Busch Gardens Postpones Mach Tower Launch

By Amber Lester Kennedy Monday, May 23, 2011

The Mach Tower under construction.

Busch Gardens announced Monday that preliminary ride testing revealed an issue that requires the park to delay its May 27 Mach Tower media day. The park will need to install components from an Italy-based manufacturer, according to a press release. Busch Gardens Williamsburg Spokesman Kevin Crossett said a new opening date has not been scheduled yet.

Construction began on the Mach Tower in February. The 246-foot-tall drop ride is a first for the park. It will rise 6 feet per second, rotating as it rises to give 30 riders a panoramic view of the Peninsula. Once at the top, riders will pause before plummeting 60 miles per hour to the bottom.

Fans responded favorably to the announcement on the park’s Facebook page, with many thanking the park for putting safety before a deadline.