Final Update:
Great American Scream Machine has closed and deconstruction is already underway. Check out the updated Scream Machine Ride Review page for deconstruction photos as they become available. It’s also been basically confirmed that Chang will replace Scream Machine.
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July 5, 2010 UPDATE:
It’s now official, Great American Scream Machine will close for good on July 18th, 2010. According to the Great Adventure Facebook there will be a contest where 25 winners (and a guest of their choosing) will get exclusive ride time on GASM from 10-11:30 pm on July 18th. All you have to do is send in your best scream face! Details can be found here.
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July 2, 2010 UPDATE:
Well, well, well…looks like part one of this rumor, the closing on July 1st part, has been BUSTED. EDIT: The closing date is the 18th!
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June 21, 2010
A big rumor dropped this weekend that the Great American Scream Machine will be closing on July 1st July 18th and will be replaced in 2011 by Chang, the now in pieces stand-up coaster that was all but confirmed for Six Flags Great America. Chang was removed from Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom last season after being at the park since 1997.
So, I might be in the minority here but I think this is awful news! Sure Scream Machine is old and a bit rough but it’s also one of the most intense rides at the park and it’s one of only two megaloopers left (the other being Viper at Six Flags Magic Mountain.) Scream Machine represents the pinnacle of the coaster race where higher, faster and more disorienting were all the rave while comfort and aesthetics were commonly omitted. Hell, Scream Machine was the tallest coaster in the world at one point, only to be supplanted by the 200 foot Magnum XL 200 soon after.
Ride it while you still can folks! You’ve got until the 18th!
EDIT: The Suburban Chicago News website ran an article last week that Six Flags Great America had canceled the proposed coaster and meeting with the local zoning board. Interestingly the online article is now gone and the print version of the paper apparently issued a retraction regarding the article. Hmm…seems like somebody didn’t want this information to be known to us common folk!
1 Comment
I feel the same way about Scream Machine,its my favorite rollercaster I ever road and I’ve been on the new crap to.The only thing that competes with it is the fair ride the Zipper and theirs always one of them.I think Great Adventure should be focusing on the flatride issue and ride upkeep and let that other park have Chang.They haven’t had a new rollercoaster in 10 yrs. and are alays getting flatrides.When Great Adventure is loosing flatrides and getting coasters.They better invest wisely or I’m doing buisness else where.