Kennywood closes Steel Curtain for ‘extensive’ overhaul
A flagship attraction at Kennywood, the Steel Curtain roller coaster, will not open this season.
Kennywood made the announcement Wednesday. In a video, the amusement park’s assistant general manager, Ricky Spicuzza, said the coaster will undergo an “extensive modification project.”
“We understand the frustration many of you have felt not being able to experience Steel Curtain,” Mr. Spicuzza said. “On behalf of our entire team, we absolutely share that frustration with you.”
The park said the project will increase the ride’s reliability and longevity. Kennywood said it had “worked with third-party engineers and the ride’s manufacturer to determine a long-term solution that will allow the ride to run without interruption.”
The Steel Curtain opened in 2019, being named the Best New Roller Coaster of the year by Amusement Today.
The coaster, with a maximum height of 220 feet, takes riders along 4,000 feet of track and nine inversions at up to 76 mph, the park says on its website.
But while the fan-favorite coaster is closed, Kennywood is offering several other somewhat new attractions this season. The Turtle, which was closed in 2023, is returning this year. And the bumper cars have been remodeled into a ride called Potato Smash and will be decorated with fake fries, cheese sauce and a big fork.
The park will also introduce Celebrate Pittsburgh starting in July, showcasing local arts and culture, sports and beer.
Kennywood opens for the season Saturday and Sunday. The park will operate on weekends only until its first Friday, May 17, and then it will fully open for 2024 on May 23.