One of America’s most talked-about roller coasters was just purchased by Six Flags and might soon be rebuilt right here in Charlotte.
Six Flags announced Tuesday that it acquired ArieForce One after Fun Spot America Atlanta permanently closed. The company plans to reopen the coaster at one of its parks.
“From the moment ArieForce One closed, we knew how much this coaster meant to the enthusiast community and to guests who traveled from around the world to experience it,” said Six Flags COO Mark Pauls in a press release. “This is a ride that consistently generated excitement, acclaim and passionate fan support. We are thrilled to preserve its legacy, invest in its future and bring this extraordinary attraction to a new generation of guests. This acquisition represents our commitment to delivering world-class thrills and creating unforgettable experiences across the Six Flags portfolio.”
However, Six Flags has not yet revealed the winning park. The company says it is considering several parks and expects an announcement later this year.
Could ArieForce One be coming to Carowinds?
The coaster would fill a major gap in the Carowinds lineup. Rocky Mountain Construction built ArieForce One, and Carowinds currently has no RMC coaster.
That would make it dramatically different from Fury 325, Copperhead Strike and Thunder Striker. ArieForce One focuses heavily on airtime, inversions and aggressive track elements.
The coaster stands 154 feet tall and features a 146-foot first drop. It reaches 64 mph across roughly 3,400 feet of track.
Riders also experience four inversions and several intense airtime moments. Its signature feature is the world’s largest zero-gravity stall.
Timing could also work in Charlotte’s favor.
Copperhead Strike opened in 2019 and remains Carowinds’ newest major adult thrill coaster. By 2028, nearly a decade will have passed since that debut. Several other major Carowinds coasters are decades old. ArieForce One could give Six Flags a relatively quick way to refresh the lineup.
Geography could help Charlotte as well. ArieForce One already operated in the Southeast, just south of Atlanta.
Moving it to Carowinds would keep the coaster within the same broad regional market. Charlotte also gives Six Flags access to visitors from both Carolinas.
Most importantly, Carowinds already has a strong reputation for major thrill rides. Adding ArieForce One alongside Fury 325 could create an especially powerful one-two combination.
Wherever it lands, Six Flags says ArieForce One will keep its name. The ride must first be dismantled, transported and rebuilt before reopening.
