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.[2] The first concept of GateKeeper was showcased at the 2011 International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo.[3][4] 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.[5][6] 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 170 ft high, and that both Disaster Transport and Space Spiral would need to be removed to accommodate the new attraction.[7]
As part of GateKeeper's marketing campaign, Cedar Point released several teasers on their "OnPoint" blog.[8] 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.[9][10][11] Annie Zelm, a marketing representative for the park, stated that some of the clues on the website were intended to mislead readers.[12] 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!"[13]
On August 13, 2012, Cedar Point made an official announcement introducing GateKeeper with specifications that confirmed the report leaked previously by Sandusky Register—a 170 ft Wing Coaster that would be manufactured by B&M.[14] The announcement included a Halloween Haunt-like creature speaking to guests atop the main gate at the park's main entrance.[15][16] A trademark application was filed for the name GateKeeper the same day.[17] 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.[18]
Construction and opening
Cedar Point announced in early July 2012 that the Disaster Transport and Space Spiral attractions were scheduled for removal.[19] Disaster Transport closed on July 29, 2012, with dismantling beginning a week later in the back of the building.[20] 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.[21] Construction of GateKeeper started in mid-September and the first footings were poured on October 2.[22] Approximately 200 footings were dug, each approximately 6 ft deep. The first pieces of track were delivered on October 23[23] and the installation of the track and supports, starting with the station, began on November 5.[24]
