23-05-2025
Richmond's 50-year theme park battle
Fifty years ago this month, the region's two major theme parks opened 70 miles and 13 days apart, the Times-Dispatch's Eric Kolenich reports.
Why it matters: A half a century later, Kings Dominion and Busch Gardens continue to battle for Virginia thrill-seekers' attention — and money.
State of play: The parks that opened in May 1975 were very different than the ones we know today, Kolenich reports.
Kings Dominion, which was built atop a Hanover County cornfield, hoped to entice families with its three roller coasters and drive-thru zoo.
Busch Gardens, meanwhile, rose adjacent to then-owner Anheuser-Busch's brewery,aiming to offer a European-inspired experience beyond thrill-seeking. Its opening featured replica European villages, a single rollercoaster and the adjacent brewery.
KD's strategy worked. It drew 52,000 visitors on opening day and turned away nearly as many.
Meanwhile, a paltry 6,000 people showed up for BG's opening.
KD would be the industry leader ... for about three years.
What happened: Busch Gardens took its cue from KD and shifted its focus to families and rides, starting with the addition of its mega-coaster, the Loch Ness Monster, the world's first (and still only remaining) interlocking loop steel coaster.
KD hit back the next year with the Lost World — a 15-story synthetic mountain with three rides.
For the next four decades, the two parks would keep adding attractions, refining their offerings and expanding their schedules — all in an effort to entice more Virginians through the gates.
What they're saying: "It's always been a prize fight," Dennis Speigel, KD ' s first general manager, told the RTD. "They're going after the same guy going down 95 and up 64."
The latest: Today, as the battle still rages, Busch Gardens boasts over 50 rides and attractions, including 10 roller coasters, according to Roller Coaster DataBase — and a water park.
Never to be outdone, Kings Dominion now has around 60 rides and 13 coasters — and a water park.
For most locals, though, which theme park they prefer comes down to personal preference, price and, often, nostalgia.
What's next: In celebration of its 50th anniversary, KD opened this season with Rapterra, its newest coaster, and the world's tallest and longest launched wing roller coaster.
Busch Gardens, meanwhile, this weekend will unveil The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf's Revenge, an all-new version of its hit 1984 inverted roller coaster that sends riders spiraling through a Bavarian village as wolves howl.
And starting Saturday, both parks, including their water parks, will be open daily through summer.
