Goliath (Six Flags Great America)

Goliath
Goliath's 180 feet (55 m) drop
Six Flags Great America
Location	Six Flags Great America
Park section	County Fair
Coordinates	42°21′58″N 87°55′52″W / 42.366111°N 87.931111°W / 42.366111; -87.931111
Status	Operating
Soft opening date	June 18, 2014 (2014-06-18)[2]
Opening date	June 19, 2014 (2014-06-19)[1]
Replaced	Iron Wolf
General statistics
Manufacturer	Rocky Mountain Construction
Designer	Alan Schilke
Model	Topper Track – Custom
Lift/launch system	Chain lift hill
Height	165 ft (50 m)
Drop	180 ft (55 m)
Length	3,100 ft (940 m)
Speed	72 mph (116 km/h)
Inversions	2
Duration	1:45
Max vertical angle	85°
Capacity	800 riders per hour
Height restriction	48 in (122 cm)
Trains	2 trains with 6 cars. Riders are arranged 2 across in 2 rows for a total of 24 riders per train.
Flash Pass available
Must transfer from wheelchair
Goliath at RCDB

Goliath is a wooden roller coaster located at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) and designed by Alan Schilke, the roller coaster features RMC's Topper Track design and opened to the public on June 19, 2014. Goliath initially set three world records among wooden coasters, having the longest drop at 180 feet (55 m), the steepest angle of 85 degrees, and the fastest speed of 72 mph (116 km/h). It still holds the record for the longest drop and fastest wooden roller coaster. In addition, the ride also features two inversions and a maximum descent that reaches 15 feet (4.6 m) below ground level.

Goliath was constructed over a nine-month period on the site previously occupied by Iron Wolf, a steel roller coaster removed in 2011 and relocated to Six Flags America. Goliath's opening allowed Great America to claim the title of having the most wooden track in one park, a recognition that was later claimed by Kings Island. Following its record-breaking debut, the coaster was well-received by the media and enthusiasts, and it has consistently ranked in the top 25 among wooden coasters in the annual Golden Ticket Awards publication from Amusement Today.