Six Flags Over Texas is celebrating its 65th anniversary with a new 309-foot-tall roller coaster called Tormenta Rampaging Run, which park officials claim will be the world’s first to combine giga coaster height with a diving coaster’s trademark vertical drop.
According to the park, the ride will set six world records and serve as the centerpiece of a new Spain-themed section that includes a restaurant and an immersive hamlet.
Meanwhile, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) is urging Six Flags to reconsider the new coaster, claiming it promotes animal cruelty.
Inspired by the Running of the Bulls
The coaster, inspired by Spain’s Running of the Bulls, will open in 2026 and be placed in a new portion called Rancho de la Tormenta, which will include Cocina Abuela, a Spanish/Latin American restaurant.
The attraction, developed by coaster maker Bolliger & Mabillard, will begin with a 309-foot ascent, followed by a 95-degree beyond-vertical drop with tight bends, airtime moments, and many inversions.
Six records are poised to tumble
The six records include the tallest dive coaster (309 feet), the quickest dive coaster (87 mph), the longest dive coaster (4,199 feet), the tallest vertical coaster loop (179 feet), the highest Immelmann inversion (218 feet), and the highest 95-degree beyond vertical drop (285 feet).
Park leaders promote innovation
Mark Boyer, vice president and park manager of Six Flags Over Texas, described the attraction as a symbol of the company’s commitment to world-class thrills, stating that the park is “soaring to new heights” with Tormenta Rampaging Run.
“This coaster is a true testament to our commitment to providing world-class thrills and innovation, and we can’t wait to bring this historic ride to life in 2026,” Boyer told the crowd.
Sophie Bolliger, president of Bolliger & Mabillard, stated that the attraction creates a new category by combining giga coaster height with dive coaster thrills, setting a new standard in the amusement park sector.
“This level of innovation sets new standards for the theme park industry, and our company is honored to be part of this historic moment with Six Flags,” Bolliger told the crowd.
A legacy of firsts
Six Flags Over Texas, which debuted in Arlington on August 1, 1961, was the original park in the Six Flags complex, named after the six nations that once governed Texas. The park, founded by businessman Angus G. Wynne Jr., helped pave the way for today’s theme parks.
Following a 2024 merger with Cedar Fair, the combined firm now manages 56 parks across North America and plans to expand internationally, including a new park in Saudi Arabia.
