The Pacific National Exhibition’s president and CEO Shelley Frost called today “an incredibly exciting day” after announcing plans to build a new roller coaster at Playland.
The Vancouver amusement park has spent $9 million to purchase Canada’s fastest launch coaster that will be built on the Playland grounds next year.
“Despite the financial effects of the COVID pandemic, the PNE has displayed its resiliency and innovation by not only surviving the pandemic, but by pivoting our business throughout it to emerge in a place to invest in this spectacular ride and Playland’s future,” she said.
“We know that the new coaster will be an impressive addition to Playland’s ride roster and we are looking forward to introducing it to our guests in 2024.”
The new linear synchronous motor launch coaster will take over the spot soon to be vacated by the retired corkscrew coaster.
It will be built by Zamperla, an Italian manufacturer known around the world for its quality, innovation and service.
“We are thrilled to be providing Canada’s fastest launch coaster to Playland at the Pacific National Exhibition,” said Zamperla CEO Antonio Zamperla.
“Playland and Zamperla have a long partnership and their team started discussions with us over a year ago about their long term planning and helping them grow the park’s offerings.”
Zamperla opened a gryphon at Playland, called Skybender, which is the first ride of its type in the world and has been popular amongst guests.
The new ride will feature an opening tunnel, 18-metre first drop, airtime hills, helices and sweeping turns that Zamperla says will take thrills to the next level at Playland.
Construction will start on the ride in 2023 and it will open to the public in 2024.
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