Historic amusement park, home to the third-oldest roller coaster, readies for closure, prompting sentimental reactions.
Vibrant Restructure:
Six Flags America, famed for its popular roller coaster Wild One - the world's third-oldest - is closing its gates after 25 years of operation. This decision comes as the company grapples with financial difficulties. The park's grand finale will be on November 2, during the annual Fright Fest event.
Bowie, Maryland, shall bid farewell to its beloved amusement park, leaving behind 70 full-time employees without jobs. However, the company assures eligible workers they'll receive severance and other benefits.
A treasure trove of thrills, Six Flags America boasts nine heart-pounding roller coasters, including the iconic Wild One, and the Hurricane Harbor waterpark. Yet, the company's financial woes have sealed its fate, casting a shadow over the well-loved destination.
Theclosure marks a significant Chapter for Six Flags, yet the company is investing more than $1 billion over the next two years to uplift its parks. This investment will revamp rides, add themed areas, boost dining options, and improve technology. A staggering $80 million alone is earmarked for food and beverage upgrades, introducing new restaurant concepts.
Despite closing its Bowie doors, Six Flags is far from idling. Gary Rhodes, Six Flags spokesperson, mentioned that Global Commercial Real Estate Services is overseeing the current sale process. With strong interest anticipated from potential real estate developers, one can expect a new life for the park's land.
'Disney isn't number one anymore,' announced a recent survey, with other theme parks claiming the top spots[1]. The company hasn't shared immediate plans to open new parks, but the closure of Six Flags America might pave the way for their redevelopment or selling the rides to other amusement park operators[2][3]. The exact fate of each ride remains undecided, with Six Flags carefully evaluating relocation opportunities or exploration of sales to other theme parks.
[1]USA Today, 'America's favorite theme parks - and Disney isn't number one', https://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/2022/08/22/americas-favorite-theme-parks-and-disney-isnt-top-pick/11166483002/
[2] Theme Park Insider, 'Six Flags America Announces Closure', https://www.thumbswithus.com/2025/08/01/six-flags-america-announced-closure/
[3] Six Flags Media Center, 'Six Flags America Closes After 25 Years', https://www.sixflags.com/media-center/press-releases/2025/eight/10/six-flags-america-closes-after-25-years
- The company assures eligible workers from Six Flags America, set to close in 2026, that they will receive severance and other benefits.
- In the wake of Six Flags America's closing, a recent survey suggests that Disney might no longer be the highest-rated theme park, with other parks now taking the top spots.
- Starting from 2026, Six Flags plans to invest more than $1 billion over the next two years, focusing on uplifting its parks, adding themed areas, improving technology, and revamping dining options, including a $80 million upgrade for food and beverage services.
- With the closure of Six Flags America, potential real estate developers are anticipated to show strong interest in the park's land, overseen by Global Commercial Real Estate Services.
- While Six Flags America is shutting down in 2026, the company has not shared immediate plans for opening new parks, yet the closure might provide opportunities for redevelopment or the sale of the rides to other amusement park operators.
