Goliath (Six Flags Great America): Difference between revisions

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			{{Short description\|Wooden roller coaster}}
	{{Infobox roller coaster		{{Infobox roller coaster
	\| name = Goliath		\| name = Goliath
	\| logo = Goliath (Six Flags Great America) logo.png		\| logo = Goliath (Six Flags Great America) logo.png
	\| logodimensions = 150px		\| logodimensions = 150px
	\| image =		\| image = Goliath at Six Flags Great America (14696982188).jpg
	\| imagedimensions = ~~250px~~		\| imagedimensions =
	\| caption = ~~A promotional rendering of ''~~Goliath'~~' at Six~~ ~~Flags~~ ~~Great~~ ~~America~~		\| caption = Goliath's {{Convert\|180\|feet}} drop
	\| previousnames =		\| previousnames =
	\| location = Six Flags Great America		\| location = Six Flags Great America
	\| locationarticle = <!--Must not be linked.-->		\| locationarticle = <!--Must not be linked.-->
	\| section = County Fair		\| section = County Fair
	\| subsection = <!--Should be linked.-->		\| subsection = <!--Should be linked.-->
	\| coordinates = {{Coord\|42.366111\|-87.931111\|type:landmark\|display=inline,title}}		\| coordinates = {{Coord\|42.366111\|-87.931111\|type:landmark\|display=inline,title}}
	\| status = ~~Testing~~		\| status = Operating
			\| opened = {{Start date\|2014\|6\|19}}<ref name="Opening Day">{{cite news\|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/flags-opens-record-breaking-roller-coaster/story?id=24213959\|title=Six Flags Opens Goliath, a Record-Breaking New Roller Coaster\|date=June 19, 2014\|first=Sarah\|last=Figalora\|access-date=June 19, 2014\|publisher=]\|newspaper=]}}</ref>
	\| opened = TBA
	\| soft_opened = {{Start date\|2014\|6\|18}}<ref name="Station fire">{{cite news~~\|last=\|first=~~\|title=Minor Fire Reported Near New Six Flags Great America Roller Coaster\|url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Fire-Reported-Near-Six-Flags-Great-America-Roller-Coaster-262149481.html\|~~accessdate~~=June 7, 2014\|newspaper=]\|date=June 6, 2014}}</ref>		\| soft_opened = {{Start date\|2014\|6\|18}}<ref name="Station fire">{{cite news\|title=Minor Fire Reported Near New Six Flags Great America Roller Coaster\|url=http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/Fire-Reported-Near-Six-Flags-Great-America-Roller-Coaster-262149481.html\|access-date=June 7, 2014\|newspaper=]\|date=June 6, 2014}}</ref>
	\| year = <!--To be used in addition to opened, will auto-categorize the coaster.-->		\| year = 2014<!--To be used in addition to opened, will auto-categorize the coaster.-->
	\| closed = <!--Use {{End date\|YYYY\|MM\|DD}} -->		\| closed = <!--Use {{End date\|YYYY\|MM\|DD}} -->
	\| cost =		\| cost =
	\| previousattraction = '']''		\| previousattraction = ]
	\| replacement =		\| replacement =
	\| extend = <!--Only for use with the Infobox roller coaster extend template.-->		\| extend = <!--Only for use with the Infobox roller coaster extend template.-->
	\| type = Wood		\| type = Wood steel
	\| type2 = <!--Must not be linked, will auto-categorize the coaster.-->		\| type2 = <!--Must not be linked, will auto-categorize the coaster.-->
	\| type3 = <!--Must not be linked, will auto-categorize the coaster.-->		\| type3 = <!--Must not be linked, will auto-categorize the coaster.-->
	\| manufacturer = Rocky Mountain Construction		\| manufacturer = Rocky Mountain Construction
	\| designer = ]		\| designer = ]
	\| model = Custom		\| model = Topper Track – Custom
	\| track =		\| track =
	\| lift = ]		\| lift = ]
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	\| speed_mph = 72		\| speed_mph = 72
	\| inversions = 2		\| inversions = 2
	\| duration = 1:30		\| duration = 1:45
	\| angle = 85		\| angle = 85
	\| capacity =		\| capacity =800
	\| acceleration = <!--Expression in full form e.g. "X to Y mph (? to ? km/h) in Z seconds". -->		\| acceleration = <!--Expression in full form e.g. "X to Y mph (? to ? km/h) in Z seconds". -->
	\| acceleration_from = <!--Initial speed in mph or km/h defaults to zero, only numeric characters-->		\| acceleration_from = <!--Initial speed in mph or km/h defaults to zero, only numeric characters-->
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	\| rowspercar = 2		\| rowspercar = 2
	\| ridersperrow = 2		\| ridersperrow = 2
	\|virtual_queue_name = ~~Platinum~~ ] ~~only~~		\| virtual_queue_name = ]
	\|virtual_queue_image = Fastpass availability icon.svg		\| virtual_queue_image = Fastpass availability icon.svg
	\|virtual_queue_status= available		\| virtual_queue_status = available
	\| single_rider = ~~available~~		\| single_rider =
	\| accessible = ~~<!--Must be "available" if available.-->~~		\| accessible =
	\| transfer_accessible = ~~<!--Must be "~~available~~" if available.-->~~		\| transfer_accessible = available
	\| custom_label_1 =		\| custom_label_1 =
	\| custom_value_1 =		\| custom_value_1 =
⚫	\| ~~custom_label_2~~ =
⚫	\| ~~custom_value_2~~ =
⚫	\| ~~custom_label_3~~ =
⚫	\| ~~custom_value_3~~ =
⚫	\| ~~custom_label_4~~ =
⚫	\| ~~custom_value_4~~ =
	\| rcdb_number = 9972		\| rcdb_number = 9972
	}}		}}

	'''Goliath''' is a ] at ] in ]. ~~It was designed~~ by ] and is ~~expected~~ to ~~open~~ to the public ~~sometime~~ in ~~June~~. ~~The~~ ~~ride will~~ set three world records ~~for~~ wooden ~~roller~~ coasters ~~including drop length~~, ~~drop steepness, and speed. It will feature~~ the longest drop at {{Convert\|180\|ft}}, the steepest ~~drop~~ at 85°, and the fastest speed at {{Convert\|72\|mph}}. ~~Goliath~~ ~~will~~ ~~also be~~ the ~~second~~ ~~wooden~~ ~~roller~~ ~~coaster~~ ~~with~~ an ~~inversion~~ ~~from~~ ~~Rocky~~ ~~Mountain~~ ~~Construction~~, ~~following~~ ] at ], in ]. ~~On May 27, 2014, park officials announced~~ that ~~Goliath's~~ ~~opening~~ ~~will~~ ~~be delayed citing weather-related activity as the~~ ~~cause~~.		'''Goliath''' is a ] located at ] in ]. Manufactured by ] (RMC) and designed by ], the roller coaster features RMC's ] design and opened to the public on June 19, 2014. Goliath initially set three world records among wooden coasters, having the longest drop at {{Convert\|180\|ft}}, the steepest angle of 85 degrees, and the fastest speed of {{Convert\|72\|mph\|km/h\|abbr=on}}. It still holds the record for the longest drop and fastest wooden roller coaster. In addition, the ride also features two ] and a maximum descent that reaches {{Convert\|15\|ft}} below ground level.

			Goliath was constructed over a nine-month period on the site previously occupied by ], a steel roller coaster removed in 2011 and relocated to ]. Goliath's opening allowed Great America to claim the title of having the most wooden track in one park, a recognition that was later claimed by ]. Following its record-breaking debut, the coaster was well-received by the media and enthusiasts, and it has consistently ranked in the top 25 among wooden coasters in the annual ] publication from '']''.

	==History==		==History==
	On August 5, 2011, Six Flags Great America announced on ~~their~~ official Facebook page that the '']'' would be ~~closed~~ on September 5, 2011.<ref name="FB closing Sep5">{{cite web\|title=After a long 21...\|url=http://www.facebook.com/SFGreatAmerica/posts/10150252058661356\|publisher=Facebook\|~~accessdate~~=August 23, 2011\|author=Six Flags Great America\|date=August 5, 2011}}</ref><ref name="COASTER-Net closing">{{cite web\|title=Six Flags Great America Losing Long-time Stand-Up Coaster\|url=http://www.coaster-net.com/news/1514-iron-wolf-leaving/\|publisher=COASTER-Net\|~~accessdate~~=August 23, 2011\|author=Coasterholic14\|date=August 6, 2011}}</ref> The ride was subsequently removed and relocated to ] where it ~~operates~~ as '']''.~~<ref~~ ~~name="New~~ ~~coaster~~ ~~coming~~ to ~~Gurnee~~ ~~Six~~ ~~Flags~~ in ~~2012"~~>{{cite ~~news\|last=Moran\|first=Dan~~\|title=~~New~~ ~~coaster~~ ~~coming to~~ ~~Gurnee~~ Six Flags in ~~2012~~\|url=~~http~~://~~newssun~~.~~suntimes~~.com/~~news/7407158-418/new-coaster-coming-to-gurnee-six-flags-in-2012.html~~\|~~accessdate~~=~~November~~ ~~30, 2012~~\|~~newspaper~~=~~Chicago~~ ~~Sun~~ ~~Times~~\|date=~~September~~ 1, ~~2011~~}}</ref>		On August 5, 2011, Six Flags Great America announced on its official ] page that the ] would be closing permanently on September 5, 2011.<ref name="FB closing Sep5">{{cite web\|title=After a long 21...\|url=http://www.facebook.com/SFGreatAmerica/posts/10150252058661356\|publisher=Facebook\|access-date=August 23, 2011\|author=Six Flags Great America\|date=August 5, 2011}}</ref><ref name="COASTER-Net closing">{{cite web\|title=Six Flags Great America Losing Long-time Stand-Up Coaster \|url=http://www.coaster-net.com/news/1514-iron-wolf-leaving/ \|publisher=COASTER-Net \|access-date=August 23, 2011 \|author=Coasterholic14 \|date=August 6, 2011 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110928093302/http://www.coaster-net.com/news/1514-iron-wolf-leaving/ \|archive-date=September 28, 2011 }}</ref> The ride was subsequently removed and relocated to ], where it reopened as '']''. For a brief period, Great America did not release any definitive plans for the site's replacement.<ref name=Doco>{{cite web\|title=Goliath: Documenting a Giant Six Flags Great America 2014\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofaxGLyZZ5c\|website=YouTube\|publisher=Cutback Productions\|access-date=August 29, 2014\|date=August 15, 2014\|first=Nick\|last=Koss}}</ref>

	On August 1, 2013, Six Flags Great America ~~began~~ a teaser campaign entitled "Follow the Journey".<ref name="Follow the Journey launch">{{cite web\|title=Six Flags Great America Follow the Journey 2014\|url=~~http~~://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSCm6QM5dlY\|work=Six Flags Great America\|publisher=YouTube\|~~accessdate~~=August 20, 2013\|date=August 1, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Great America Planning to Add New Coaster in 2014">{{cite news\|last=Casas\|first=Gloria\|title=Great America Planning to Add New Coaster in 2014\|url=http://lakezurich.patch.com/groups/arts-and-entertainment/p/great-america-planning-to-add-new-coaster-in-2014\|~~accessdate~~=August 20, 2013\|newspaper=]\|date=August 19, 2013}}</ref> In ~~mid-August~~ ~~2013~~, it was revealed Six Flags Great America would be building a {{Convert\|165\|ft\|m\|adj=mid\|-tall}} roller coaster, with plans ~~being~~ ~~lodged with~~ the local zoning committee to exceed the {{Convert\|125\|ft\|adj=on}} height limit imposed on the park.<ref name="Great America Planning to Add New Coaster in 2014" /><ref name="Zoning agenda">{{cite web\|title=Agenda of the Regular Meeting of the Gurnee Planning and Zoning Board - August 21, 2013\|url=http://www.gurnee.il.us/planning-and-zoning-board/agendas/08-21-2013\|publisher=The Village of Gurnee\|~~accessdate~~=August 20, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Great America to pitch new wooden coaster to Gurnee">{{cite news\|last=Susnjara\|first=Bob\|title=Great America to pitch new wooden coaster to Gurnee\|url=http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130817/news/708179826/\|accessdate=August 20, 2013\|newspaper=]\|date=August 18, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Proposal for new roller coaster at Great America is on the table">{{cite news\|last=Moran\|first=Dan\|title=Proposal for new roller coaster at Great America is on the table\|url=http://newssun.suntimes.com/news/22009267-418/proposal-for-new-roller-coaster-at-great-america-is-on-the-table.html\|~~accessdate~~=August 20, 2013\|newspaper=]\|date=August 18, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/2385718,CST-NWS-coaster13.article\|title=Great America gets OK on 150-ft.-high coaster\|date=June 12, 2010\|newspaper=]\|publisher=]\|~~accessdate~~=September 16, 2010\|~~archiveurl~~=~~http~~://web.archive.org/web/20100615183957/http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/2385718~~,CST~~-NWS-coaster13.article\|~~archivedate~~=June 15, 2010}}</ref>		In early August 2013, Six Flags Great America released a teaser campaign entitled "Follow the Journey".<ref name="Follow the Journey launch">{{cite web\|title=Six Flags Great America Follow the Journey 2014\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gSCm6QM5dlY\|work=Six Flags Great America\|publisher=YouTube\|access-date=August 20, 2013\|date=August 1, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Great America Planning to Add New Coaster in 2014">{{cite news\|last=Casas\|first=Gloria\|title=Great America Planning to Add New Coaster in 2014\|url=http://lakezurich.patch.com/groups/arts-and-entertainment/p/great-america-planning-to-add-new-coaster-in-2014\|access-date=August 20, 2013\|newspaper=]\|date=August 19, 2013}}</ref> Later that month, it was revealed Six Flags Great America would be building a {{Convert\|165\|ft\|m\|adj=mid\|-tall roller coaster}}, with plans to lobby the local zoning committee to exceed the {{Convert\|125\|ft\|adj=on}} height limit imposed on the park.<ref name="Great America Planning to Add New Coaster in 2014" /><ref name="Zoning agenda">{{cite web\|title=Agenda of the Regular Meeting of the Gurnee Planning and Zoning Board – August 21, 2013\|url=http://www.gurnee.il.us/planning-and-zoning-board/agendas/08-21-2013\|publisher=The Village of Gurnee\|access-date=August 20, 2013}}</ref><ref name="Proposal for new roller coaster at Great America is on the table">{{cite news\|last=Moran\|first=Dan\|title=Proposal for new roller coaster at Great America is on the table\|url=http://newssun.suntimes.com/news/22009267-418/proposal-for-new-roller-coaster-at-great-america-is-on-the-table.html\|access-date=August 20, 2013\|newspaper=]\|date=August 18, 2013\|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130829091257/http://newssun.suntimes.com/news/22009267-418/proposal-for-new-roller-coaster-at-great-america-is-on-the-table.html\|archive-date=August 29, 2013\|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|url=http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/2385718,CST-NWS-coaster13.article \|title=Great America gets OK on 150-ft.-high coaster \|date=June 12, 2010 \|newspaper=] \|publisher=] \|access-date=September 16, 2010 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615183957/http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/2385718%2CCST-NWS-coaster13.article \|archive-date=June 15, 2010 \|url-status=dead }}</ref> The official announcement for Goliath came on August 29, 2013, where it was revealed the new wooden roller coaster would be manufactured by ] (RMC) and open in 2014.<ref name="Official PR announcement" /> As part of the announcement, the ride's statistics were released, along with a concept computer-animated video demonstrating the ride's layout.<ref name="Official PR announcement">{{cite web\|title=Goliath {{!}} New for 2014 at Six Flags Great America \|url=http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/greatamerica/goliath/ \|date=August 29, 2013 \|access-date=August 29, 2013 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901060658/http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/greatamerica/goliath/ \|archive-date=September 1, 2013 }}</ref><ref name="CT announcement">{{cite news\|last=McCoppin\|first=Robert\|title=Six Flags boasts latest ride will be world's fastest wooden rollercoaster\|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/grayslake_gurnee_round_lake/chi-six-flags-great-america-roller-coaster-20130829,0,898248.story\|access-date=August 30, 2013\|newspaper=]\|date=August 29, 2013\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130830061737/http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/grayslake_gurnee_round_lake/chi-six-flags-great-america-roller-coaster-20130829,0,898248.story\|archive-date=August 30, 2013\|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="ABC announcement">{{cite news\|title=New Great America roller coaster Goliath due in 2014\|url=https://abc7chicago.com/archive/9223177/\|access-date=August 30, 2013\|newspaper=]\|date=August 29, 2013\|publisher=]\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131219033340/http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news%2Flocal&id=9223177\|archive-date=December 19, 2013\|url-status=live}}</ref> Situated on the site of the former Iron Wolf, Goliath utilized a majority of the station and line queue from the former ride, and the station was lengthened to accommodate the longer twelve-row trains.<ref name="Announcement Q&A" /><ref name="Iron Wolf RCDB">{{cite RCDB\|coaster_name=Iron Wolf\|location=Six Flags Great America\|rcdb_number=6\|accessdate=May 11, 2014}}</ref>

		⚫	Final design photos were released on Great America's Facebook page on February 21, 2014.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Drum roll please... Six Flags Great America unveils final design artwork for Goliath, The World's Fastest Wooden Roller Coaster with Tallest and Steepest Drop! \|website= ] \|url= https://www.facebook.com/SFGreatAmerica/posts/10151888000136356 \|date=February 21, 2014\| access-date=March 21, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Updated Artwork for Goliath \|url=https://www.aceonline.org/AceNewsNow/?article=485 \|date=February 21, 2014 \|access-date=March 21, 2014 \|url-status=dead \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150427213432/http://www.aceonline.org/AceNewsNow/?article=485 \|archive-date=April 27, 2015 }}</ref> These revealed a design change in Goliath's lift hill, which was modified to an all-steel structure as opposed to the original wood design. Another computer-animated video was also released on the park's official YouTube channel the same day.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Goliath New for 2014 {{!}} - Virtual Ride\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1rKNIJfLbo\|date=February 21, 2014\|access-date=March 21, 2014\|work=Six Flags Great America\|publisher=YouTube}}</ref>
	On August 29, 2013, it was officially announced that Six Flags Great America would be adding Goliath, a wooden roller coaster by Rocky Mountain Construction, for the 2014 season. As part of the announcement, a concept computer-animated "point-of-view" (POV) and statistics of the ride were released.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Goliath {{!}} New for 2014 at Six Flags Great America\|url=http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/greatamerica/goliath/\|date=August 29, 2013\|accessdate=August 29, 2013}}</ref><ref name="CT announcement">{{cite news\|last=McCoppin\|first=Robert\|title=Six Flags boasts latest ride will be world's fastest wooden rollercoaster\|url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/suburbs/grayslake_gurnee_round_lake/chi-six-flags-great-america-roller-coaster-20130829,0,898248.story\|accessdate=August 30, 2013\|newspaper=]\|date=August 29, 2013}}</ref><ref name="ABC announcement">{{cite news\|title=New Great America roller coaster Goliath due in 2014\|url=http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9223177\|accessdate=August 30, 2013\|newspaper=]\|date=August 29, 2013\|publisher=]}}</ref> The ride will replace the ''Iron Wolf'', utilising the same location, station and queue line. The station will have to be expanded because the trains for Goliath are longer than the Iron Wolf trains.<ref name="Announcement Q&A" /> The Iron Wolf's train used to have seven rows and Goliath will feature twelve rows.<ref name="Announcement Q&A" /><ref name="Iron Wolf RCDB">{{cite RCDB\|coaster_name=Iron Wolf\|location=Six Flags Great America\|rcdb_number=6\|accessdate=May 11, 2014}}</ref>

			Construction began in September 2013, employing a crew of approximately 35 workers by RMC.<ref name="Goliath rises in Great America skyline">{{cite news\|last=McCoppin\|first=Robert\|title=Goliath rises in Great America skyline\|url=http://news.msn.com/us/goliath-rises-in-great-america-skyline\|access-date=May 11, 2014\|newspaper=MSN News\|date=May 6, 2014\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140510043623/http://news.msn.com/us/goliath-rises-in-great-america-skyline \|archive-date=May 10, 2014}}</ref> The team worked 11-hour days, six days a week through winter in occasional sub-zero temperatures finishing in May 2014,<ref name="Goliath rises in Great America skyline" /> which amounted to approximately 40,000 man hours.<ref name="Go Goliath: Record-setting wooden coaster opens at Six Flags">{{cite news\|last1=Snyder\|first1=Elizabeth\|title=Go Goliath: Record-setting wooden coaster opens at Six Flags\|url=http://www.kenoshanews.com/entertainment/go_goliath_recordsetting_wooden_coaster_opens_at_six_flags_477684155.html\|access-date=June 28, 2014\|work=]\|publisher=]\|date=June 26, 2014 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107022824/http://www.kenoshanews.com/entertainment/go_goliath_recordsetting_wooden_coaster_opens_at_six_flags_477684155.html \|archive-date=November 7, 2015}}</ref> Goliath was set to open on May 31, 2014, but the opening was delayed.<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://979kickfm.com/goliath-worlds-tallest-fastest-wooden-roller-coaster-opens-in-illinois-on-may-31/\|title=Grand Opening For Goliath, World's Tallest, Fastest and Steepest Wooden Roller Coaster, Delayed\|date=27 May 2014 }}</ref> The lift hill was topped off on May 16,<ref name="Doco" /> with the first test run taking place two weeks later on May 31, the same day as the original opening.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Goliath – Six Flags Great America FIRST TEST RUN \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQYM4OxzBIw\|date=May 31, 2014\|access-date=June 1, 2014\|publisher=YouTube}}</ref> Lightning struck a small section of the ride's station on June 6, 2014, causing it to catch fire briefly before being extinguished.<ref name="Station fire" /> There were no reported injuries or major damage.<ref name="Station fire" /> After testing was completed, Goliath officially opened to the public on June 19, 2014.<ref name="Opening Day" /><ref name="Goliath rises in Great America skyline" />
⚫	On ~~February~~ ~~21,~~ ~~2014,~~ ~~Six~~ ~~Flags~~ Great America ~~posted a collection of pictures to its official~~ Facebook page, ~~revealing~~ ~~Goliath's~~ ~~final~~ ~~design~~.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Drum roll please... Six Flags Great America unveils final design artwork for Goliath, The ~~World’s~~ Fastest Wooden Roller Coaster with Tallest and Steepest Drop! \|url= https://www.facebook.com/SFGreatAmerica/posts/10151888000136356 \|date=February 21, 2014\| ~~accessdate~~=March 21, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web\|title=Updated Artwork for Goliath \|url= https://www.aceonline.org/AceNewsNow/?article=485 \|date=February 21, 2014\| ~~accessdate~~=March 21, 2014}}</ref> ~~This~~ ~~updated~~ ~~version~~ ~~includes~~ a ~~steel~~ lift hill structure, ~~rather~~ ~~than~~ the ~~traditional~~ ~~wooden~~ ~~structure~~. ~~An updated~~ animated ~~POV~~ was also released on the park's official YouTube channel.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Goliath New for 2014 {{!}} - Virtual Ride\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1rKNIJfLbo\|date=February 21, 2014\|~~accessdate~~=March 21, 2014\|work=Six Flags Great America\|publisher=YouTube}}</ref>

	Construction for ''Goliath'' began in September 2013, with a team of 35 employed by Rocky Mountain Construction to erect the ride. The team worked 11-hour days, six days a week through the winter to early May 2014. Following the ride running hundreds of test runs, it will officially open to the public sometime in June. <ref name="Goliath rises in Great America skyline">{{cite news\|last=McCoppin\|first=Robert\|title=Goliath rises in Great America skyline\|url=http://news.msn.com/us/goliath-rises-in-great-america-skyline\|accessdate=May 11, 2014\|newspaper=MSN News\|date=May 6, 2014}}</ref> The lift hill was topped off on May 16, 2014 at 2:00pm. Goliath tested for the very first time on May 31, 2014.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Goliath - Six Flags Great America FIRST TEST RUN \|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQYM4OxzBIw\|date=May 31, 2014\|accessdate=June 1, 2014\|publisher=YouTube}}</ref> On Friday June 6, 2014, a small section of the rides station caught fire and was extinguished without any reported injuries or major damage.<ref name="Station fire" />

	==Characteristics==		==Characteristics==
	''Goliath'' ~~will be~~ ]'s second ], following the opening of '']'' in early 2013.<ref name="RMC coasters">{{cite RCDB\|coaster_name=Roller Coaster Search Results\|location=Rocky Mountain Construction\|accessdate=August 30, 2013\|url=http://rcdb.com/r.htm?ot=2&co=10583&page=1&order=-10}}</ref> Although the ride ~~will be~~ located in the County Fair section of Six Flags Great America,<ref name="ABC announcement" /> the name and theme of the ride was chosen purely on the basis of the ride's size and scale.<ref name="Announcement Q&A" /> The {{Convert\|3100\|ft\|m\|adj=mid\|-long}} ride ~~will stand~~ {{Convert\|165\|ft}} tall; however, the ride ~~will drop~~ a total of {{Convert\|180\|ft}} at an angle of 85° into an underground tunnel. ''Goliath~~'' will also~~ ~~feature~~ two ], two overbanked turns, and a top speed of {{Convert\|72\|mph}}.<ref name="CT announcement" /><ref name="Announcement Q&A">{{cite web\|last=Salemi\|first=Hank\|title=Goliath - Media Event - Q & A\|url=~~http~~://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01jGcmPX0Q0\|publisher=YouTube\|~~accessdate~~=August 30, 2013\|date=August 29, 2013}}</ref> Because Goliath ~~is being~~ built in such a small space, the lift hill is abnormally steep at an angle of 45°. The entire track ~~will be~~ filled with grout to allow a quieter and smoother ride experience. The ride ~~will be~~ designed by ].<ref name=IAAPA13Schilke>{{Cite interview\|last=Schilke\|first=Alan\|title=Alan Schilke Interview\|url=~~http~~://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BjbYHnCJ3Y\|~~accessdate~~=21 November 2013\|date=20 November 2013\|~~program~~=NewsPlusNotes}}</ref>		Goliath was ]'s second ground-up ] following the opening of ]'s ] in early 2013.<ref name="RMC coasters">{{cite RCDB\|coaster_name=Roller Coaster Search Results\|location=Rocky Mountain Construction\|accessdate=August 30, 2013\|url=http://rcdb.com/r.htm?ot=2&co=10583&page=1&order=-10}}</ref> Although the ride is located in the County Fair section of Six Flags Great America,<ref name="ABC announcement" /> the name and theme of the ride was chosen purely on the basis of the ride's size and scale.<ref name="Announcement Q&A" /> The {{Convert\|3100\|ft\|m\|adj=mid\|-long}} ride stands {{Convert\|165\|ft}} tall; however, the ride drops a total of {{Convert\|180\|ft}} at an angle of 85° into an underground tunnel. Goliath features two ], two overbanked turns, and a top speed of {{Convert\|72\|mph}}.<ref name="CT announcement" /><ref name="Announcement Q&A">{{cite web\|last=Salemi\|first=Hank\|title=Goliath – Media Event – Q & A\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01jGcmPX0Q0\|publisher=YouTube\|access-date=August 30, 2013\|date=August 29, 2013}}</ref> Because Goliath was built in such a small space, the lift hill is abnormally steep at an angle of 45°.<ref name="Schilke on-ride interview">{{Cite interview\|last=Schilke\|first=Alan\|title=Alan & Scott Ride Goliath\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z8Uvt44NUGM\|access-date=June 28, 2014\|date=June 25, 2014\|work=NewsPlusNotes}}</ref> The entire track was filled with grout to allow a quieter and smoother ride experience. The ride was designed by ].<ref name=IAAPA13Schilke>{{Cite interview\|last=Schilke\|first=Alan\|title=Alan Schilke Interview\|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BjbYHnCJ3Y\|access-date=21 November 2013\|date=20 November 2013\|work=NewsPlusNotes}}</ref>

			===Track===
⚫	''Goliath'' ~~will operate~~ with two ] manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction. Each train ~~will be~~ made up of six cars, with riders being arranged in two rows of two for a total of 24 riders per train.<ref name="Announcement Q&A" /> The trains ~~will~~ feature ] ], allowing for a quieter ride. Riders ~~will be~~ restrained through the use of an individual lap bar ~~and~~ a seatbelt.<ref name="CT announcement" />
			]
			The {{Convert\|3100\|ft}} of track is made of six layers of laminated wood, with a steel rectangular tube acting as the topmost layer of track.<ref name="Go Goliath: Record-setting wooden coaster opens at Six Flags" /> This type of track is known as ] and allows for more dynamic roller coaster elements to be performed on a wooden roller coaster.<ref name="Go Goliath: Record-setting wooden coaster opens at Six Flags" /> Additionally, this track style is designed to reduce the maintenance typically required for a wooden roller coaster and to provide a smoother ride experience.<ref name="Go Goliath: Record-setting wooden coaster opens at Six Flags" />

			===Trains===
		⚫	Goliath operates with two ] manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction. Each train is made up of six cars, with riders being arranged in two rows of two for a total of 24 riders per train.<ref name="Announcement Q&A" /> This configuration caters for approximately 800 riders per hour. The trains feature ] ], allowing for a quieter ride. Riders are restrained through the use of an individual lap bar, shin bar, and seatbelt.<ref name="CT announcement" /><ref name="New record-setting wooden coaster, Goliath, opens at Six Flags Great America" />

	==Ride experience==		==Ride experience==
			]
	The ride ~~will begin~~ with a left turn out of the ] before ascending the {{Convert\|165\|ft\|m\|adj=mid\|-tall}} ] at a 45° angle. ~~The~~ ~~track~~ ~~will~~ ~~then~~ drop {{Convert\|180\|ft}}, {{Convert\|15\|ft}} below ground level, ~~at an angle of 85°~~ reaching ~~its~~ top speed of {{Convert\|72\|mph}}. ~~The~~ ~~track~~ ~~will then~~ ascend to a height of {{Convert\|125\|ft}} for an overbanked turnaround. ~~The~~ ~~ride~~ ~~will then~~ ~~descend~~ back to the ground and ~~travel through~~ a small ] hill ~~which~~ ~~will~~ be ~~followed~~ by a ]. The ~~ride will~~ then ~~enter~~ a ], where the train is suspended upside-down as it crests over a hill. This element is followed by a second overbanked turnaround, leading to the ] and a short path back to the station.<ref name=RCDB>{{cite RCDB\|coaster_name=Goliath\|location=Six Flags Great America\|rcdb_number=9972\|accessdate=August 30, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|last=Leshock\|first=Marcus\|title=Record-breaking wooden roller coaster coming to Six Flags Great America: How big will it be?\|url=http://wgntv.com/2013/08/23/record-breaking-wooden-roller-coaster-coming-to-six-flags-great-america-how-big-will-it-be/\|~~accessdate~~=August 30, 2013\|newspaper=]\|date=August 22, 2013}}</ref> One cycle of the ride ~~will take~~ approximately 90 seconds to complete.<ref name="Announcement Q&A" />		The ride begins with a left turn out of the ] before ascending the {{Convert\|165\|ft\|m\|adj=mid\|-tall}} ] at a 45° angle. From the highest point, trains drop {{Convert\|180\|ft}} at an angle of 85°, {{Convert\|15\|ft}} below ground level, reaching their top speed of {{Convert\|72\|mph}}. After this, cars ascend to a height of {{Convert\|125\|ft}} for an overbanked turnaround, followed by a descent back to the ground and a small ] hill. A ] is next, where riders are inverted before descending a ]. The track then enters the second inversion, a ], where the train is suspended upside-down as it crests over a hill underneath the lift hill. This element is followed by a second overbanked turnaround, leading to the ] and a short path back to the station.<ref name=RCDB>{{cite RCDB\|coaster_name=Goliath\|location=Six Flags Great America\|rcdb_number=9972\|accessdate=August 30, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news\|last=Leshock\|first=Marcus\|title=Record-breaking wooden roller coaster coming to Six Flags Great America: How big will it be?\|url=http://wgntv.com/2013/08/23/record-breaking-wooden-roller-coaster-coming-to-six-flags-great-america-how-big-will-it-be/\|access-date=August 30, 2013\|newspaper=]\|date=August 22, 2013}}</ref> One cycle of the ride takes approximately 105 seconds to complete.<ref name="Announcement Q&A" />

	==Records==		==Records==
	''Goliath'' ~~will claim~~ three ~~] when it opens in 2014~~. The ride's {{Convert\|180\|ft\|m\|adj=mid\|-tall}} drop at 85° ~~will be both~~ the ] and ] in the world for wooden roller coasters. ''Goliath'' ~~will~~ also ~~become~~ the ], with a top speed of {{Convert\|72\|mph}}.<ref name="CT announcement" /><ref name="ABC announcement" />		Goliath claimed three records upon opening. The ride's {{Convert\|180\|ft\|m\|adj=mid\|-tall}} drop at 85° was the ] and is still the ] in the world for wooden roller coasters. The steepness record is now held by ] at ZDT's Amusement Park, whose train at one point goes 87 degrees. Goliath is also the ], with a top speed of {{Convert\|72\|mph}}.<ref name="CT announcement" /><ref name="ABC announcement" /> After Goliath opened, Six Flags Great America had the most wooden roller coaster track of any amusement park in the world.<ref name=ParkWorld>{{cite journal\|title=Medusa & Goliath: Rocky Mountain screams into Six Flags\|journal=Park World Magazine\|date=July 2014\|pages=38, 39}}</ref> However, this record was later surpassed by ] with the opening of ] in 2017.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.cincinnati.com/story/entertainment/2016/07/28/want-know-new-kings-island-ride/87606926/\|title=Kings Island reveals new ride: Mystic Timbers\|date=July 29, 2016\|publisher=Gannett Newspapers\|author=Carol Motsinger\|work=Cincinnati.com\|access-date=October 30, 2017}}</ref>

			==Reception==
			The opening of Goliath was widely reported across the world,<ref name="Video: Take a virtual ride on the new world record-breaking roller-coaster Goliath">{{cite news\|title=Video: Take a virtual ride on the new world record-breaking roller-coaster Goliath\|url=http://www.theaustralian.com.au/travel/news/video-take-a-virtual-ride-on-the-new-world-recordbreaking-rollercoaster-goliath/story-e6frg8ro-1226961088014\|access-date=June 28, 2014\|work=]\|agency=]\|date=June 20, 2014}}</ref><ref name="New rollercoaster breaks three records">{{cite news\|title=New rollercoaster breaks three records\|url=http://news.msn.co.nz/worldnews/8863358/new-rollercoaster-breaks-three-records\|access-date=June 28, 2014\|work=MSN New Zealand\|publisher=]\|date=June 21, 2014}}</ref> with those experiencing the ride giving positive reviews.
			Jessica D'Onofrio of '']'' stated Goliath was the smoothest roller coaster she had ever been on, describing it as "a great adrenaline rush".<ref name="Opening Day" />
			Marcus Leshock of ] commended the uniqueness of the zero-g stall element, stating "it's something I've never really felt on a coaster before". He describes hanging upside down as a "really nice, fun, exhilarating feeling" without feeling disoriented.<ref name=Doco />
			Reviewing the ride for ], Taylor Trimby of ] described Goliath as a wonderful ride, stating "You don't have time to prepare for anything. ... You're twisting and turning. ... It's great".<ref name="Six Flags unveils Goliath wooden roller coaster">{{cite news\|last=Bustos\|first=Joseph\|title=Six Flags unveils Goliath wooden roller coaster\|url=http://www.kcchronicle.com/2014/06/23/six-flags-unveils-goliath-wooden-roller-coaster/a3q89o5/?page=1\|access-date=28 June 2014\|work=]\|publisher=]\|date=26 June 2014}}</ref>
			Anthony Murphy of Theme Park Insider praised the ride for being "one of the most intense roller coasters" he has ever ridden.<ref name="New record-setting wooden coaster, Goliath, opens at Six Flags Great America">{{cite news\|last1=Murphy\|first1=Anthony\|title=New record-setting wooden coaster, Goliath, opens at Six Flags Great America\|url=http://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201406/4083/\|access-date=June 28, 2014\|work=Theme Park Insider\|date=June 21, 2014}}</ref>

			{\| class="wikitable"
			\|-
			! style="text-align:center; background:white;" colspan="500"\|]: ] for 2014
			\|- style="background:#white;"
			! style="text-align:center;"\|Ranking
			\|{{center\|3<ref name="2k14">{{cite journal\|title=Park and ride winners\|journal=]\|date=September 2014\|url=http://www.goldenticketawards.com/2014-park-ride-winners/\|access-date=September 7, 2014}}</ref>}}
			\|-
			\|}

			{{GTA table
			\| type = wood
			\| accessdate = September 13, 2016
		⚫	\| 2014 = 23
		⚫	\| 2015 = 14
		⚫	\| 2016 = 13
		⚫	\| 2017 = 13
		⚫	\| 2018 = 19
		⚫	\| 2019 = 27
			\| 2021 = 26
			\| 2022 = 26
			\|2023=32\|2024=24}}

	==References==		==References==
Line 95:		Line 125:
	* {{Official website\|http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/greatamerica/goliath}}		* {{Official website\|http://content.sixflags.com/comingin2014/greatamerica/goliath}}
	* {{RCDB\|9972\|Goliath}}		* {{RCDB\|9972\|Goliath}}
			* at ]
			* {{Commons category inline}}

	{{Six Flags Great America}}		{{Six Flags Great America}}

	]		]
	]		]
	]		]
			]

Latest revision as of 14:02, 10 September 2024

Wooden roller coaster

Goliath

Goliath's 180 feet (55 m) drop
Six Flags Great America
Location	Six Flags Great America
Park section	County Fair
Coordinates	42°21′58″N 87°55′52″W / 42.366111°N 87.931111°W / 42.366111; -87.931111
Status	Operating
Soft opening date	June 18, 2014 (2014-06-18)
Opening date	June 19, 2014 (2014-06-19)
Replaced	Iron Wolf
General statistics
Manufacturer	Rocky Mountain Construction
Designer	Alan Schilke
Model	Topper Track – Custom
Lift/launch system	Chain lift hill
Height	165 ft (50 m)
Drop	180 ft (55 m)
Length	3,100 ft (940 m)
Speed	72 mph (116 km/h)
Inversions	2
Duration	1:45
Max vertical angle	85°
Capacity	800 riders per hour
Height restriction	48 in (122 cm)
Trains	2 trains with 6 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 24 riders per train.
Flash Pass available
Must transfer from wheelchair
Goliath at RCDB

Goliath is a wooden roller coaster located at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) and designed by Alan Schilke, the roller coaster features RMC's Topper Track design and opened to the public on June 19, 2014. Goliath initially set three world records among wooden coasters, having the longest drop at 180 feet (55 m), the steepest angle of 85 degrees, and the fastest speed of 72 mph (116 km/h). It still holds the record for the longest drop and fastest wooden roller coaster. In addition, the ride also features two inversions and a maximum descent that reaches 15 feet (4.6 m) below ground level.

Goliath was constructed over a nine-month period on the site previously occupied by Iron Wolf, a steel roller coaster removed in 2011 and relocated to Six Flags America. Goliath's opening allowed Great America to claim the title of having the most wooden track in one park, a recognition that was later claimed by Kings Island. Following its record-breaking debut, the coaster was well-received by the media and enthusiasts, and it has consistently ranked in the top 25 among wooden coasters in the annual Golden Ticket Awards publication from Amusement Today.

History

On August 5, 2011, Six Flags Great America announced on its official Facebook page that the Iron Wolf would be closing permanently on September 5, 2011. The ride was subsequently removed and relocated to Six Flags America, where it reopened as Apocalypse: The Last Stand. For a brief period, Great America did not release any definitive plans for the site's replacement.

In early August 2013, Six Flags Great America released a teaser campaign entitled "Follow the Journey". Later that month, it was revealed Six Flags Great America would be building a 165-foot-tall roller coaster (50 m), with plans to lobby the local zoning committee to exceed the 125-foot (38 m) height limit imposed on the park. The official announcement for Goliath came on August 29, 2013, where it was revealed the new wooden roller coaster would be manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) and open in 2014. As part of the announcement, the ride's statistics were released, along with a concept computer-animated video demonstrating the ride's layout. Situated on the site of the former Iron Wolf, Goliath utilized a majority of the station and line queue from the former ride, and the station was lengthened to accommodate the longer twelve-row trains.

Final design photos were released on Great America's Facebook page on February 21, 2014. These revealed a design change in Goliath's lift hill, which was modified to an all-steel structure as opposed to the original wood design. Another computer-animated video was also released on the park's official YouTube channel the same day.

Construction began in September 2013, employing a crew of approximately 35 workers by RMC. The team worked 11-hour days, six days a week through winter in occasional sub-zero temperatures finishing in May 2014, which amounted to approximately 40,000 man hours. Goliath was set to open on May 31, 2014, but the opening was delayed. The lift hill was topped off on May 16, with the first test run taking place two weeks later on May 31, the same day as the original opening. Lightning struck a small section of the ride's station on June 6, 2014, causing it to catch fire briefly before being extinguished. There were no reported injuries or major damage. After testing was completed, Goliath officially opened to the public on June 19, 2014.

Characteristics

Goliath was Rocky Mountain Construction's second ground-up wooden roller coaster following the opening of Silver Dollar City's Outlaw Run in early 2013. Although the ride is located in the County Fair section of Six Flags Great America, the name and theme of the ride was chosen purely on the basis of the ride's size and scale. The 3,100-foot-long (940 m) ride stands 165 feet (50 m) tall; however, the ride drops a total of 180 feet (55 m) at an angle of 85° into an underground tunnel. Goliath features two inversions, two overbanked turns, and a top speed of 72 miles per hour (116 km/h). Because Goliath was built in such a small space, the lift hill is abnormally steep at an angle of 45°. The entire track was filled with grout to allow a quieter and smoother ride experience. The ride was designed by Alan Schilke.

Track

The 3,100 feet (940 m) of track is made of six layers of laminated wood, with a steel rectangular tube acting as the topmost layer of track. This type of track is known as Topper Track and allows for more dynamic roller coaster elements to be performed on a wooden roller coaster. Additionally, this track style is designed to reduce the maintenance typically required for a wooden roller coaster and to provide a smoother ride experience.

Trains

Goliath operates with two trains manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction. Each train is made up of six cars, with riders being arranged in two rows of two for a total of 24 riders per train. This configuration caters for approximately 800 riders per hour. The trains feature polyurethane wheels, allowing for a quieter ride. Riders are restrained through the use of an individual lap bar, shin bar, and seatbelt.

Ride experience

The ride begins with a left turn out of the station before ascending the 165-foot-tall (50 m) chain lift hill at a 45° angle. From the highest point, trains drop 180 feet (55 m) at an angle of 85°, 15 feet (4.6 m) below ground level, reaching their top speed of 72 miles per hour (116 km/h). After this, cars ascend to a height of 125 feet (38 m) for an overbanked turnaround, followed by a descent back to the ground and a small air-time hill. A dive loop is next, where riders are inverted before descending a half loop. The track then enters the second inversion, a zero gravity stall, where the train is suspended upside-down as it crests over a hill underneath the lift hill. This element is followed by a second overbanked turnaround, leading to the brake run and a short path back to the station. One cycle of the ride takes approximately 105 seconds to complete.

Records

Goliath claimed three records upon opening. The ride's 180-foot-tall (55 m) drop at 85° was the steepest and is still the longest in the world for wooden roller coasters. The steepness record is now held by Switchback at ZDT's Amusement Park, whose train at one point goes 87 degrees. Goliath is also the fastest wooden roller coaster in the world, with a top speed of 72 miles per hour (116 km/h). After Goliath opened, Six Flags Great America had the most wooden roller coaster track of any amusement park in the world. However, this record was later surpassed by Kings Island with the opening of Mystic Timbers in 2017.

Reception

The opening of Goliath was widely reported across the world, with those experiencing the ride giving positive reviews. Jessica D'Onofrio of ABC7 Chicago stated Goliath was the smoothest roller coaster she had ever been on, describing it as "a great adrenaline rush". Marcus Leshock of WGN-TV commended the uniqueness of the zero-g stall element, stating "it's something I've never really felt on a coaster before". He describes hanging upside down as a "really nice, fun, exhilarating feeling" without feeling disoriented. Reviewing the ride for Shaw Media, Taylor Trimby of American Coaster Enthusiasts described Goliath as a wonderful ride, stating "You don't have time to prepare for anything. ... You're twisting and turning. ... It's great". Anthony Murphy of Theme Park Insider praised the ride for being "one of the most intense roller coasters" he has ever ridden.

Golden Ticket Awards: Best New Ride for 2014
Ranking	3

Golden Ticket Awards: Top wood Roller Coasters
Year	2014	2015	2016	2017	2018	2019	2021	2022	2023	2024
Ranking	23	14	13	13	19	27	26	26	32	24

References

^ Figalora, Sarah (June 19, 2014). "Six Flags Opens Goliath, a Record-Breaking New Roller Coaster". Good Morning America. ABC News. Retrieved June 19, 2014.
^ "Minor Fire Reported Near New Six Flags Great America Roller Coaster". NBC. June 6, 2014. Retrieved June 7, 2014.
Six Flags Great America (August 5, 2011). "After a long 21..." Facebook. Retrieved August 23, 2011.
Coasterholic14 (August 6, 2011). "Six Flags Great America Losing Long-time Stand-Up Coaster". COASTER-Net. Archived from the original on September 28, 2011. Retrieved August 23, 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
^ Koss, Nick (August 15, 2014). "Goliath: Documenting a Giant Six Flags Great America 2014". YouTube. Cutback Productions. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
"Six Flags Great America Follow the Journey 2014". Six Flags Great America. YouTube. August 1, 2013. Retrieved August 20, 2013.
^ Casas, Gloria (August 19, 2013). "Great America Planning to Add New Coaster in 2014". Patch Media. Retrieved August 20, 2013.
"Agenda of the Regular Meeting of the Gurnee Planning and Zoning Board – August 21, 2013". The Village of Gurnee. Retrieved August 20, 2013.
Moran, Dan (August 18, 2013). "Proposal for new roller coaster at Great America is on the table". Lake County News-Sun. Archived from the original on August 29, 2013. Retrieved August 20, 2013.
"Great America gets OK on 150-ft.-high coaster". Chicago Sun-Times. Wrapports LLC. June 12, 2010. Archived from the original on June 15, 2010. Retrieved September 16, 2010.
^ "Goliath | New for 2014 at Six Flags Great America". August 29, 2013. Archived from the original on September 1, 2013. Retrieved August 29, 2013.
^ McCoppin, Robert (August 29, 2013). "Six Flags boasts latest ride will be world's fastest wooden rollercoaster". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on August 30, 2013. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
^ "New Great America roller coaster Goliath due in 2014". WLS-TV. American Broadcasting Company. August 29, 2013. Archived from the original on December 19, 2013. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
^ Salemi, Hank (August 29, 2013). "Goliath – Media Event – Q & A". YouTube. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
Marden, Duane. "Iron Wolf (Six Flags Great America)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved May 11, 2014.
"Drum roll please... Six Flags Great America unveils final design artwork for Goliath, The World's Fastest Wooden Roller Coaster with Tallest and Steepest Drop!". Facebook. February 21, 2014. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
"Updated Artwork for Goliath". February 21, 2014. Archived from the original on April 27, 2015. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
"Goliath New for 2014 | - Virtual Ride". Six Flags Great America. YouTube. February 21, 2014. Retrieved March 21, 2014.
^ McCoppin, Robert (May 6, 2014). "Goliath rises in Great America skyline". MSN News. Archived from the original on May 10, 2014. Retrieved May 11, 2014.
^ Snyder, Elizabeth (June 26, 2014). "Go Goliath: Record-setting wooden coaster opens at Six Flags". Kenosha News. United Communications Corporation. Archived from the original on November 7, 2015. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
"Grand Opening For Goliath, World's Tallest, Fastest and Steepest Wooden Roller Coaster, Delayed". 27 May 2014.
"Goliath – Six Flags Great America FIRST TEST RUN". YouTube. May 31, 2014. Retrieved June 1, 2014.
Marden, Duane. "Roller Coaster Search Results (Rocky Mountain Construction)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
Schilke, Alan (June 25, 2014). "Alan & Scott Ride Goliath". NewsPlusNotes (Interview). Retrieved June 28, 2014.
Schilke, Alan (20 November 2013). "Alan Schilke Interview". NewsPlusNotes (Interview). Retrieved 21 November 2013.
^ Murphy, Anthony (June 21, 2014). "New record-setting wooden coaster, Goliath, opens at Six Flags Great America". Theme Park Insider. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
Marden, Duane. "Goliath (Six Flags Great America)". Roller Coaster DataBase. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
Leshock, Marcus (August 22, 2013). "Record-breaking wooden roller coaster coming to Six Flags Great America: How big will it be?". WGN-TV. Retrieved August 30, 2013.
"Medusa & Goliath: Rocky Mountain screams into Six Flags". Park World Magazine: 38, 39. July 2014.
Carol Motsinger (July 29, 2016). "Kings Island reveals new ride: Mystic Timbers". Cincinnati.com. Gannett Newspapers. Retrieved October 30, 2017.
"Video: Take a virtual ride on the new world record-breaking roller-coaster Goliath". The Australian. News Corporation. June 20, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
"New rollercoaster breaks three records". MSN New Zealand. Microsoft. June 21, 2014. Retrieved June 28, 2014.
Bustos, Joseph (26 June 2014). "Six Flags unveils Goliath wooden roller coaster". Kane County Chronicle. Shaw Media. Retrieved 28 June 2014.
"Park and ride winners". Amusement Today. September 2014. Retrieved September 7, 2014.
"2014 Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 18 (6.2): 38–39. September 2014. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
"2015 Top 50 wood Roller Coasters" (PDF). Amusement Today. 19 (6.2): 45–46. September 2015. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
"2016 Top 50 Wooden Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
"2017 Top 50 Wooden Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2017. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
"2018 Top 50 Wooden Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2018. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
"2019 Top 50 Wood Coasters". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2019. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
"2021 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2021. Archived from the original on November 15, 2021. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
"2022 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2022. Archived from the original on September 12, 2022. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
"2023 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Amusement Today. 27 (6.2): 71–72. September 2023. Archived from the original on September 10, 2023. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
"2024 Golden Ticket Award Winners". Golden Ticket Awards. Amusement Today. September 2024. Archived from the original on September 9, 2024. Retrieved September 13, 2016.

External links

Official website
Goliath at the Roller Coaster DataBase
Iron Rattler at Rocky Mountain Construction
Media related to Goliath (Six Flags Great America) at Wikimedia Commons

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Hurricane Harbor Chicago Former attractions
Carousel Plaza	Columbia Carousel Sky Trek Tower Maxx Force
Orleans Place	Condor Rue Le Dodge Superman: Ultimate Flight The Dark Knight Coaster
Mardi Gras	Big Easy Balloons Roaring Rapids
DC Universe	Aquaman Splashdown Batman: The Ride DC Super-Villains Swing The Flash: Vertical Velocity The Joker
Yukon Territory	Little Dipper Logger's Run Winner's Circle Go Karts
Camp Cartoon	Crazy Bus Sprocket Rockets Yahoo River
County Fair	American Eagle Demon Fiddler's Fling Goliath Great America Scenic Railway Sky Striker Wrath of Rakshasa X-Flight
Metropolis Plaza	Justice League: Battle for Metropolis
Kidzopolis	Bouncer Krazy Kars Krazy Kups Splish Splash Zone Up, Up and Away ZoomJets
Hometown Square	Great America Scenic Railway Hometown Fun Machine The Lobster Triple Play Whizzer
Hometown Park	Lady Bugs Red Baron Tot's Livery
Southwest Territory	Chubasco Ricochet Giant Drop Raging Bull River Rocker Viper
Events	Fright Fest Holiday in the Park (former)

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