It’s a sad day for amusement park lovers, as Six Flags America has officially closed its gates after more than 50 years of operation. According to People, Six Flags America in Bowie, Maryland, welcomed guests for the last time on Nov. 2 and penned a goodbye message on Instagram thanking fans and reflecting on 50 years of “family fun.”
“We will always cherish the memories made together,” the park wrote alongside a blue heart emoji.
Here’s more on Six Flags America’s closure and goodbye.
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation president and CEO said Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor are ‘not a strategic fit’ for the company
Six Flags America, along with the Hurricane Harbor water park, operated more than 100 rides, shows, slides and roller coasters. Closing the park is part of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation’s efforts to restructure the company and tackle ongoing debt.
“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,” Richard Zimmerman, Six Flags president and CEO, said in a press release in May. “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.”
Zimmerman noted that the park employed around 70 full-time associates and that some would be eligible for severance and other benefits.
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation told People at the time of the closure announcement that it’s unsure what will happen to the rides and attractions after the park is closed.
“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,” the company told the outlet.
Six Flags noted a net loss of $100 million over the course of three months
The park first operated as a drive-thru safari known as The Wildlife Preserve, opening its doors in 1974. The park relaunched as a Six Flags park in 1999.
Amid financial struggles, Six Flags merged with Cedar Fair in July 2024 and the new company now owns more than 20 amusement parks, water parks and resorts in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, including California’s Six Flags Magic Mountain and Ohio’s Cedar Point.
More recently, in October, it was announced that Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce would be joining a group of high-profile business people to invest in the Six Flags brand to help “enhance shareholder value and improve the guest experience.”
“I am a lifelong Six Flags fan and grew up going to these parks with my family and friends,” Kelce said in a press release. “The chance to help make Six Flags special for the next generation is one I couldn’t pass up.”
News of his investment in Six Flags came after Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced Zimmerman’s upcoming departure from the company following a tough second quarter. A press release also noted the company reported a net loss of $100 million over a three-month period.