Feel the Sting: Fury 325 Celebrates 10 Years at Carowinds
Ashlyn Pecchio
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On March 28, 2015, guests from across the globe flocked to the North Carolina-South Carolina state line to experience the world’s tallest and fastest giga coaster – Fury 325. This momentous occasion marked a new chapter for Carowinds, and the entire attractions industry, raising the bar for world-class thrill rides.
In 2025, Fury 325 continues to thrill thousands of riders each season. To celebrate the ride’s 10-year anniversary, we invite you to take a trip back in time to explore the coaster’s legacy.
Unveiling a Legend
During the summer of 2014, guests noticed cryptic signage in Carowinds’ Thrill Zone area. These Roman-inspired in-park teasers, along with clever digital placements, led fans to believe a new attraction with name Centurion would soon be arriving at the park.
On August 21, 2014, park executives unveiled Carowinds’ true record-breaking plans, introducing Fury 325 – the world’s tallest and fastest giga coaster.
Heralded as the largest single investment in park history, the addition of Fury 325 was also set to include a new entry plaza at the North Gate, complementing the coaster’s unique elements, including multiple flyovers and an underground tunnel called “The Hive Dive.”
The Making of Fury 325
Planning, designing and building this behemoth of a ride was no small feat. After two years of preparation, the construction process began well before the ride’s official announcement with site preparation and drilling for footers concealed behind fencing.
Fans anxiously tuned-in to Carowinds’ webcams to watch in real-time as 6,602-feet of track was assembled. The final track piece was installed on January 30, 2015, completing the record-breaking coaster and changing the park’s skyline forever.
The entire construction process lasted approximately eight months, and involved roughly 4.2 million lbs. of steel, 3,400 gallons of paint, 15,500 bolts and 60,000 hours of labor.
The First Guests Feel the Sting
On March 25, 2015, Carowinds welcomed local elected officials, media members and other VIP guests to attend a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Fury 325 and enjoy first rides on the new coaster. Mike Fehnel, Carowinds’ former vice president and general manager, took to the stage to introduce the ride and even share congratulatory messages from notable community members, including South Carolina governor Nikki Haley, North Carolina governor Pat McCrory and Charlotte mayor Daniel Clodfelter.
The ribbon-cutting ignited an electric atmosphere, complete with pyrotechnics, confetti and great fanfare from those in attendance.
Three days later, on March 28, Fury 325 officially opened to the public on Carowinds’ opening day for the 2015 season. The energy was unmatched, as guests from across the globe flocked to the state line on a chilly spring morning for the opportunity to ride one of the most highly anticipated roller coasters in amusement park history.
Fury Facts
Fury 325 debuted as a record-breaking roller coaster rivaled by none. As the tallest, fastest and longest giga coaster in North America, the ride features dizzying heights and adrenaline-pumping speeds:
- Height of 325 feet
- 81-degree first drop
- 6,602 feet of track (over 1.25 miles long)
- Top speed of 95 mph
- Three 32-passenger trains for high capacity
- Approximate ride time is 3:25
The ride was meant to simulate the flight of an angry hornet, paying tribute Carolina history. During the American Revolution, the Charlotte-area was referred to as a “hornet’s nest of rebellion,” inspiring the nickname the Hornet’s Nest City. Fury 325 is Carowinds’ way of honoring the Carolinas’ past and uniting its rich history with the bright future of this region.
An Award-Winning Icon
It’s no surprise that Fury 325 was met with rave reviews. Coaster enthusiasts and casual guests alike named this coaster one of their very favorites.
During its first season, Fury 325 won the Golden Ticket Award for Best New Ride, voted by Amusement Today. In 2016, Fury 325 clinched the title of Best Steel Coaster and continues to hold the honor to this day, as a nine-time Golden Ticket Award winner.
10 years later, Fury 325 continues to thrill guests of all ages. As the years pass, our guests’ excitement and passion for this incredible coaster never fades.
Carowinds will celebrate Fury 325’s 10-year anniversary with special activities during Spring Break Days. Stay tuned for more information!
