User Mountain3307 brings us a photo that confirms reports on the boards at the end of this week.



For the last few weeks Intimidator has been testing constantly, eventually getting all three trains operating on the track at once. Now the first lucky riders have taken a trip along Intimidator's 5,316 feet of track, and we can only speculate on their experience. The people you are seeing are likely members of the construction crews that built the ride, and perhaps park officials. It is only fitting that the men and women who assembled this mammoth structure get to be the first to enjoy the results of their efforts.

In just a little over one month, the rest of us will get to join in on the fun.

At around 4:27 PM today, Intimidator completed its first test run, appearing to glide through the course at a very quick pace. Some members were out there this afternoon, so we will forward along photos and/or videos later as they surface.

Here is the first video, from user Wormy:

The official website has posted the 2010 Carowinds operating schedule HERE.

As already announced, opening day is March 27. Weekend only operation will continue, with the park open weekdays the week of April 4 for Spring Break, and then the park opens every day in June and July. Weekend only operation resumes August 21. Scarowinds begins on September 17 and runs until the last operating day, Halloween, October 31. Boomerang Bay opens on May 29 and closes on September 6.

The park has also announced they are hiring 2,100 seasonal jobs for this season. All of that info can be found at http://jobs4fun.com.

As has been the case with many new coasters opening in the last few years, Carowinds will hold a charity auction to be one of the first 96 public riders at 10:00 AM on opening day, March 27th. The minimum bid is $50 for a seat, and winning bids receive a seat on one of the first three public trains, as well as two admission tickets to the park. Seat preference will be given in order of bid amount. The auction ends at 11:59 PM on March 23rd.

All proceeds will go to The Dale Earnhardt Foundation, which distributes money to programs centered around children, education, and wildlife. Charities include JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation), Make-A-Wish Foundation® of Central & Western North Carolina, and the American Red Cross.

The website for the Indimidator First Ride Auction can be found HERE.

Just moments after my post yesterday, the park posted some new photos, which can be found HERE.

The first Intimidator train is on site.

It's official. Carowinds and Intimidator will open for the 2010 season on Saturday, March 27. The park announced the opening date today as well as a "Buy Now, Pay Later" season pass program which stipulates that until January 17, season passes can be purchased with no payment due until March 1.

With track work complete on Intimidator last month, there won't be much to report until trains show up and testing begins. Landscaping of the plaza area and construction on the station and gift shop are ongoing.

An early Christmas gift from Carowinds.



Monday, the final piece of Intimidator track was hoisted into place. The circuit of the tallest, fastest, and longest roller coaster in the southeast is now complete. Construction of the ride was really completed at a lightning quick pace, and there will be plenty of time for landscaping and testing in the next few months building up to what should be a late March opening date.