Theme parks are big business, and you’re spoiled for choice across the States, with dozens of parks vying for your attention. However, one park, which has stayed open for almost five decades, is facing the possibility of closure.
According to a report by People, Six Flags California’s Great America could be on the brink of closure. Six Flags Investor Day was on May 20. Each year, the company’s higher-ups, including the president and CEO Richard A. Zimmerman, discuss finances and growth for the brand. During a Q&A session, People explains that Six Flags’ Chief Financial Officer, Brian Witherow, answered a question from an audience member.
He reportedly said, “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. Those are two parks that are very low on the ranking of margins.”
The other park Witherow is referring to is Six Flags America. According to Theme Park Insider, the park’s final day of operation is scheduled for November this year. Its accompanying Water Park, Hurricane Harbor, is also due to close.
Six Flags California’s Great America first opened to the public in 1976. The park was originally called Marriott’s Great America and has changed hands multiple times over the last five decades. If the park were to close, it would be in October 2027.
The Potential Theme Park Closure Comes After Last Year’s Merger
Per CNN, Six Flags merged with rival company Cedar Fair in July 2024 in a deal worth $8 billion. At the time, the outlet explained that roller coaster enthusiasts were apprehensive about the deal.
Unsurprisingly, the Six Flags park was nowhere to be found on the NAPHA Amusements and Attractions survey this year. The association records a study each year to determine the most popular US theme park. Interestingly, Dollywood in the Great Smoky Mountains secured first place this year. It’s a position the park has held three years running and beat Disneyland California in second place. The only mention of ‘Six Flags’ was in the “Favorite New Attraction” category, where Bobcat in Six Flags Great Escape was a runner-up.