CA's 'Tallest, Fastest, Longest' Dive Coaster To Open March 2022

SAN DIEGO, CA — California's "tallest, fastest and longest dive coaster" is slated to open in March 2022 at SeaWorld San Diego. Emperor will also be the only floorless dive coaster in the state, according to the theme park.

"Our fans are eager to ride Emperor and we're grateful for their enthusiasm and excitement to jump on this adrenaline-pumping dive coaster," SeaWorld San Diego president John Dunlap said in a statement. "Due to the unprecedented challenges of the last two years, the opening was delayed. We know this has been disappointing and we'd like to thank our guests for their patience for this long-awaited ride to open."

The new coaster, which is named after the world's largest penguin, will mimic the species' underwater diving ability. Climbing to 153 feet with feet dangling in the air, riders will be suspended on a 45-degree angle at the crown of the ride before plunging down a 143-foot facedown vertical drop, accelerating to more than 60 miles per hour, according to the park.

The ride will feature nearly 2,500 feet of track and floorless ride cars that will hold 18 riders in three, six-person rows. This is the first seating configuration of its kind in North America, according to the park.

"Opening just in time for Spring Break, this free-falling, feet-dangling ride is going to provide even more thrills that our guests and coaster fanatics have been craving," Dunlap said.