:GateKeeper (roller coaster)

{{Infobox roller coaster

|name = GateKeeper

|logo = GateKeeper (roller coaster) logo.png

|logodimensions = 200px

|image = GateKeeper 004 (9547691513).jpg

|imagedimensions = 275px

|caption = GateKeeper's flat spin element

|location = Cedar Point

|locationarticle =

|section = The Boardwalk

|subsection =

|coordinates = {{Coord|41.480582|-82.679009|display=it}}

|status=Operating

|opened = {{Start date|2013|05|11}}

|soft_opened = {{Start date|2013|05|09}}

|year = 2013

|closed =

|cost = $30 million

|previousattraction = Disaster Transport
Space Spiral

|type = Steel

|type2 = Wing Coaster

|type3 =

|manufacturer = Bolliger & Mabillard

|designer =

|model = Wing Coaster

|track = Out and back

|lift = Chain lift hill

|height_ft = 170

|drop_ft = 164

|length_ft = 4,164

|speed_mph = 67

|inversions = 6

|duration = 2:40

|angle =

|capacity = 1,710

|gforce = 4{{cite web|last=Dyer|first=Nicole|title=Wing and A Scare|url=http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2013-04/wing-and-scare|work=Popular Science|publisher=Bonnier Corporation|access-date=April 20, 2013|date=April 16, 2013}}

|restriction_in = 52-78

|trains = 3

|carspertrain = 8

|rowspercar= 1

|ridersperrow = 4

|virtual_queue_name=Fast Lane

|virtual_queue_image=Cedar Fair Fast Lane availibility.svg

|virtual_queue_status=available

|single_rider =

|accessible = lo

|transfer_accessible =

|rcdb_number = 10891

}}

GateKeeper is a steel roller coaster located at Cedar Point amusement park in Sandusky, Ohio. Designed by Bolliger & Mabillard (B&M), it was the fifth Wing Coaster installation in the world. The ride opened on May 11, 2013, on the most successful opening weekend to date in the park's history. GateKeeper featured the highest inversion in the world when it opened, with its {{convert|170|ft|m|adj=on}} Wing Over drop. It also broke several Wing Coaster records, including those for height, speed, track length, drop height and number of inversions. The coaster has a {{convert|170|ft|m|abbr=on}}, 40-degree inclined lift hill with a {{convert|164|ft|m|abbr=on}} drop and features two support towers with keyhole elements that the trains travel through. Its maximum speed is approximately {{convert|67|mi/h|km/h|abbr=on}}.

Construction began in September 2012 and took roughly eight months to complete. Cedar Point built a new entrance plaza featuring the keyhole towers as the centerpiece. The roller coaster replaced Disaster Transport and Space Spiral, both demolished during mid-2012. It was Cedar Point's first new roller coaster since Maverick debuted in 2007, and the third B&M coaster in the park following Raptor (1994) and Mantis (1996). In 2013, GateKeeper was the most frequently-ridden roller coaster at Cedar Point, and it ranked 28th among steel roller coasters in the annual Golden Ticket Awards poll from Amusement Today.

History

=Planning=

Initial planning for a new roller coaster began under former Cedar Fair CEO Dick Kinzel in 2011, who credits his successor Matt Ouimet with the project.{{cite news|last=Topey |first=Melissa |title=Opening the Gate |url=http://digital.olivesoftware.com/OLIVE/ODE/SANDUSKYREGISTER/LandingPage/LandingPage.aspx?href=U0RTS1kvMjAxMi8wOC8xOA..&pageno=MQ..&entity=QXIwMDExMQ..&view=ZW50aXR5 |access-date=December 28, 2012 |newspaper=Sandusky Register |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401163033/http://digital.olivesoftware.com/OLIVE/ODE/SANDUSKYREGISTER/LandingPage/LandingPage.aspx?href=U0RTS1kvMjAxMi8wOC8xOA..&pageno=MQ..&entity=QXIwMDExMQ..&view=ZW50aXR5 |archive-date=April 1, 2013 }} The first concept of GateKeeper was showcased at the 2011 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo.{{cite interview |last=Decker |first=Rob |interviewer=Jeff Putz |title=Where The Roller Coasters Come From |location=Batavia, Ohio |date= January 2013}}{{cite interview |last=Decker |first=Rob |interviewer=Devin Olson|title=GateKeeper at Cedar Point Documentary {{ndash}} From Dreams to Screams |location=Sandusky, Ohio}} On April 24, 2012, Ouimet said at an Erie County Chamber of Commerce meeting that there would be $25 million in capital expenditures for Cedar Point in 2013.{{cite news|url=http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20120813/FREE/120819973/cedar-point-will-roll-out-new-winged-coaster-in-may-2013 |title=Cedar Point will roll out new winged coaster in May 2013 |date=August 13, 2012 |publisher=Crain Communications |work=Crain's Detroit Business |access-date=February 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120817002933/http://www.crainsdetroit.com/article/20120813/FREE/120819973/cedar-point-will-roll-out-new-winged-coaster-in-may-2013 |archive-date=August 17, 2012 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://pointbuzz.com/c/cedar-point-2013.aspx |title=Cedar Point 2013 |publisher=PointBuzz |access-date=June 11, 2012 |archive-date=August 18, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130818130148/http://pointbuzz.com/c/cedar-point-2013.aspx |url-status=dead }} On May 30, 2012, the Sandusky Register reported that a memo written by Ouimet to Cedar Fair's board of directors on February 15, 2012, stated that a new Wing Coaster code-named "CP Alt. Winged" would be introduced in 2013. It also mentioned that the new coaster would set Wing Coaster records for drop, speed, and length and that it would have a "Front Gate Statement" explained as a strong presence at the entrance to the park. In addition to traveling over the front entrance, part of the track would also cross over portions of the parking lot. Details claimed the ride would be {{convert|170|ft|m}} high, and that both Disaster Transport and Space Spiral would need to be removed to accommodate the new attraction.{{cite news |last=Topey |first=Melissa |title=Memo: Cedar Point to build coaster in 2013 |url=http://www.sanduskyregister.com/article/cedar-point-cedar-fair/2023221 |access-date=January 12, 2013 |newspaper=Sandusky Register |date=May 31, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401163758/http://www.sanduskyregister.com/article/cedar-point-cedar-fair/2023221 |archive-date=April 1, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

As part of GateKeeper's marketing campaign, Cedar Point released several teasers on their "OnPoint" blog.{{cite web|last=Haidet |first=Ryan |title=Cedar Point teases about new 2013 attraction |url=http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/252450/3/Cedar-Point-teases-about-new-2013-attraction |publisher=WKYC-TV |location=Cleveland, Ohio |access-date=January 11, 2013 |date=July 17, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209191838/http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/252450/3/Cedar-Point-teases-about-new-2013-attraction |archive-date=February 9, 2013 |url-status=dead }} Posters scattered throughout the park and on Cedar Point's website included taglines such as, "How do you recover from a Disaster?", "WildCat is no match for this creature" and "Not even a Jumbo Jet soars like this!" Each poster had a black background with five blue wings, hinting at the ride's logo.{{cite web|author=Becca|title=8.13.12|url=http://www.cedarpoint.com/blog-article/online-fun/81312|publisher=Cedar Point|access-date=January 12, 2012|date=August 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811070557/http://www.cedarpoint.com/blog-article/online-fun/81312|archive-date=August 11, 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite sign |author=Michael Rearick |url=http://pointbuzz.com/Photos/Photo.aspx?id=8085 |title=Jumbo Jet teaser poster |location=Cedar Point |date=August 8, 2013 |access-date=August 6, 2013 |archive-date=September 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901192612/http://pointbuzz.com/Photos/Photo.aspx?id=8085 |url-status=dead }}{{cite sign |author=Steven Linn |url=http://pointbuzz.com/Photos/Photo.aspx?id=8098 |title=WildCat teaser poster |location=Cedar Point |date=August 8, 2013 |access-date=August 6, 2013 |archive-date=September 1, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130901182633/http://pointbuzz.com/Photos/Photo.aspx?id=8098 |url-status=dead }} Annie Zelm, a marketing representative for the park, stated that some of the clues on the website were intended to mislead readers.{{cite web|last=Haidet |first=Ryan |title=Cedar Point addresses Gatekeeper's leaked information |url=http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=256115 |publisher=WKYC-TV |location=Cleveland, Ohio |access-date=January 12, 2013 |date=August 15, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130217011120/http://www.wkyc.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=256115 |archive-date=February 17, 2013 |url-status=live }} On August 3, 2012, Cedar Point launched a countdown clock on their Facebook page, letting the public know when the next major announcement was scheduled. The page said, "We can't keep it locked away much longer... Join us outside the Main Gate at 3:30 pm on August 13, where all we've kept hidden will be set free!"{{cite web|url=http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/332895/71/Gatekeeper-roller-coaster-coming-to-Cedar-Point-amusement-park |title=Gatekeeper roller coaster coming to Cedar Point amusement park |publisher=KSDK-TV |location=St. Louis, Missouri |date=August 14, 2012 |access-date=August 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127085947/http://www.ksdk.com/news/article/332895/71/Gatekeeper-roller-coaster-coming-to-Cedar-Point-amusement-park |archive-date=January 27, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

On August 13, 2012, Cedar Point made an official announcement introducing GateKeeper with specifications that confirmed the report leaked previously by Sandusky Register—a {{convert|170|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} Wing Coaster that would be manufactured by B&M.{{cite web|last=Kauffman|first=Tina|title=Cedar Point announces 'GateKeeper' coming in 2013, world's longest winged roller coaster|url=http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_erie/cedar-point-announces-gatekeeper-coming-in-2013-worlds-longest-winged-roller-coaster|publisher=WEWS-TV|location=Cleveland, Ohio|access-date=December 28, 2012|date=August 13, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120816011541/http://www.newsnet5.com/dpp/news/local_news/oh_erie/cedar-point-announces-gatekeeper-coming-in-2013-worlds-longest-winged-roller-coaster|archive-date=August 16, 2012|url-status=dead}} The announcement included a Halloween Haunt-like creature speaking to guests atop the main gate at the park's main entrance.{{cite news |url=http://www.sanduskyregister.com/article/cedar-point/2373156 |title=Recap of Cedar Point's GateKeeper announcement |newspaper=Sandusky Register |date=August 14, 2012 |access-date=August 14, 2012 |archive-date=August 2, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140802135742/http://www.sanduskyregister.com/article/cedar-point/2373156 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewA-jrEGbIA|title=Cedar Point GateKeeper announcement and Q&A |publisher=PointBuzz |date=August 13, 2012 |access-date=August 18, 2012}} A trademark application was filed for the name GateKeeper the same day.{{cite web|title=GateKeeper |url=http://tsdr.uspto.gov/#caseNumber=85702268+&caseType=SERIAL_NO&searchType=statusSearch|publisher=United States Patent and Trademark Office|access-date=August 6, 2013}} Rob Decker said, "GateKeeper is truly an innovation in thrills. Every twist, turn and near-miss element was created exclusively for Cedar Point." Following its completion, the total investment in the new coaster was $30 million.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AUbUcjeyAm4|title=Rob Decker, Cedar Fair Corporate VP of Planning & Design - From Dreams to Screams Uncut|date=August 25, 2013|publisher=COASTER-net.com|access-date=May 14, 2017}}

=Construction and opening=

File:GateKeeper announcement banner.jpg

Cedar Point announced in early July 2012 that the Disaster Transport and Space Spiral attractions were scheduled for removal.{{cite web |url=http://www.toledonewsnow.com/story/19019467/cedar-point-makes-special-announcement?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7502289#.UAD8i1fkdv8.facebook |first=Cristy |last=Gimel |title=Cedar Point makes special announcement |publisher=WTOL |location=Toledo, Ohio |date=July 13, 2012 |access-date=July 13, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420175706/http://www.toledonewsnow.com/story/19019467/cedar-point-makes-special-announcement?autoStart=true&topVideoCatNo=default&clipId=7502289#.UAD8i1fkdv8.facebook |archive-date=April 20, 2013 |url-status=dead }} Disaster Transport closed on July 29, 2012, with dismantling beginning a week later in the back of the building.{{cite web|title=Fans say goodbye to Disaster Transport |date=July 30, 2012 |url=http://www.wkyc.com/entertainment/article/254308/110/Cedar-Point-Fans-say-goodbye-to-Disaster-Transport |last=Haidet |first=Ryan |access-date=July 30, 2012 |publisher=WKYC |location=Cleveland, Ohio |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130105150057/http://www.wkyc.com/entertainment/article/254308/110/Cedar-Point-Fans-say-goodbye-to-Disaster-Transport |archive-date=January 5, 2013 |url-status=dead }} Space Spiral closed on August 14, 2012, and was demolished a month later by a controlled explosion that imploded the base and caused the tower to fall toward the beach.{{cite news|title=Space Spiral demolished |last=Haidet |first=Ryan |url=http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/260593/45/Watch-Cedar-Points-Space-Spiral-crashes-down |archive-url=https://archive.today/20121208183914/http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/260593/45/Watch-Cedar-Points-Space-Spiral-crashes-down |url-status=dead |archive-date=December 8, 2012 |access-date=September 15, 2012 |publisher=WKYC-TV |location=Cleveland, Ohio |date=September 13, 2012 }} Construction of GateKeeper started in mid-September and the first footings were poured on October 2.{{cite web|last=Schmidt|first=Walt|title=October 2, 2012 construction update|url=http://pointbuzz.com/Photos/Gallery.aspx?id=707|publisher=PointBuzz|access-date=October 7, 2012|date=October 2, 2012|archive-date=January 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130117081354/http://pointbuzz.com/Photos/Gallery.aspx?id=707|url-status=dead}} Approximately 200 footings were dug, each approximately {{Convert|6|ft|adj=off}} deep. The first pieces of track were delivered on October 23{{cite web|last=Haidet |first=Ryan |title=First track pieces for GateKeeper coaster arrive |url=http://archive.wkyc.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=266293 |publisher=WKYC-TV |location=Cleveland, Ohio |access-date=December 28, 2013 |date=October 23, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20131228192328/http://archive.wkyc.com/news/story.aspx?storyid=266293 |archive-date=December 28, 2013 }} and the installation of the track and supports, starting with the station, began on November 5.{{cite web|title=Construction has gone vertical!|url=https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151106837496463&set=a.10150795715391463.394139.10625691462&type=1&theater|publisher=Cedar Point|access-date=November 5, 2012|date=November 5, 2012}} The lift hill was topped off on November 30.{{cite web|last=Haidet |first=Ryan |title=Crews top off GateKeeper's lift hill |url=http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/271542/110/Cedar-Point-Crews-top-off-GateKeepers-lift-hill |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130209084449/http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/271542/110/Cedar-Point-Crews-top-off-GateKeepers-lift-hill |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 9, 2013 |publisher=WKYC-TV |location=Cleveland, Ohio |access-date=December 28, 2012 |date=November 30, 2012 }} A construction update on January 7, 2013, said that approximately 40% of the ride's structure, including the Wing Over Drop, Immelmann and Camelback elements, had been completed.{{cite web|last=Haidet|first=Ryan|title=GateKeeper coaster construction 'on schedule'|url=http://www.wkyc.com/story/local/2013/01/07/3239213/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131228192134/http://www.wkyc.com/story/local/2013/01/07/3239213/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 28, 2013|access-date=January 7, 2013|publisher=WKYC-TV|location=Cleveland, Ohio|date=January 7, 2013}} The first pieces of the two keyhole towers arrived on January 23, and the first keyhole tower was erected on January 29.{{cite news|last=Werling|first=Jason|title=Entrance keyhole constructed for Cedar Point's GateKeeper|url=http://www.sanduskyregister.com/gallery/3186406?page=0%2C0|access-date=January 30, 2013|newspaper=Sandusky Register|date=January 29, 2013|archive-date=November 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131112040101/http://www.sanduskyregister.com/gallery/3186406?page=0%2C0|url-status=dead}} On February 27, 2013, at approximately 2 pm, the final piece of GateKeeper was put in place about two weeks ahead of schedule.{{Cite press release|author=Cedar Point |title=Cedar Point Completes Track For New Wing Coaster |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cedar-point-completes-track-for-new-wing-coaster-193678191.html |access-date=February 27, 2013 |date=February 27, 2013 |publisher=PR Newswire |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419152252/http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cedar-point-completes-track-for-new-wing-coaster-193678191.html |archive-date=April 19, 2013 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Haidet |first=Ryan |title=Cedar Point finishes GateKeeper's track ahead of schedule |url=http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/286243/45/Cedar-Point-finishes-GateKeepers-track-ahead-of-schedule |publisher=WKYC-TV |location=Cleveland, Ohio |access-date=March 2, 2013 |date=February 28, 2013 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130412043853/http://www.wkyc.com/news/article/286243/45/Cedar-Point-finishes-GateKeepers-track-ahead-of-schedule |archive-date=April 12, 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|title=GateKeeper Final Track Piece|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2zJyMwNDPo|publisher=YouTube|access-date=February 27, 2013|work=Cedar Point|date=February 27, 2013}}

Gatekeeper took approximately eight months to construct, and nearly 100 workers from four engineering companies participated on the project. Sherrod Brown, a United States senator from Ohio, praised Cedar Point for hiring local companies for the job.{{cite news|title=Inside look at new Cedar Point coaster with Sherrod Brown |url=http://www.coshoctontribune.com/article/20130327/NEWS01/303270002/Video-Inside-look-new-Cedar-Point-coaster-Sherrod-Brown |access-date=April 1, 2013 |newspaper=Coshocton Tribune |publisher=Gannett Company |date=March 27, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930185520/http://www.coshoctontribune.com/article/20130327/NEWS01/303270002/Video-Inside-look-new-Cedar-Point-coaster-Sherrod-Brown |archive-date=September 30, 2013 }}{{cite news|last=Topey|first=Melissa|title=Made in Ohio|url=http://www.sanduskyregister.com/article/3521671|access-date=July 23, 2013|newspaper=Sandusky Register|date=March 27, 2013}} A.A. Boos & Sons did the groundwork, including the footers and cement pouring. Tony Ravagnani Architects designed, engineered and installed the two keyhole towers. The electrical work, including the lighting, was done by Firelands Electric. The station and gift shop were built by Bert Witte Contractors, S.A. Comunal installed the plumbing and air systems and Lew’s Construction built the park's new entrance plaza.{{cite web|title=GateKeeper Construction Spurs Ohio Economy|url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gatekeeper-construction-spurs-ohio-economy-152600404.html|publisher=Yahoo!|access-date=June 10, 2014|date=January 31, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925055112/https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gatekeeper-construction-spurs-ohio-economy-152600404.html |archive-date=September 25, 2013|url-status=dead}}{{Cite press release|author=Cedar Point|title=Sen. Sherrod Brown to hold press conference at Cedar Point|url=http://pointbuzz.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=1865|access-date=April 1, 2013|date=March 26, 2013|publisher=PointBuzz|archive-date=September 25, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130925103830/http://pointbuzz.com/NewsStory.aspx?id=1865|url-status=dead}} About {{convert|12|e6lb|kg|abbr=off}} of concrete was used for the ride.

Hundreds of tests were conducted prior to inspection and operational approval. The roller coaster completed its first full-circuit ride during testing on April 4, 2013.{{cite news|last=Chavez |first=Jon |title=New roller coaster on fast track for Sandusky-bound thrill seekers |url=http://www.toledoblade.com/business/2013/04/06/New-roller-coaster-on-fast-track-for-Sandusky-bound-thrill-seekers.html |access-date=April 6, 2013 |newspaper=The Blade |location=Toledo, Ohio |date=April 4, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419152642/http://www.toledoblade.com/business/2013/04/06/New-roller-coaster-on-fast-track-for-Sandusky-bound-thrill-seekers.html |archive-date=April 19, 2013 |url-status=live }} Less than a week later, Cedar Point hosted an online auction for the first 64 seats on GateKeeper's opening day. The Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital and United Way of Erie County each had 32 seats available in separate auctions, and proceeds were shared between the organizations.{{Cite press release|author=Cedar Point|title=Cedar Point announces GateKeeper auction for charity|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cedar-point-announces-gatekeeper-auction-for-charity-202314371.html|access-date=December 28, 2013|date=April 10, 2013|publisher=PRNewswire}} A soft opening media day for GateKeeper was held on May 9, 2013, and the ride opened to the public two days later on May 11.{{cite web|title=Upcoming Events |url=http://www.cedarpoint.com/media-center/upcoming-events |publisher=Cedar Point |access-date=March 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130419153022/https://www.cedarpoint.com/media-center/upcoming-events |archive-date=April 19, 2013 |url-status=live}}

Ride experience

=Entrance and queue=

{{multiple image|footer=GateKeeper's station, gift shop and lift hill (left), and train going through the inclined dive loop element (right)|width=200|image1=GateKeeper 096 (9550417458).jpg|alt1=Buildings and roller coaster|image2=GateKeeper 006 (9550477858).jpg|alt2=Roller coaster train}}

GateKeeper's entrance plaza is located along the beach near Giant Wheel. A sculpture with the GateKeeper logo is in the center of the plaza. The queue runs parallel to the beach, under the lift hill and station. Once under the station, riders can choose which side of the train they would like to ride.{{cite web|title=First Impressions|url=http://www.cedarpoint.com/blog-article/online-fun/First-Impressions|publisher=Cedar Point|access-date=March 16, 2013|date=March 16, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130319235110/http://www.cedarpoint.com/blog-article/online-fun/First-Impressions|archive-date=March 19, 2013}} GateKeeper uses the Fast Lane queuing system; visitors can buy a wristband that allows them to wait in a shorter line.{{cite web|title=Fast Lane & Fast Lane Plus|url=http://www.cedarpoint.com/things-to-do/fast-lane|publisher=Cedar Point|access-date=March 13, 2014}}

=Layout=

After leaving the station, the train turns a big 180 degrees to the right and begins to climb the chain lift hill at a 40-degree angle. At the top of the {{Convert|170|ft|adj=on}} lift, it immediately enters the first element, an inversion that B&M calls the "Wing Over Drop". The train rotates 180 degrees before descending {{Convert|164|ft}} in a half loop. During this drop, the ride attains its maximum speed of {{Convert|67|mph|km/h|abbr=on}}, and riders experience approximately 4 Gs. After exiting the first drop, the train enters an Immelmann loop situated underneath the lift hill. After the loop, the train turns right into its only camelback hill, where riders experience a feeling of weightlessness. Next, the train goes through an oversized corkscrew element that B&M calls a giant flat spin, followed by two keyhole elements slotted through a pair of {{convert|100|ft|m|adj=mid|-tall}} towers near the park's entrance. Both keyholes are connected by a zero-g roll inversion. The train then dips low to the ground and enters an inclined dive loop, where the track reaches its turnaround point. Next, the train rotates 360 degrees in an inline twist and passes by the two keyhole towers. The track veers slightly left as the train enters the mid-course brake run. This is followed by another hill that dips low to the ground and a 360-degree downward helix. The train then traverses a small hill before turning left into the final brake run, which leads back into the station.{{cite web |url=http://www.cedarpoint.com/images/news/GKFactSheet.pdf |title=GateKeeper Fact Sheet |publisher=Cedar Point |date=August 13, 2012 |access-date=August 13, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130622030249/https://www.cedarpoint.com/images/news/GKFactSheet.pdf |archive-date=June 22, 2013 }}{{cite web |title=GateKeeper Official POV|year=2013|publisher=YouTube|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JoHjbq95sw|access-date=December 28, 2013|work=Cedar Point}}

Characteristics

=Location=

File:Cedar Point beach view from Sky Ride 2013.jpg

GateKeeper's entrance and station are located near Giant Wheel, Troika and maXair. The ride covers {{convert|3.5|acres}}; it initially runs parallel to Lake Erie then travels through the parking lot, over the main entrance then turns around in front of Blue Streak. As it passes through the main entrance plaza, it passes through two {{convert|100|ft|m|adj=on}}-tall towers that form Cedar Point's entrance gates.{{cite news|title=Main gate being demolished; GateKeeper elements completed|url=http://www.norwalkreflector.com/gallery/1950651|access-date=February 4, 2013|newspaper=Norwalk Reflector|date=January 7, 2013|archive-date=January 10, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130110072345/http://www.norwalkreflector.com/gallery/1950651|url-status=dead}}

=Manufacturer=

GateKeeper is a Wing Coaster model manufactured by Swiss roller coaster firm Bolliger & Mabillard. It is the third roller coaster at Cedar Point to be manufactured by B&M, after Raptor, an inverted roller coaster, and Rougarou, a floorless roller coaster. GateKeeper was the third Wing Coaster in the United States, following X-Flight at Six Flags Great America and Wild Eagle at Dollywood.{{cite news|last=Jones|first=Chris|title=Dollywood roller coaster lets you soar like an eagle|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2012/04/24/dollywood-roller-coaster-lets-you-soar-like-an-eagle-2/|access-date=February 4, 2013|newspaper=Chicago Tribune|publisher=Tribune Company|date=April 24, 2012}} This was also the fifth one to be built worldwide, after the two in the U.S., as well as Raptor at Gardaland in Italy and The Swarm at Thorpe Park in the United Kingdom.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-cedar-point-gatekeeper-coaster-09201206-story.html|title=Cedar Point reaffirms coaster credentials with GateKeeper|website=Los Angeles Times |date=September 6, 2012 }}

=Trains=

File:GateKeeper 020 (9547680779).jpg

GateKeeper operates with three open-air steel and fiberglass trains, each with eight cars of four seats each, with two on each side of the track. Each train holds 32 riders and the ride has a capacity of about 1,710 riders per hour. Riders are restrained by flexible over-the-shoulder restraints and interlocking seat belts and riders are required to be between {{Convert|52|in|cm}} and {{Convert|78|in|cm}} to ride. Because the seats are on the side of the track, a cantilevered steel arm is used to support the wings. The trains are painted Sunset Gold with Zenith, Meteor, and Orion Gold accents. The fourth row of each train has extendable harnesses enabling large passengers to ride. The front of each train is shaped to resemble the head of a griffin. The griffin's eyes and the outside seats of each row incorporate LED lighting, a first for a roller coaster at Cedar Point.{{cite news|last=Henry|first=Jason|title=GateKeeper test phase to start soon at Cedar Point|url=http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20130303/gatekeeper-test-phase-to-start-soon-at-cedar-point?viewmode=fullstory|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230233120/http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20130303/gatekeeper-test-phase-to-start-soon-at-cedar-point?viewmode=fullstory|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 30, 2013|access-date=December 28, 2013|newspaper=The Morning Journal|location=Lorain, Ohio|date=March 3, 2013}}{{cite web|title=First look at new GateKeeper trains|url=https://www.cedarpoint.com/blog-article/online-fun/First-Look-at-New-GateKeeper-Trains|publisher=Cedar Point|access-date=February 25, 2013|date=February 25, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130228202815/http://www.cedarpoint.com/blog-article/online-fun/First-Look-at-New-GateKeeper-Trains|archive-date=February 28, 2013}} The LED lights on the trains recharge while the trains are in the station.{{cite news|last=Payerchin|first=Richard|title=Firelands Electric helps power northern Ohio|url=http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20130317/firelands-electric-helps-power-northern-ohio?viewmode=default|access-date=December 28, 2013|newspaper=The Morning Journal|location=Lorain, Ohio|date=March 17, 2013|archive-date=December 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230234133/http://www.morningjournal.com/general-news/20130317/firelands-electric-helps-power-northern-ohio?viewmode=default|url-status=dead}}

=Track=

GateKeeper's tubular steel track is {{Convert|4164|ft|m}} long and the lift is approximately {{Convert|170|ft|m}} high. The track is Azure Blue (dark blue) and Strata Blue (light blue), and the supports are white. There are 102 track pieces, each weighing approximately {{convert|7500|lb|kg}}. Unlike Raptor and Rougarou, the track and supports are filled with sand to reduce the noise as the ride traverses the main entrance. The track and supports were manufactured by Clermont Steel Fabricators in Batavia in southwest Ohio.{{cite web|last=Cornwell |first=Lisa |title=Ohio theme parks CEO: Staycations here to stay |url=https://news.yahoo.com/ohio-theme-parks-ceo-staycations-234053877.html |publisher=Yahoo! |access-date=February 27, 2013 |date=January 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130420180625/http://news.yahoo.com/ohio-theme-parks-ceo-staycations-234053877.html |archive-date=April 20, 2013 |url-status=live }}

Clermont also manufactured the two keyhole towers. Each tower is {{Convert|100|ft|m}} tall; {{Convert|25|ft|m}} is the concrete foundation and {{Convert|75|ft|m}} is steel. At the Great Ohio Coaster Club holiday tour, Ed Dangler{{mdash}}Cedar Point’s Director of Maintenance and New Construction{{mdash}}stated the original plan was to have the towers' supports encased by an outer shell; however, Cedar Point went back to B&M, and decided to build a steel structure to serve as the keyhole element and the supports.{{cite web|title=GateKeeper GOCC holiday tour|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2TKDWlFcQQ8|publisher=YouTube|access-date=January 9, 2013|date=December 8, 2012}} Each half of the tower weighs about {{convert|65000|lb|kg}}.{{cite web|last=Steer|first=Jen|title=65,000-pound steel beam makes cross-state trip to Cedar Point for new coaster|url=http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/oh-erie/65000-pound-steel-beam-makes-cross-state-trip-to-cedar-point-for-new-coaster|publisher=WEWS-TV|location=Cleveland, Ohio|access-date=December 28, 2013|date=January 23, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231000142/http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/oh-erie/65000-pound-steel-beam-makes-cross-state-trip-to-cedar-point-for-new-coaster|archive-date=December 31, 2013|url-status=dead}}

Records

File:GateKeeper lift hill at night.jpg

GateKeeper broke several world records. Among Wing Coasters, it became the longest and fastest, featured the longest drop, and contained the most inversions.{{cite news|last=Bacani|first=Alice|title=Ohio State Day at Cedar Point gives alumni a head-start on amusement park season|url=http://thelantern.com/2013/04/ohio-state-day-at-cedar-point-gives-alumni-a-head-start-on-amusement-park-season/|access-date=December 28, 2013|newspaper=The Lantern|location=The Ohio State University|date=April 30, 2013}} It also set a record for the world's highest roller coaster inversion, surpassing the defunct Volcano, The Blast Coaster at Cedar Point's sister park, Kings Dominion.{{cite news|last=MacDonald|first=Brady|title=32 best new theme park additions for 2013|url=http://www.latimes.com/travel/deals/la-trb-theme-parks-2013-preview-12201226-story.html#page=1|access-date=December 28, 2012|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|date=December 26, 2012}}{{cite web|title=GateKeeper is breaking more records|url=http://www.cedarpoint.com/blog-article/online-fun/GateKeeper-is-Breaking-More-Records|publisher=Cedar Point|access-date=December 28, 2012|date=August 21, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231003229/https://www.cedarpoint.com/blog-article/online-fun/GateKeeper-is-Breaking-More-Records|archive-date=December 31, 2013}} The highest-inversion record was broken by Steel Curtain in 2019.{{Cite news|url=https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/2018/7/22/17595558/kennywood-park-announces-plans-to-build-pittsburgh-steelers-themed-roller-coster-nfl-steel-curtain|title=An inside look at Kennywood Park's plans for their Steelers-themed roller coaster|last=Chester|first=Simon|date=July 22, 2018|work=SB Nation|access-date=December 30, 2019|publisher=Vox Media}}

Reception

GateKeeper has received mostly positive reviews from the media and public. Some riders complained about the shoulder restraints becoming too tight while sitting in the brake run at the end of the ride.{{cite web|last=Stoddart|first=S.L.|title=Cedar Point's GateKeeper Is A Real Crowd Pleaser|url=http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2013/05/11/cedar-point-new-roller-coaster-gatekeeper-is-a-real-crowd-pleaser/|publisher=WWJ-TV|location=Detroit, Michigan|access-date=May 11, 2013|date=May 11, 2013}} Others praised the near-miss elements; one woman said, "It feels like you're going to get your knees chopped off and your head chopped off."{{cite web|last=Stone|first=Matt|title=Cedar Point unveils the GateKeeper roller coaster|url=http://www.wfmj.com/story/22212507/cedar-point-unveils-the-gatekeeper-roller-coaster|publisher=WFMJ-TV|location=Youngstown, Ohio|access-date=May 11, 2013|date=May 9, 2013}} Many guests also praised the smoothness of the ride and how the renovated main entrance is very appealing.{{cite news|last=Steitz|first=Scott|title=Review: GateKeeper nice addition to Cedar Point, but it's not as good as Millennium Force|url=http://www.norwalkreflector.com/article/2589816|access-date=July 21, 2013|newspaper=Norwalk Reflector|date=May 9, 2013}}{{cite web|title=GateKeeper Review|url=http://www.coaster101.com/2013/05/20/gatekeeper-review/|publisher=Coaster101|access-date=July 21, 2013|date=May 20, 2013}} On GateKeeper's opening weekend, Cedar Point achieved its most successful opening weekend in the history of the park, due to the popularity of GateKeeper.{{cite web|title=Cedar Fair CEO: Best Opening Weekend Ever|url=http://video.cnbc.com/gallery/?video=3000167964|work=Mad Money|publisher=CNBC|access-date=July 27, 2013|date=May 15, 2013}}{{cite web|title=Theme parks immune to sluggish economy|url=https://money.cnn.com/video/news/2013/05/13/n-cmr-cedar-point-ceo-matt-ouimet.cnnmoney/|publisher=CNN Money|access-date=July 27, 2012}}

On July 17, 2013, GateKeeper's millionth rider received $500 to spend at the park, a VIP tour of the park and exclusive access to GateKeeper for the rest of the 2013 season.{{cite web|title=Cedar Point: GateKeeper coaster celebrates 1-millionth rider|url=http://www.wkyc.com/story/news/2013/10/26/3267227/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131228193932/http://www.wkyc.com/story/news/2013/10/26/3267227/|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 28, 2013|publisher=WKYC|access-date=December 28, 2013|date=July 17, 2013}} The park's spokesman Bryan Edwards said, "We are giving approximately 1,600 rides per hour. It has definitely been a huge success for the park. Our guests love GateKeeper."{{cite web|last=Seaton|first=Kay|title=1 millionth person rides Cedar Point's newest coaster GateKeeper|url=http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/oh-erie/1-millionth-person-rides-cedar-points-newest-coaster-gatekeeper|access-date=July 18, 2013|publisher=WEWS-TV|location=Cleveland, Ohio|date=July 17, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131231000147/http://www.newsnet5.com/news/local-news/oh-erie/1-millionth-person-rides-cedar-points-newest-coaster-gatekeeper|archive-date=December 31, 2013|url-status=dead}} It finished the season with just over 2.1 million riders, the most of any ride in 2013.{{cite web|last=Clark|first=Tony|title=The Numbers|url=https://www.cedarpoint.com/blog-article/online-fun/The-Numbers|publisher=Cedar Point|access-date=December 28, 2013|date=November 11, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230232323/https://www.cedarpoint.com/blog-article/online-fun/The-Numbers|archive-date=December 30, 2013}} GateKeeper also helped Cedar Fair to achieve record revenue, record attendance, record distribution and record stock pricing in 2013.{{cite news|last=Topey|first=Melissa|title=GateKeeper keeps visitors coming|url=http://www.sanduskyregister.com/article/cedar-point/5115086|access-date=December 28, 2013|newspaper=Sandusky Register|date=December 25, 2013|archive-date=December 30, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230234805/http://www.sanduskyregister.com/article/cedar-point/5115086|url-status=dead}}

=Awards=

In 2013, GateKeeper ranked third in Amusement Today{{'}}s Golden Ticket Award for Best New Ride behind Outlaw Run at Silver Dollar City and Iron Rattler at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. It also debuted 28th on the list for Top Steel Roller Coasters, making it the first time ever that Cedar Point had six steel roller coasters in the top 50.

{{GTA table

| type = steel

| access-date = September 12, 2016

| 2013 = 28

| 2014 = 32

| 2016 = 49

}}

Incidents

On July 13, 2013, a man was found unresponsive after one of the trains returned to the station. EMT's performed CPR, then rushed him to a nearby hospital. A park spokesman said the man survived a medical condition unrelated to the ride, which reopened later that day.{{cite news|title=EMTs respond to Cedar Point incidents|url=http://www.sanduskyregister.com/article/cedar-point/4292906|access-date=July 18, 2013|newspaper=Sandusky Register|date=July 16, 2014|archive-date=August 7, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130807180129/http://www.sanduskyregister.com/article/cedar-point/4292906|url-status=dead}}
On June 12, 2019, strong winds affected the momentum of a train, which stalled and failed to return to the station. Safety mechanisms engaged, stopping the next train on the lift hill. All riders were safely evacuated.{{cite news|url=https://www.cleveland.com/news/2019/06/riders-stuck-on-cedar-points-gatekeeper-roller-coaster.html|title=Riders stuck on Cedar Point's Gatekeeper roller coaster - cleveland.com|publisher=cleveland.com|author=Benjamin Peters|date=June 13, 2019}}
On June 12, 2021, the chain lift mechanism malfunctioned, stopping a train on the lift hill. All riders were able to evacuate safely.{{cite news|url=https://www.wkyc.com/article/entertainment/places/cedar-point/gatekeeper-roller-coaster-cedar-point-lift-hill-incident-closure/95-d4bf705f-3d95-4c36-999c-e9ffd6f6375e|title=What happened to Cedar Point's GateKeeper roller coaster? Attraction closed after weekend malfunction, riders escorted off |date=June 14, 2021 }}