[2] It was the second coaster from the manufacturer Bolliger & Mabillard following Iron Wolf, which was installed a year earlier at sister park Six Flags Great America.

[citation needed] On August 18, 2016, the park announced Vortex would be converted to Patriot for the 2017 season, including new Bolliger & Mabillard floorless trains[3] and a new color scheme consisting of (repainted) blue track and white supports.

[4] Patriot will be an outstanding addition to our family of roller coasters and we’re honored to provide active and past military service members free admission through Memorial Day (March 25 - May 29, 2017) weekend.The transformation began in September 2016 shortly after Vortex closed.

[5][8] Season pass holder previews were announced to start on March 31, 2017, a day before the official opening of the ride.

The train then travels to the other end of its layout into the corkscrew element and another left turnaround after which it enters into the final brake run.