Projects

Tigris

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Tampa, FL

THEMED CONSTRUCTION PUTS RIDERS IN TH EYE OF THE TIGER

Tigris catapults riders through an array of looping twists with forward and backward motion, all at more than 60 miles per hour along 1,800 feet of steel track designed to mimic the agility of the world’s most powerful cat – the tiger. KHS&S theming and construction experts helped transform the visitor areas around Florida’s tallest roller coaster completing the queueing areas, covered walkway, loading station, retail building and locker area. The African safari theming ties into the nearby Bengal tiger exhibit. Getting this coaster rolling in time for the busy summer months ahead, Tigris was finished on time and at budget, thanks to KHS&S’ Lean scheduling expertise.

All KHS&S construction and theming took place as the steel roller coaster was being assembled overhead. Working in areas with cranes for ride assembly caused a limited work area to be even more confined. Using massive timber supports prefabricated off site, eucalyptus poles and a myriad of other diversified materials, KHS&S craftsmen fashioned a solidly built structure. KHS&S handled all the woodwork using themed and structural wood, including trusses, beams and fencing. The wood’s uneven, rough-hewn look is a theme throughout the ride, including ragged opening cuts in panels for wooden support beams. Worn-looking trusses are visible in the open-beam ceiling. Because of the construction site’s tight confines, trusses had to be fashioned off site in a lay-down yard, trucked to the site and put in place.

KHS&S constructed fencing for walkways leading guests to the queueing area, ride loading platform and through the attraction’s retail store and locker area. The themed, yet functional, fencing featured 715 feet of eucalyptus poles held in place by metal rods and purposefully fashioned in different lengths with jagged ends, suggesting workers cut them with machetes