Six Flags Is Replacing Its Legendary 456-Foot Coaster With Something Even Bigger — And It Could Be One of the World's Tallest

If you’re a thrill-seeking theme park lover who’s always looking for the next adrenaline rush, a trip to New Jersey may be in your future. Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, New Jersey, recently announced that construction is underway for what will be one of the “top 5” tallest roller coasters in the world. Referred to by spokespeople as “Project Purple,” the coaster is anticipated to open in 2027 and is described as “one of the tallest coasters in the world” with a “record-breaking multi-launch experience.”

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The name itself is especially meaningful: Six Flags has partnered with Project Purple, a national nonprofit dedicated to raising awareness and funding pancreatic cancer research and patient programs. Rather than a coincidence, the partnership represents something more powerful than a catchy coaster code name.

“We’re excited to partner with Project Purple and use the visibility of this incredible new attraction to help shine a light on an important cause,” said Mike Fehnel, park president of Six Flags Great Adventure, in a news release. “This partnership is especially meaningful to me personally, having lost my father to pancreatic cancer. It’s a disease that impacts far too many families, including mine. As Project Purple rises on our skyline, we have an opportunity to raise awareness, inspire support, and create a meaningful connection between unforgettable experiences and real impact.”

The partnership with Project Purple runs through June 1, 2027, and the park will use signage and QR codes throughout the grounds to raise awareness for pancreatic cancer research. 

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What to Expect When It Opens

Construction is moving quickly—the coaster track pieces have already arrived at the site and gone vertical in recent weeks. The ride is being built on the plot adjacent to where Kingda Ka, Six Flags’ legendary 456-foot record-holder, once stood, before it was demolished in a controlled implosion on February 28, 2025.

The ride itself promises to deliver pure adrenaline. It’s rumored to be a Mack Rides launch coaster—the kind that propels riders forward and skyward within seconds. Six Flags hasn’t released all the details yet, but early descriptions suggest this won’t just replace Kingda Ka, it will surpass it in terms of both speed and height. It is also rumored to have a pretty cool name: “Phantom Spire,” but that detail has yet to be confirmed.

Ryan Eldredge, director of sales and marketing at Six Flags Great Adventure, recently told NJ.com, “I think people find a lot of similarities, but then, they’ll also find a lot of differences. So the ride train will be unique, and unlike anything I would say 99% of the general public has experienced.”

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