TAMPA, Fla. — National Roller Coaster Day is Friday, Aug. 16, and Kevin Berube, who oversees the care and maintenance of all Busch Gardens’ rollercoasters, takes his job seriously. 

What You Need To Know

  • National Roller Coaster Day is Friday, Aug. 16

  • Busch Gardens family coaster Phoenix Rising travels 44 miles per hour with zero inversions

  • Iron Gwazi goes up to 75 miles per hour

  • Montu has seven inversions

Every chassis weld is checked, every scratch is painted, and every inch is inspected. The whole process takes months.

And that is in addition to daily, weekly and monthly protocols.

Berube’s been at Busch Gardens for nearly 40 years and he’s watched technology climb to safer heights.

“The biggest change would be in engineering and development,” said Berube. “What you see is these guys have gotten so advanced with their design. Like we are sitting in a seat that is so comfortable.”

All to make sure riders are even more relaxed when plummeting.

“It’s outstanding to see the smiles on their faces. Watching them enjoy the ride,” said Berube.

Berube puts his own safety in the hands of the mechanics he oversees — a true vote of confidence.