University of Louisville · Speed School of Engineering
Themed Rides Industry Leaders of Louisville
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View on InstagramWho We Are
THRILL is a student engineering organization at the University of Louisville's J.B. Speed School of Engineering. We exist to bridge the gap between academic engineering and the themed entertainment industry.
Our members compete in national ride engineering competitions, connect with industry professionals, and produce the educational events and content that make the amusement industry accessible to the next generation of engineers.
We break down the engineering, physics, and design behind themed rides through events like CoasterVille and our Industry Inversion newsletter.
We bring the industry to campus through guest speakers, facility tours, and behind-the-scenes access that show students what a career in themed entertainment actually looks like.
We build real relationships between UofL students and the amusement industry, from LinkedIn connections to internship pipelines at parks and manufacturers worldwide.
We compete. Our team designs, builds, and operates a functional scale roller coaster at the national Ride Engineering Competition each spring.
What's Happening
From guest speakers and park tours to public education events and national competitions, here's everything THRILL has coming up.
Ride Engineering Competition
THRILL's competition team designs, builds, and operates a fully functional scale roller coaster — judged on engineering, safety, theming, and real ride performance. This year's challenge: two trains running simultaneously with block-zone safety logic.
Car bodies, bogie geometry, wheel systems, restraints, anti-rollback, and brake fins
Track structure, vertical laminate rail, support columns, FEA, and fatigue analysis
PLC programming, block zone logic, sensors, and safety-related control systems
Ride theme, visual design, marketability scoring, and outreach materials
Questions about membership, events, the REC competition, or partnering with THRILL? Reach out directly or use the form.
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