coaster. It was designed by Anton Schwarzkopf and Werner Stengel and manufactured as a Silver Arrow model. Only three Silver Arrow coasters were produced, and Scorpion was the only one installed on a permanent structure rather than operating as a portable unit. The ride's layout began with a forward departure from the station and a climb up a 60.7-foot lift hill. The train then descended through a banked drop, reached 41 miles per hour, and entered a 39.3-foot vertical loop. The remainder of the course combined banked turns, hills, and descending helixes before returning to the brake run and station. Its 1,817.6-foot track fit within a relatively compact site and generated forces as high as 3.5 g. Scorpion's early reception was generally positive. Reviewers and visitors described it as an intense attraction, with particular attention given to the first drop and the amount of sensation compressed into its short running time. Some comparisons were made with Python, the park's earlier steel coaster, and individual riders differed over which attraction they preferred. In December 1994, a lawsuit involving the attraction alleged that a promotional model had been prevented from leaving after reporting discomfort and had been made to ride repeatedly. The complaint asserted negligence and false imprisonment and sought $15,000 in damages. The case was dismissed by a judge in 1997. The ride received a visual refurbishment in 2004, when its original orange-track and black-support scheme was changed to red track and blue supports. After the park's Python coaster closed in 2006, Scorpion became Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's oldest operating roller coaster. It remained a long-standing attraction as the surrounding park areas changed, eventually being located in Pantopia near Phoenix Rising. On August 23, 2024, Busch Gardens announced that Scorpion would close permanently on September 2. The announcement generated public criticism because of the short notice. The park subsequently extended the final operating date by one week, and the ride completed its last operations on September 8, 2024, after 44 years. Busch Gardens said the attraction would be replaced, but did not initially identify the replacement. The structure was demolished in May 2025.
- 2025
Demolition
[1]The roller coaster was demolished in May.
- 2024
Final operation
[1]After Busch Gardens announced its closure and later extended the final date, Scorpion ceased operation on September 8.
- 2006
Becomes the park's oldest operating coaster
[1]Following Python's closure, Scorpion became the oldest operating roller coaster at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
- 2004
Track and supports repainted
[1]The ride's original orange-and-black color scheme was replaced with red track and blue supports.
- 1997
Lawsuit dismissed
[1]The lawsuit involving the attraction was dismissed by a judge.
- 1994
Lawsuit filed
[1]A lawsuit alleged negligence and false imprisonment in connection with a rider's treatment on the attraction.
- 1980
Scorpion opens
[1]Scorpion opened on May 16 as Busch Gardens Tampa Bay's second roller coaster.
- 1979
Seven-acre Timbuktu project announced
[1]A $12.3 million park expansion was announced, with Scorpion identified as a European-designed looping roller coaster within the new Timbuktu area.
- 1978
Timbuktu expansion announced
[1]Anheuser-Busch announced a further expansion of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay that would eventually include the Scorpion roller coaster.
Products and positioning
A compact, high-intensity steel roller coaster distinguished by its Schwarzkopf Silver Arrow design, vertical loop, permanent support structure, and long tenure at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay.
Steel roller coaster · 1980
Scorpion
A Schwarzkopf Silver Arrow steel roller coaster featuring a 60.7-foot lift hill, a 39.3-foot vertical loop, a maximum speed of 41 miles per hour, and 1,817.6 feet of track. The ride included banked turns and descending helixes, reached forces of up to 3.5 g, and used lap-bar restraints. It operated at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay from 1980 to 2024.
Controversies
1994
Lawsuit over alleged forced continued riding
A promotional model sued the park, alleging that she was not allowed to disembark after expressing discomfort and was required to continue riding. The complaint alleged negligence and false imprisonment, sought $15,000, and was dismissed in 1997.
Brand decisions
2024
Permanent closure announcedOtherBackground
After more than four decades of operation, Busch Gardens announced that Scorpion would be retired.
Action taken
The park announced a September 2 closing date, then extended the final operating day to September 8 following public criticism.
Aftermath
Scorpion ceased operation after 44 years. Busch Gardens said it would be replaced by another attraction, but did not initially provide details.
Recent events
Reported
Scorpion completes acquisition of Wheat Creative[2]
Scorpion announced that it had completed its acquisition of Wheat Creative, a franchise marketing agency. The acquisition adds franchise development and marketing capabilities to Scorpion.
Reported
Scorpion and ERJ Solutions partner on merchant services[3]
Scorpion and ERJ Solutions announced a partnership to provide merchant services to Scorpion's medical practice customers, including payment-processing and contactless payment options.
Reported
Scorpion partners with Google Local Services Ads on booking feature[4]
Scorpion announced a partnership with Google Local Services Ads, integrating its booking feature so Scorpion's home-services customers can offer online scheduling through the ads.
Reported
Scorpion announces visual identity and mission rebrand[5]
Scorpion announced a rebrand of its visual identity and mission, saying it reflects its dedication to client success and relationships. The announcement coincided with the unveiling of a new corporate website.
Sources5 sources
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