Latest news with #FrightFest
Daily Mail
09-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Tears as historic theme park with world's third-oldest coaster prepares to shut down
Six Flags is shutting down a popular theme park after 25 years as the company battles money problems. The park in Bowie, Maryland, will close for good on November 2, the final day of its annual Fright Fest. The park is best known as the home of Wild One, a 108-year-old wooden roller coaster and the third-oldest in the world. Standing 96 feet tall, it sends riders speeding at 45 miles per hour and remains one of the park's most iconic attractions. The park also features eight other roller coasters and the Hurricane Harbor waterpark. The closure will leave 70 full-time employees without jobs, though the company says eligible workers will receive severance and other benefits. Originally founded as a wildlife preserve, Six Flags America attracts about 850,000 visitors a year. Daily tickets to the Maryland park cost between $19.99 and $29.99 and fans can purchase season passes for up to $150 each. The closure comes months after the company announced it would invest more than $1 billion over the next two years to enhance guest experience at all of its parks. The investment will go toward new rides, attractions, themed areas, dining upgrades, and technology advancements. More than $80 million alone will be used for food and beverage upgrades, including new restaurant concepts. Parts of its recent and upcoming changes include seven new roller coasters at other attractions and its All Park Passport Add-Ons. Although the new rides will be placed in various parks, the company believes the soon-to-be-former Maryland attraction is only worthy of benefiting Six Flags through redevelopment to generate high value and investment return. Six Flags spokesperson Gary Rhodes revealed that Global Commercial Real Estate Services is leading the current sales process. 'Based on its assessment and experience, we anticipate strong interest from potential real estate developers,' Rhodes told 'There are no plans to close other parks at this time,' he added. With the closure of Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor, 42 amusement and 14 water parks will remain open worldwide. The company is weighing its options regarding the Maryland attraction's rides and whether they could be placed in other parks. 'We have not yet determined what will happen to each ride or attraction after the park is closed, but relocation to other Six Flags parks or selling to other amusement park operators are options that may be considered,' Rhodes told Six Flags finished 2024 with $2.71 billion in revenue after completing a merger with Cedar Fair last July. With this investment and its Maryland park's impending shutdown, the company is working to complete its 2025 upgrades and get going on all 2026 projects. Among next year's changes include new roller coasters, water park enhancements, and the debut of Six Flags Great America's new kids' area. The company has not announced whether it plans to open any new amusement or water parks over the next few years.
CBS News
02-05-2025
- Business
- CBS News
Six Flags to close Maryland amusement and water park in November
The Six Flags corporation announced Thursday that it will be closing the amusement and water park in Maryland this fall. Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor in Bowie will close Sunday, November 2, following the summer season. Why is Maryland's Six Flags shutting down? The 500-acre park will be sold for redevelopment as the company moves to optimize its portfolio, leaders said. "We have determined that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor are not a strategic fit with the company's long-term growth plan," said Six Flags President and CEO Richard Zimmerman. Zimmerman said the company expects there to be a strong interest in the property. "Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor have been an important part of the local community, and this final season will be an opportunity to celebrate the decades of fun that guests have enjoyed at the property," Zimmerman said in a statement. Impact on Maryland community According to the corporation, Maryland's Six Flags amusement park employs about 70 people full-time. Severance and other benefits will be provided to impacted workers, leaders said. Any 2025 Six Flags season passes and tickets can still be used before the park closes in November. "For decades, Six Flags has been more than just a theme park—it is a cherished part of our county's identity, a source of joy for families, and a hub of economic activity," said Acting Prince George's County Executive Tara Jackson. According to Jackson, the county will work with Six Flags and its stakeholders to help with a "thoughtful and inclusive redevelopment process that supports jobs, growth and long-term community benefit." The park, which has over 40 rides and water slides, was designated as the first Certified Autism Center Park in the DMV in 2022, making it more accessible for those with physical and mental disabilities. The park also served as a mass COVID-19 vaccination site during the pandemic in 2020. More than 339,000 vaccinations were administered at the site before it closed in 2021. Final season for Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor In February, the amusement park announced its lineup of events for its final season, which began on April 12. Hurricane Harbor will open for its final season on May 24. The park will hold several events, like a Juneteenth celebration, an Independence Day celebration and its iconic Fright Fest, before closing in November.
