Preview: Florida's tallest launch roller coaster, Tigris, opens Friday

TAMPA, Fla. - Busch Gardens’ newest roller coaster is coming in at full force.

Tigris, a triple-launch steel roller coaster and Florida’s tallest launch coaster, is opening Friday, April 19. The ride may be the closest a thrill-seeker can get to riding on the back of the tiger as it is meant to mimic the agility of the world’s largest and most powerful cat.

"Tigris will catapult riders through an exhilarating array of looping twists with forward and backward motion, breath-taking drops, a 150-foot skyward surge, and an inverted heartline roll, reaching a top speed of more than 60 miles per hour," Busch Gardens said in a statement. 

It is the theme park’s ninth roller coaster. Busch Gardens officials have said a 10th ride is in the works, and is slated to open in 2020. 

LINK: For more information on visiting Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, head over to the park’s website.