Nothing is sadder than seeing something that was such a significant part of your childhood disappear into thin air.
Amusement parks have become one of America's favorite pastimes, offering fun rides and greasy fried food. However, once their doors close, future generations are deprived of ever getting to experience the same joy.
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Although Disney Theme Parks (DIS) is a major leader in the theme park business, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is North America's largest amusement park operator, with 37 parks in the U.S. and five abroad.
In 2024, Six Flags (SIX) made over $1.4 billion in admissions, a 51.6% increase from the year prior. It also saw attendance of around $41.6 million, nearly doubling that of 2023, as reported in its latest earnings.
Related: Popular theme park enters its final days
However, as lucrative as its theme parks may be, they are just as expensive to maintain.
That same year, Six Flags' operating expenses increased by nearly 45%, leading total costs and expenses to increase by over 60% to around $2.4 billion.
Six Flags announces major park closures
The company revealed during its latest earnings call that Six Flags America and its water park, Hurricane Harbor, in Bowie, Maryland, will shut down all rides and close their doors forever this year on November 2.
The shocking decision was made after a review of the company's park portfolio and finances determined that the park was no longer beneficial to its long-term growth plan.
“After reviewing a number of options, we believe that marketing the property for redevelopment will generate the highest value and return on investment,” said Six Flags President & CEO Richard Zimmerman.
Related: Disney World adding new land, closing classic attractions
After delivering the sad news, more unfortunate updates were made.
Six Flags stated that the lease for its Great America theme park in Santa Clara, California, would expire in 2028. If the company wants to keep the park open for another five years, negotiations for an extension must begin soon.
However, if Six Flags and the land owners do not reach an agreement soon, Great America will have to close after its 2027 season.
Six Flags comments on the theme park closure rumors
This statement sparked speculation that Great America would shut down for good, since the company's CFO called it “low on the ranking of margins.”
However, Six Flags just brightened Santa Clara fans' day by debunking all rumors of its closure.
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A Six Flags statement to Fast Company clarified that no final decisions have been made regarding the closure of its Great America theme park.
“As previously announced at the time of the sale, the park’s land lease will expire in 2028 with a potential five-year renewal option,” a Six Flags West region spokesperson said in a statement. “At this time, we are still in the planning stages and are working with stakeholders and engaging the community. Until we know more, we remain focused on the great season that's already underway at the park and the events ahead.”
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