Demon (roller coaster)

The Demon is a common name for several different roller coasters, most notably:

• Demon at Six Flags Great America (Gurnee, Illinois): This is a steel looping roller coaster manufactured by Arrow Development. Originally opened in 1976 as "Turn of the Century," it was renamed "The Demon" in 1980 and given a demonic theme, complete with themed elements and a storyline. The ride features two corkscrews and a vertical loop.

• Demon at California's Great America (Santa Clara, California): A similar steel looping roller coaster, also manufactured by Arrow Development. It too features a demonic theme and includes several inversions.

The commonality in name and manufacturer reflects a trend in the late 1970s and early 1980s to brand roller coasters with evocative names and themes to attract riders. The "Demon" moniker, paired with intense inversions, aimed to convey a thrilling and somewhat frightening experience. These rides were influential in popularizing looping roller coasters during that era.

While other amusement parks may have had attractions called "Demon" or similar names, the two mentioned above are the most well-known and historically significant roller coasters bearing the name. The theme often includes elements such as red coloring, fire effects (historically), and demonic imagery in the queue lines and surrounding areas.