TAMPA, Fla. — Busch Gardens is changing the Tampa horizon with a 150-foot-tall launch coaster named Tigris that reaches speeds of up to 62 miles per hour and has a ride time of just under a minute. 

  • Tigris to be tallest launch coaster in Florida
  • 150-feet tall with speeds of up to 62 mph
  • The new coaster is expected to open this spring

Tigris will be Florida's tallest launch coaster once it opens.

Workers have completed the track and have moved on the electrical wiring, the ride system and the cue line.

Construction started last year and the hope is to open the the coaster this spring.

The coaster boasts a triple launch system, including one backward launch as well as a heart line roll, meaning your heart is moving forward in a straight line as your body flips around your heart sort of- lol- your heart also moves.

Two people sit side-by-side in the ride car, and there are six people to each car. Three cars make up the train that travels along the rails. It's a total of 18 people per trip.

The coaster comes as Busch Gardens celebrates its 60th anniversary. As part of the celebration, the park will be offering free beer all year long. Guests will be able to pick up two complimentary samples each visit. 

The park will also hold a 60th Anniversary Celebration Kickoff on March 1, which will include a Florida Orchestra concert and a fireworks display. 

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