Kentucky Kingdom Announces Indoor Wooden Coaster for 2027
The new “Midnight Showdown” indoor wooden coaster is set to open in 2027 and, according to Kentucky Kingdom, it will be the largest of its kind worldwide. | Visualisation: Courtesy of Kentucky Kingdom
(eap) Kentucky Kingdom, located in Louisville, Kentucky (USA), has announced plans to open a new roller coaster in 2027. According to the park, “Midnight Showdown” will be the world’s largest indoor wooden roller coaster. The family-friendly coaster, supplied by US manufacturer The Gravity Group, will serve as the centerpiece of the new “Bluegrass Downs” themed area, which will be inspired by horse racing and pay tribute to the park’s history. The coaster will feature 1,130 feet of pure wood track, two trains with seats for 20 riders in total, and stand more than three stories tall. The opening of Midnight Showdown will also mark the completion of the park’s five-year development plan.
Inspired by the world of horse racing, the new “Bluegrass Downs” themed area will feature the new roller coaster alongside five rethemed attractions. | Visualisation: Courtesy of Kentucky Kingdom
In addition to the new coaster, Bluegrass Downs will feature five existing attractions that will be rethemed to match the horse-racing concept. Another new themed area, “Happy Valley Farm”, will incorporate the suspended coaster “Flying Fox” as well as eight rethemed attractions, including “Friendly Frogs”, “Loopy Lambs” and “Country Cruisers”.
Since Herschend acquired Kentucky Kingdom in 2021, nearly USD 50 million (approx. EUR 44.5 million) has been invested in the park’s development. Recent additions include the family-oriented themed area “Discovery Meadow”, which opened in 2025, and the Flying Fox roller coaster, which began operations in May this year. The park has also expanded its seasonal event offerings with the introduction of “Pumpkins at Kentucky Kingdom” and “Christmas at Kentucky Kingdom”. The opening of Midnight Showdown and the two new themed areas in 2027 is expected to complete the park’s extensive transformation.
Visualisation: Courtesy of Kentucky Kingdom
“We’ve been building toward this for years, and 2027 is the moment guests will see just how far Kentucky Kingdom has come,” said Carly Uglow, Director of Sales and Marketing at Kentucky Kingdom. “From two brand-new roller coasters and reimagined lands to refreshed rides and new theming throughout the park, this is a very different Kentucky Kingdom than guests may remember from years past. We encourage everyone to come out and visit the all-new Kentucky Kingdom.” ■
