A staple of the Central Pennsylvania skyline is preparing to go temporarily quiet. Hersheypark announced today that the iconic sooperdooperLooper will temporarily close following Labor Day to undergo significant renovations ahead of its 50th anniversary season.
The historic roller coaster—famous for being the first looping coaster on the East Coast—is set to receive a completely reimagined station complex.
“The sooperdooperLooper holds a special place in the hearts of millions of guests,” said a spokesperson for the park. “As we look ahead to its 50th year in 2027, these upgrades will ensure that future generations can experience this timeless classic with an elevated, modern touch.”
According to officials at Hersheypark, the multi-million-dollar project will transform the attraction’s loading area, introducing:
Enhanced Atmosphere: Dynamic, immersive lighting and an upgraded surround-sound audio system.
Streamlined Operations: A brand-new arrival and boarding experience designed to improve guest flow and accessibility.
Updated Infrastructure: Structural updates to the station and maintenance areas to ensure the coaster remains in peak operating condition for decades to come.
While the coaster itself will close immediately following the holiday weekend, it won’t be out of commission forever. Hersheypark confirmed the sooperdooperLooper is scheduled to reopen in the summer of 2027, right in time to celebrate its 50th anniversary.
Debuting on May 8, 1977, the Anton Schwarzkopf-designed steel coaster put Hersheypark on the national map. Generations of thrill-seekers have earned their “coaster wings” on the 70-foot-tall ride, famously braving its signature 57-foot vertical loop and scenic terrain along Spring Creek in The Hollow section of the park.
Because the ride will shut down after Labor Day, parkgoers should note that the sooperdooperLooper will not be operational during the 2026 Hersheypark Halloween or Hersheypark Christmas Candylane events—a departure from previous years when the coaster typically served as a winter-weather favorite.
Guests hoping to get one last ride on the historic loop before the hiatus have until Labor Day to claim their spot on the track.
