Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois is about to open Goliath, which will set the records for tallest, fastest and steepest wooden roller coaster in the world! The record-setting attraction was set to open on May 31, however, the Chicago Tribune reports that the grand opening has been delayed.

The construction of Goliath has been underway for months. The Tribune says that poor weather, including the exceptionally cold and long winter the region experienced, has caused delays to the "finishing touches" on the coaster. Six Flags Great America is expected to announce a new grand opening date later in the week.

This is the second major theme park attraction in the Midwest to delay its grand opening celebration. Schlitterbahn water park in Kansas City has been building the world's tallest waterslide, Verrück, and the park recently announced that the slide would not be opening as scheduled. The tentative grand opening date for Verrück is June 5.

When Goliath does finally open, Six Flags claims the roller coaster will reach a top speed of 72 mph and will feature a drop of 180 feet at 85 degrees.

“Six Flags Great America is known for introducing record-breaking and first-of-its-kind roller coasters,” said Hank Salemi, Six Flags Great America park president. “Goliath will be unmatched – setting not only one, but three world records and featuring two inversions. All of the ride elements, including an 85 degree plunge down the tallest drop on a wooden roller coaster, make Goliath the most extreme wooden roller coaster in the world. We are thrilled to bring this record-smashing coaster to our guests for the 2014 season.”

In addition to Goliath, Six Flags Great America is also home to attractions like Raging Bull, a 208 foot steel roller coaster, and X Flight, a coaster that allows riders to sit on either side of the track, much like riding on the wings of an airplane.

Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois, off I-94 (between Chicago and Milwaukee).

Goliath
Six Flags Great America
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