Six Flags Great Adventure revealed the official name and details of its long-teased “Project Purple” coaster on July 28, 2026: Bakunawa, a 382-foot giga coaster the park says will claim six world records when it opens in 2027. Named for a sea serpent from Philippine mythology, the ride will become the world’s tallest and fastest spinning coaster, launching riders to 100 mph.
The reveal caps months of construction milestones at the Jackson, New Jersey park, including a topping-off ceremony and the coaster reaching its full height earlier in July. Bakunawa will anchor a new Boardwalk-themed area and is expected to draw enthusiasts nationwide given its unprecedented combination of height, speed, and inversion features.
Stats at a Glance
- What: Bakunawa, a 382-foot spinning launch coaster with a floorless, free-spinning train design
- Where: Six Flags Great Adventure, Jackson, New Jersey (Boardwalk area)
- When: Name revealed July 28, 2026; opening in 2027
- Speed/Length: 100 mph top speed, 3,163 feet of track, 2 minutes 17 seconds ride time
- Records: Claims 6 world records, including tallest and fastest spinning coaster and first upside-down launch
- Why it matters: Sets a new benchmark for spinning coasters and adds a marquee attraction to one of the busiest East Coast theme parks
The Story
Six Flags had kept the coaster’s identity under wraps since May 2026 under the working title “Project Purple,” using the campaign to partner with the pancreatic cancer nonprofit of the same name. Construction milestones, including the ride reaching 382 feet and completing its track structure, fueled speculation among enthusiasts before the park confirmed the name and full specifications on July 28.
Bakunawa uses three linear synchronous motor launches to accelerate riders from 0 to 60 mph, then to 80 mph while inverted, and finally to a 100 mph top speed. Its two 20-passenger trains feature floorless vehicles that spin independently as they travel the course, a design Six Flags says is a world first when combined with the coaster’s launch sequence.
What It Means for Visitors
With a 2027 debut, Bakunawa gives coaster enthusiasts a new bucket-list destination and positions Six Flags Great Adventure among the top parks globally for extreme thrill rides. The attraction requires a minimum height of 48 inches, and visitors can expect the new Boardwalk-themed area to become a focal point of the park as construction and testing continue over the next year.
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Bakunawa FAQs
What is Bakunawa?
Bakunawa is a new 382-foot spinning launch roller coaster at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, set to open in 2027.
How fast will Bakunawa go?
The coaster will reach a top speed of 100 mph, making it the fastest spinning coaster in the world according to Six Flags.
When does Bakunawa open?
Six Flags Great Adventure has set an opening year of 2027, with a specific date to be announced as construction and testing progress.
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Photo: User:FlyingLeopard2014 / CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.