Nothing is sadder than the sudden end of something an entire community has treasured for decades. It’s as if a nostalgic connection gets ripped away.
Although the memories are everlasting, future generations will never experience it or take their loved ones there again.
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Amusement parks have become one of America’s favorite pastimes. Everything from the thrilling rides to the unhealthy, yet delicious, fried food brings joy to millions of park enthusiasts each year.
Although Disney Theme Parks (DIS) is a major leader in the theme park realm since it can be found worldwide, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the largest amusement park operator in North America, with 37 parks in the U.S. and five abroad.
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One Six Flags location has been one of Maryland locals’ favorite ways to spend their free time and holidays. The park became a Six Flags in 1999 after being rebranded from The Largo Wildlife Preserve, built in 1974.
This Six Flags location has seven themed lands based on iconic cartoons and TV shows, plus a water park for cooling off during the extra-hot summers.
Many great memories have been created here by multiple generations. However, an unexpected decision from Six Flags took everyone by storm.
Six Flags reveals closure of a beloved park after decades
Six Flags America and its water park, Hurricane Harbor, in Bowie, Maryland, will shut down all rides and close its 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,” Six Flags President & CEO Richard Zimmerman said in the announcement.
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The company acknowledged that the closures will leave around 70 full-time employees without a job. Although severance will be provided to those affected, the statement didn’t mention providing them with job opportunities at other parks.
Although the shutdown is only six months away, Six Flags will honor all 2025 season passes and tickets for the remaining days so guests can continue to enjoy the park until the very last moment.
Six Flags theme parks are a lucrative yet costly investment
In 2024, Six Flags (SIX) made over 1.4 billion in admissions, a 51.6% increase from the year prior. It also had an attendance of around 41.6 million, nearly doubling that of 2023, as reported in its latest earnings.
However, as lucrative as 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.
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The Maryland Six Flags property is an excellent real estate asset, since it’s approximately 500 acres. Hence, the company wants to sell it and reinvest the money from the huge transaction to optimize the business.
Although a massive move, the closure of Six Flags and Hurricane Harbor will have no material impact on the company’s financial results for 2025, as noted in the announcement.
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