Latest news with #RichardA.Zimmerman
USA Today
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
When is Six Flags closing two parks? What we know about closing dates
Summer 2025 will be the final season for one state's only Six Flags location. Six Flags Entertainment announced the upcoming closure of Six Flags America and its accompanying waterpark, Hurricane Harbor, in a press release that called the move a "difficult decision." The Bowie, Maryland, location is the second planned closure announced by the company since May. Park closures: Six Flags plans to close this 49-year-old California park in 2027 "As part of our comprehensive review of our park portfolio, we have determined that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor are not a strategic fit with the company's long-term growth plan,' Six Flags President & CEO Richard A. Zimmerman said in a statement. The announcement was shortly followed by news that Six Flags California's Great America of Santa Clara, California, would also be closing, though not until 2027. The amusement company currently operates 42 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada, according to its website. When is Six Flags America closing in Maryland? Six Flags America and its accompanying waterpark, Hurricane Harbor Maryland, will both close their gates for good at the end of the 2025 season. `According to Six Flags' press release announcing the closures, the location's final day will be Nov. 2, 2025. The parks' calendar details the specifics of the wind down, showing that both Hurricane Harbor and Six Flags America will begin operating on weekends only, plus Labor Day, beginning on Friday, Aug. 22. Hurricane Harbor will welcome its last guests on Saturday, Sept. 6, but Six Flags America will remain open on weekends through the Halloween season for Fright Fest, officially closing its gates to the public on Sunday, Nov. 2. When is Six Flags California's Great America closing? Six Flags California's Great America won't close until the end of the 2027 season, unless the company chooses to extend or accelerate that timeline. The park was originally poised to close by 2033, then-owner Cedar Fair told CBS News in 2022. That date was bumped up after Cedar Fair and Six Flags merged in 2024, in part due to the park's lease expiring, USA TODAY previously reported. 'Unless we decide to extend, and exercise one of our options to extend that lease, that park's last year without that extension would be after the '27 season,' Six Flags' chief financial officer, Brian Witherow, told investors in May.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Six Flags America, Hurricane Harbor in Prince George's County closing
BOWIE, Md. (DC News Now) — Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced Thursday that this will be the last season for Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor in Bowie, with officials saying the sites are no longer a 'strategic fit.' The 500-acre property will be marketed for redevelopment as part of Six Flags' ongoing portfolio optimization program, President & CEO Richard A. Zimmerman noted in a press release. 'As part of our comprehensive review of our park portfolio, we have determined that Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor are not a strategic fit with the company's long-term growth plan,' Zimmerman stated. 'After reviewing a number of options, we believe that marketing the property for redevelopment will generate the highest value and return on investment. We anticipate strong interest in the property and will continue to strategically pursue portfolio optimization opportunities as we work to unlock the full value of our portfolio.' Thousands march in May Day rally in DC The park employs about 70 full-time associates, with severance and other benefits being offered to eligible employees. 'This was a difficult decision, and we recognize the impact it will have on our Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor park associates and guests,' Zimmerman stated, in part. 'We are grateful to our park associates who work hard to create lifelong memories for our guests, and Six Flags is committed to supporting all impacted associates through the closure process at the end of this year.' All 2025 season passes and tickets will be honored, officials noted, as the park will close after the upcoming season. The final operating day will be Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. Acting Prince George's County Executive Tara H. Jackson said she was saddened by the announcement. She said, in part: 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. The park employs approximately 70 full-time associates and provides other valuable job opportunities, supporting our local economy. Council Member Wala Blegay called the announcement 'disappointing.' 'The closure represents a significant loss, especially for our District 6 families who have built generational ties to the park. While this news is difficult, it is also a pivotal moment for us to reimagine what comes next,' Blegay stated, in part.
02-05-2025
- Business
Six Flags America in Maryland to close at the end of 2025 season
BOWIE, Md. -- After more than a quarter century of thrills and fun, Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., will close at the end of this season. The approximately 500-acre (202-hectare) property in Bowie will be marketed for redevelopment, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced Thursday. As part of a portfolio review, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company determined that the parks 'are not a strategic fit with the company's long-term growth plan,' Six Flags President and CEO Richard A. Zimmerman said in a statement. The final day of operations will be Nov. 2. '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. Six Flags America employs about 70 full-time associates, and severance and other benefits will be provided to eligible associates, the company said. A wildlife preserve that operated on the site in the 1970s later became an amusement park, The Washington Post reports. It opened as Six Flags America in 1999, according to a company spokesperson. The park features many attractions and rides, including nine roller coasters. The Wild One is one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the country, the spokesperson said. Acting Prince George's County Executive Tara H. Jackson lamented the loss of the parks. '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,' Jackson said in a statement. 'We are committed to working closely with Six Flags and other stakeholders to guide a thoughtful and inclusive redevelopment process that supports jobs, growth and long-term community benefit.'
Hamilton Spectator
02-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Six Flags America in Maryland to close at the end of 2025 season
BOWIE, Md. (AP) — After more than a quarter century of thrills and fun, Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., will close at the end of this season. The approximately 500-acre (202-hectare) property in Bowie will be marketed for redevelopment, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced Thursday. As part of a portfolio review, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company determined that the parks 'are not a strategic fit with the company's long-term growth plan,' Six Flags President and CEO Richard A. Zimmerman said in a statement. The final day of operations will be Nov. 2. '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. Six Flags America employs about 70 full-time associates, and severance and other benefits will be provided to eligible associates, the company said. A wildlife preserve that operated on the site in the 1970s later became an amusement park, The Washington Post reports . It opened as Six Flags America in 1999, according to a company spokesperson. The park features many attractions and rides, including nine roller coasters. The Wild One is one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the country, the spokesperson said. Acting Prince George's County Executive Tara H. Jackson lamented the loss of the parks. '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,' Jackson said in a statement. 'We are committed to working closely with Six Flags and other stakeholders to guide a thoughtful and inclusive redevelopment process that supports jobs, growth and long-term community benefit.'
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Six Flags America in Maryland to close at the end of 2025 season
BOWIE, Md. (AP) — After more than a quarter century of thrills and fun, Six Flags America and Hurricane Harbor in the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., will close at the end of this season. The approximately 500-acre (202-hectare) property in Bowie will be marketed for redevelopment, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced Thursday. As part of a portfolio review, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company determined that the parks 'are not a strategic fit with the company's long-term growth plan,' Six Flags President and CEO Richard A. Zimmerman said in a statement. The final day of operations will be Nov. 2. '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. Six Flags America employs about 70 full-time associates, and severance and other benefits will be provided to eligible associates, the company said. A wildlife preserve that operated on the site in the 1970s later became an amusement park, The Washington Post reports. It opened as Six Flags America in 1999, according to a company spokesperson. The park features many attractions and rides, including nine roller coasters. The Wild One is one of the oldest wooden roller coasters in the country, the spokesperson said. Acting Prince George's County Executive Tara H. Jackson lamented the loss of the parks. '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,' Jackson said in a statement. 'We are committed to working closely with Six Flags and other stakeholders to guide a thoughtful and inclusive redevelopment process that supports jobs, growth and long-term community benefit.' Sign in to access your portfolio
