Kennywood: Record-Holding Rollercoaster “The Steel Curtain” Set to Reopen

(eap) The US amusement park Kennywood near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has announced the reopening of its record-breaking roller coaster “The Steel Curtain” for May 24, 2025. Following an extensive technical overhaul, the ride, labelled by the park as the tallest roller coaster in Pennsylvania featuring nine inversions – the most of any coaster in the United States – is scheduled to reopen in time for Memorial Day Weekend. As part of a modification project launched in 2024, the roller coaster, which opened in 2019, was retrofitted with three new columns and additional braces in collaboration with manufacturer S&S Worldwide and third-party engineers. The objective was to reduce structural movements to enhance the reliability and longevity of the ride.

Photo: Courtesy of Palace Entertainment

“Kennywood fans should get ready to reach speeds of nearly 80 miles per hour as they tackle every twist, turn, and touchdown-level drop starting this Memorial Day Weekend,” said Kennywood’s General Manager, Ricky Spicuzza. “We can’t wait to reintroduce this iconic coaster to our guests. With a heightened focused on the Steel Curtain’s reliability, this summer, guests can expect to hop on for a ride during every visit to Kennywood.”

Parallel to the coaster’s reopening, Kennywood is organizing the “Bites and Pints Food & Drink Festival” from 23 May. Featuring new culinary offerings inspired by Cuba and Spain, the event will run until the end of June. Other event and show highlights include the return of stunt shows by the Nerveless Nocks, summer fireworks and drone shows in July. The 2025 season will end with autumn and winter seasonal events, including the “Fall Fantasy Parades”, the Halloween event “Phantom Fall Fest” and the “Holiday Lights” program at Christmas time. ■