Zippin Pippin zapped, coaster on ground in Memphis

MEMPHIS, Tenn. -- The Zippin Pippin roller coaster, which Elvis Presley loved to ride, is on the ground in Memphis after part of it collapsed during dismantling.

Steve Mulroy is president of a nonprofit group negotiating the sale of the century-old coaster. He told The Commercial Appeal that Green Bay, Wis., will acquire the name, design and configuration of the Pippin. He said only a small portion of the wood might be usable.

During a news conference Thursday, Mulroy said Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt is taking a purchase proposal to his city's parks committee next week and city council approval is anticipated in March.

Schmitt wants to rebuild the Pippin at his city's Beach Bay Amusement Park.

The coaster became surplus when the Libertyland amusement park closed in 2005.