Cedar Point Unveils Another Groundbreaking Roller Coaster: ‘Iron Tempest’ to Redefine Thrills
Sandusky, Ohio – May 22, 2025 – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the theme park industry, Cedar Point has officially announced the debut of its latest attraction, Iron Tempest – a record-breaking roller coaster designed to test the limits of engineering, physics, and human endurance.
Billed as the most technologically advanced coaster ever constructed at the iconic park, Iron Tempest represents Cedar Point’s continued commitment to being the “Roller Coaster Capital of the World.” The announcement was made during a live press conference held on-site, attended by coaster enthusiasts, engineers, and media outlets from across the globe.
The Details Behind the Hype
Manufactured by Switzerland-based ride giant Intamin, Iron Tempest combines elements of a launch coaster, giga coaster, and hybrid track design – a first of its kind. The ride features a vertical spike, four high-speed launches, a 415-foot-tall top hat, and a jaw-dropping 16 airtime moments across its 7,200 feet of track.
“Cedar Point has always been about pushing the envelope,” said Tony Clark, Director of Communications at Cedar Point. “With Iron Tempest, we’re not just building a ride, we’re creating a sensation — a symphony of steel and speed that captures what thrill-seekers crave today.”
The coaster will be located in the former space of Wicked Twister and the old Dinosaurs Alive! area, which has been under mysterious construction barriers since late 2023. The space has been entirely reimagined into a futuristic, storm-themed section of the park dubbed Tempest Reach, with Iron Tempest as its centerpiece.
Rewriting the Record Books
Iron Tempest isn’t just a new coaster—it’s a declaration. Here are the records it intends to set:
- Tallest Multi-Launch Coaster in the World (415 feet)
- Fastest Acceleration in North America (0 to 120 mph in 2.8 seconds)
- Longest Steel Coaster in the U.S. (7,200 feet)
- Most Airtime Moments on a Cedar Point Coaster (16)
The top hat element will pierce the skyline, becoming the tallest structure on Cedar Point’s already iconic landscape. Riders will be catapulted into the air after a magnetic launch sequence, twisting through a unique “storm surge” element — a spiraling dive unlike anything seen in the park before.
“It’s not just about stats, though,” said lead designer Marco Heller from Intamin. “It’s about emotion. Iron Tempest is built to evoke awe, exhilaration, and just the right amount of fear.”
An Immersive Experience from Queue to Exit
Unlike many coasters that start the thrills on the track, Iron Tempest sets the tone right from the queue. The line weaves through a high-tech facility meant to resemble a weather research station, complete with interactive screens, simulated lightning storms, and ambient sound design.
Guests will be briefed on a “mission” to harness the power of nature itself as they prepare for their ride on the Tempest Engine, the name of the multi-launch coaster train. Each train holds 24 passengers and features a unique LED lighting system that reacts dynamically throughout the ride.
The theming extends to the surrounding area, where food stands, gift shops, and even a water mist zone mimic the chaos and beauty of a powerful storm system. “It’s a world,” said Clark. “We want guests to feel like they’ve stepped into a different dimension.”
Engineering Feats and Safety First
Building a ride of this magnitude required unprecedented coordination. Construction began quietly in early 2024, with massive support towers barged in across Lake Erie. Workers used both traditional cranes and new 3D mapping drones to ensure every piece was aligned with millimeter precision.
Cedar Point worked closely with industry safety experts to make sure that despite the extreme elements, Iron Tempest met or exceeded all international safety standards. Each seat includes over-the-shoulder restraints, integrated audio cues, and a built-in heartbeat sensor to monitor guest responses – a first for the park.
“Our priority is always safety,” said Park President Carrie Boldman. “But we’ve proven that safety and innovation can go hand in hand.”
A Game-Changer for Cedar Point and the Industry
Industry analysts say Iron Tempest represents a bold new phase for Cedar Point, which has already enjoyed a resurgence in attendance since the successful 2023 reimagining of Top Thrill 2. With this new addition, the park solidifies its place at the cutting edge of theme park innovation.
“This puts Cedar Point back on top,” said park historian and author Jonathan Peters. “They’re not just chasing records — they’re creating new categories.”
The announcement comes as part of Cedar Point’s larger “Vision 2030” plan, which aims to transform the guest experience through innovation, technology, and immersive storytelling.
Anticipation Builds
The park has confirmed that Iron Tempest will open to the public on May 16, 2026, with exclusive preview events for Platinum Passholders and members of ACE (American Coaster Enthusiasts) in early May.
Within minutes of the announcement, social media lit up with buzz. Hashtags like #IronTempest, #TempestReach, and #CPStormCoaster were trending nationwide. Fans and YouTubers began analyzing the renderings frame by frame, trying to anticipate every twist and turn.
“This is the most ambitious project in Cedar Point’s history,” said Clark. “And we can’t wait for the world to ride the storm.”