American Eagle will return to racing June 20 at Six Flags Great America, bringing the red and blue trains back to head-to-head runs for the park's 50th Anniversary Celebration.
The Gurnee park announced the racing return May 29 on its official X account. The June 20 start lines up with the longer 50th Anniversary Celebration, which runs through Aug. 9.
May 29, 2026
American Eagle Racing Date
American Eagle opened in 1981. The double-track wooden coaster runs 4,650 feet with a 127-foot lift, a 147-foot first drop, and top speeds over 66 mph.
Racing is part of the ride's identity. When both sides dispatch together, the red and blue tracks turn a wooden coaster lap into a duel across the back side of the park.
Six Flags Great America Anniversary Season
The American Eagle update adds a ride-specific piece to the anniversary season after the park's one-day 50th Anniversary Day Bash on May 29.
Sources: Six Flags Great America on X, Six Flags Great America 50th Anniversary Celebration, and Six Flags Great America American Eagle.