In yesterday's Chicago Tribune, there was an article that said that Six Flags is in major financial trouble and they are looking to get rid of 6 more parks. One of the parks mentioned was Magic Mountain in CA; others were parks in Seattle, Denver, and Houston (do they still have a park there after Astroworld closed? Or are they just including it as part of a possible land sale?).
No mention of Great America, of course... since it is apparently their best property. However the article did mention the recent Cedar Fair purchase of the Paramount properties.
You can view the article here for all the facts and figures... you may need to register with the Tribune, but it's free.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/ ... 6733.story
Six Flags in trouble: Looking to sell parks
Six Flags in trouble: Looking to sell parks
Rick Aiello
SFGAm Employee 1988-1999
SFGAm Employee 1988-1999
The other park in Houston is a waterpark owned by Six Flags. It's called Splashtown. Six Flags Elitch Gardens and Six Flags Darien Lake were the other two theme parks on the chopping block, along with a few more water parks.
When they mentioned Six Flags Magic Mountain, I was shocked. But, I don't really believe they would sell the park after they spent millions of dollars building Tatsu. And they have 16 other world class coasters.
When they mentioned Six Flags Magic Mountain, I was shocked. But, I don't really believe they would sell the park after they spent millions of dollars building Tatsu. And they have 16 other world class coasters.
Here's an interesting quote from the article:
Ticket sales declined as Six Flags raised prices to keep rowdy teenagers out of its parks, executives said.
"This brand is much more damaged than we previously thought,'' Shapiro, 36, said in a conference call yesterday. ``We are driving out a certain segment of the teen population: Those that loiter, those that smoke, those that don't spend money, those that drive up our security problems.''
I dunno, how about those that come to the park to ride the rides? Those that are poor? Those that can't afford $50 a ticket?
I'm just sayin'.
Ticket sales declined as Six Flags raised prices to keep rowdy teenagers out of its parks, executives said.
"This brand is much more damaged than we previously thought,'' Shapiro, 36, said in a conference call yesterday. ``We are driving out a certain segment of the teen population: Those that loiter, those that smoke, those that don't spend money, those that drive up our security problems.''
I dunno, how about those that come to the park to ride the rides? Those that are poor? Those that can't afford $50 a ticket?
I'm just sayin'.
Rick Aiello
SFGAm Employee 1988-1999
SFGAm Employee 1988-1999
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Transitions take awhile. You should see all the families that crowd up Hometown Square at 9 to watch the show/fireworks/parade. Good word of mouth with families that are visiting now will attract more families willing to make the investment to come, along with the families that visited before. The park may not really be packed, but with the entertainment SFGAm is offering this year compared to last its causing families to stay later, their having a better a time, and the $$ comes rolling in. Also think of how much a regular family spends in the park compared to a group of teenagers.I have a feeling that with the way things are going that Six Flags will not survive.
Six Flags now is in a much better position than a few years ago, the selling of parks should not come as a surprise because management wont tolerate parks that cannot offer the overall product that Six Flags wants to have (family entertainment package). Some will go this year, and more and more will keep going over the next couple years.
Six Flags is not selling parks because their "in trouble." Theyd be selling parks anyway.