Six Flags America Shuts Down After 50 Years of Thrills and Memories
Six Flags America closure – Six Flags America shuts down – Six Flags park closing – After more than 50 years of operation, an east coast Six Flags has officially closed its gates forever. On Sunday, Nov. 2, the Six Flags America amusement park in Bowie, Md., welcomed guests for one last time.
“Thank you, Six Flags America fans, for 50 years of family fun. We will always cherish the memories made together,” the park wrote on social media, followed by a blue heart emoji.
Six Flags America, alongside the Hurricane Harbor water park, operated more than 100 rides, shows, slides and roller coasters. The move to close the park is part of the company’s ongoing efforts to restructure and address ongoing debt.
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“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 plans,” current president and CEO Richard A. Zimmerman said in a May 1 press release. “
He added, “After reviewing a number of options, we believe that marketing the property for redevelopment will generate the highest value and return on investment.”
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According to the press release, the park employed about 70 full-time associates. At the time, the company said severance and other benefits would be provided to eligible associates.
A representative for the company did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
At the time of the closure announcement, the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation told PEOPLE: “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.”
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The property first opened in 1974 as a drive-thru safari known as The Wildlife Preserve. Eventually, the park was converted into a Six Flags park in 1999.
After Six Flags’ merger with Cedar Fair in July 2024, the company now owns more than 20 amusement parks, water parks and resorts in the U.S., Canada and Mexico, including Six Flags Magic Mountain in California and Cedar Point in Ohio.
In October, it was announced Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce would be joining a group of high-profile business people to invest in the brand and “enhance shareholder value and improve the guest experience.”
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“I am a lifelong Six Flags fan and grew up going to these parks with my family and friends,” Kelce, 36, said in a press release. “The chance to help make Six Flags special for the next generation is one I couldn’t pass up.”
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The announcement followed a series of shake-ups for Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.
In August, the company announced Zimmerman’s plan to step down by the end of the year following a bleak second-quarter. In a press release, the company reported a net loss of over $100 million over the course of three months.
