Kennywood takes the Steel Curtain for a test drive

Nicole C. Brambila
Saturday, June 22, 2019 8:29 p.m. | Saturday, June 22, 2019 8:29 p.m.

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Kennywood conducts the first tests of the parks’ newest roller coaster.

Kennywood conducts the first tests of the parks’ newest roller coaster.

Kennywood’s Steel Curtain – touted as Pennsylvania’s tallest roller coaster at 220 feet with the most upside down scares – made a maiden run on Saturday.

The 4,000 feet of track promises a two-minute ride for thrill seekers that tops out at 75 miles an hour.

Saturday’s tests put riders one step closer to the turnstile.

While you were sleeping this Saturday morning…#TheSteelCurtain took its first test runs. #SteelCurtain @steelers pic.twitter.com/JU8B6kVdiQ

— Kennywood Park (@Kenny_Kangaroo) June 22, 2019

Ticket holders haven’t yet experienced the Steel Curtain, but it’s sure to shake up the Pennsylvania Tourism Office’s top 10 list for the “tallest and scariest” coasters. (Kennywood already has two on the list: Phantom’s Revenge at No. 3 and the Thunderbolt at No. 10.)

Coaster fans are already joining the hype on social media.

Another test run in on #SteelCurtain! #TheSteelCurtain pic.twitter.com/tPjN0a5dsR

— Kennywood PR (@Kennywood_PR) June 22, 2019

Jamie Miller wasted no time Tweeting his joy: “Why hello there world’s tallest inversion! I can’t wait to ride you!”

Ryan Nixon put it simply: “I want it!”

This Zero G Stall on #SteelCurtain is going to be so cool! #TheSteelCurtain pic.twitter.com/93d2CmYz8c

— Kennywood PR (@Kennywood_PR) June 22, 2019

With nine inversions, the Steel Curtain has broken a North American record even before any riders have gotten coaster hair.

The final pieces of rail were laid Friday and the coaster is on track for a summer opening.

Nick Paradise, a Kennywood spokesman, could not be reached for comment.