New Busch Gardens ‘Drop Tower’ Will be Tallest in North America

Guests at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will soon be able to experience the hunting dive of a bird of prey.

Falcon’s Fury, a 335-foot drop tower, is scheduled to open in the spring of 2014, according to a Tuesday announcement from Busch Gardens. It will be the first “drop tower” of its kind in the world and the tallest freestanding drop tower in North America.

“No bird can match the speed of a falcon in its hunting dive,” a press release from Busch Gardens states. “The falcon is the fastest animal on Earth, reaching speeds of 200 mph. Designers were inspired by this bird of prey during the development of the new attraction.”

At the ride’s highest point, riders will pivot 90 degrees in midair to a face-down dive position, according to the release. Then, they’ll plunge 60 mph at 3.5 Gs straight down.

Falcon’s Fury will be located in the Timbuktu area of the park, and construction has already begun. The ride is replacing the Sandstorm, which opened in December 1979 and closed June 3.

According to the Tampa Bay Times, Falcon’s Fury will hold 32 riders and will be restricted to people 54 inches and taller. Read the entire Tampa Bay Times story here.

For updates about Falcon’s Fury, visit FalconsFury.com.

Get local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday by signing up for the free Temple Terrace Patch newsletter.