Largo, U.S.A - The “end of days” has arrived, a mere six months into 2012, as Six Flags America unleashed its newest roller coaster: Apocalypse – The Last Stand. To celebrate the coaster’s debut, the park launched the inaugural first ride with a train full of zombies. These undead took on two minutes of hairpin turns, pulse-pounding inversions and a swirling corkscrew, careening down 2,900 feet of track at 55 miles per hour – all while standing!

While June 7, 2012 did not bring the end of the world, it did bring Six Flags America’s roller coaster count to eight, adding a completely unique experience that gives passengers an incredible view as they ride standing up.  As guests approach Apocalypse – The Last Stand, they are met with signs of impending doom and mayhem: airplane wreckage, burned out vehicles, evidence of the undead and scorching special effects.

“We selected this ride for Six Flags America, complete with a timely 2012 Apocalypse theme, to broaden our roller coaster collection and give guests a multi-sensory thrill ride experience,” said Rick Howarth, Six Flags America park president. “Zombies, roller coaster enthusiasts and all-around thrill-seekers are invited to stand up to their fear and ride Apocalypse!”

Apocalypse – The Last Stand is located in the heart of the park and is impossible to miss at ten stories high with bright orange and charcoal grey steel set against a backdrop of an enormous, looming skull. Members of the American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE) and regional coaster club, the Coaster Zombies, gathered today, many dressed as zombies, to be among the first to ride Apocalypse – The Last Stand.

“ACE members know and love their roller coasters,” said Elizabeth Ringas, Mid-Atlantic ACE regional representative. “Apocalypse was built to deliver the excitement and rush of adrenaline that Six Flags is known for. We are thrilled to have a completely new coaster experience at Six Flags America!”

Apocalypse – The Last Stand was designed by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M) of Switzerland. This is Six Flags America’s first B&M coaster and complements the park’s arsenal of world-class roller coasters, thrill rides and Hurricane Harbor Water Park.

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