Six Flags announced Tuesday that it has acquired ArieForce One, the acclaimed steel roller coaster from Fun Spot America Atlanta, and plans to reopen the ride at one of its parks during the 2028 or 2029 operating season. The park operator has not yet disclosed which of its properties will receive the attraction, leaving coaster enthusiasts speculating about its next home.
ArieForce One, built by Rocky Mountain Construction, originally opened in March 2023 at Fun Spot America Atlanta in Fayetteville, Georgia. The park permanently closed in August 2026 after Fun Spot America announced earlier this year that it would consolidate operations around its Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida, locations.
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Why ArieForce One earned a devoted following
The coaster stands 154 feet tall, features a 146-foot first drop at an 83-degree angle, and reaches speeds of 64 mph. According to Six Flags, the ride also includes the largest zero-gravity stall element in the world — an element that inverts riders while creating a sensation of weightlessness.
Beyond its statistics, ArieForce One built a reputation among coaster enthusiasts for what Six Flags described as its “relentless pacing, massive airtime moments, innovative elements and unforgettable ride experience.” The ride’s closure in August 2026 prompted an outpouring of support from fans who had traveled internationally to ride it, a factor that Six Flags said played a role in its decision to acquire the attraction.
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“From the moment ArieForce One closed, we knew how much this coaster meant to the enthusiast community and to guests who traveled from around the world to experience it,” Mark Pauls, chief operating officer of Six Flags, said in a statement. “This is a ride that consistently generated excitement, acclaim and passionate fan support. We are thrilled to preserve its legacy, invest in its future and bring this extraordinary attraction to a new generation of guests.”
Fun Spot America CEO John Arie Jr., whose family founded the park chain, expressed satisfaction that the ride would continue operating. “When we built ArieForce One, we wanted to create something truly special. Something that would put Fun Spot America on the map with coaster enthusiasts and families around the world and create memories that would last a lifetime,” he said. “Seeing ArieForce One preserved and finding a new home with Six Flags means a great deal to me and my family.”
What the acquisition signals for Six Flags’ strategy
The purchase marks a notable shift for Six Flags, which has historically invested in new rides from manufacturers rather than relocating existing coasters from other parks. The decision to preserve ArieForce One — including keeping its original name — suggests the company recognizes the value of rides with established fan bases and strong industry reputations.
Industry observers note that relocating a coaster of this scale is a complex engineering undertaking. Rocky Mountain Construction, which built the ride, is known for its custom track designs and structural innovations, and the rebuild will require careful disassembly, transport, and reinstallation at the new site. Six Flags has not yet provided details on the timeline for these steps, saying only that it will announce the coaster’s future location and construction schedule at a later date.
For coaster enthusiasts, the announcement ends months of uncertainty about ArieForce One’s fate following Fun Spot America Atlanta’s closure. The ride’s relocation is part of a broader trend in the amusement industry, where parks increasingly acquire proven attractions from shuttered competitors rather than commissioning entirely new rides — a strategy that can reduce costs and shorten the time between announcement and opening.
Six Flags’ statement that “the coaster community’s biggest mystery remains unsolved” highlights the anticipation surrounding the ride’s next home. The company operates more than 25 parks across North America, and speculation among fans has already centered on locations with strong existing coaster lineups or those undergoing expansion.
Until the location is revealed, ArieForce One’s future remains a topic of active discussion in the enthusiast community. The ride’s legacy, however, appears secure: Six Flags has committed to preserving both the coaster and its name, ensuring that the attraction’s second chapter will introduce it to a new generation of riders.
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