Six Flags announces closure of Great America park in California amid financial struggles

In the United States, Six Flags is making significant operational changes by closing two parks: Six Flags America in Maryland and California's Great America. The announcement was made during an investor meeting, where executives highlighted the need to tackle properties labeled as non-strategic to their growth plan. Six Flags America, located in Bowie, Maryland, is set to close at the end of its 2025 season, marking the end of an era for the park, which has the oldest roller coaster in the Six Flags portfolio. The decision to shutter the park is a result of ongoing reviews of the company's portfolio, as CEO Richard A. Zimmerman noted it did not fit into their long-term growth strategy. This reflects a broader trend of declining performance in some theme parks, where visitor numbers have been insufficient to justify continued operation. In California, Great America park has been a significant part of the amusement landscape since its opening in 1976; however, due to low profitability metrics, it has been identified for closure by the end of the 2027 season. Six Flags CFO Brian Witherow pointed out that it and Six Flags America were among the lowest-performing properties within their portfolio. The park originally known as Marriott's Great Adventure has seen a series of ownership transitions, significantly impacting its development and operational approach over the years. The land beneath Great America was purchased in 2019 for $150 million and sold to the real estate firm Prologis in 2022 for approximately $310 million, with a lease agreement allowing Six Flags to operate until June 2028. Discussions around future usage of the property post-closure are already in progress, with Prologis collaborating with planning experts to maximize the site's potential. Such closures raise questions about the changing dynamics of the amusement park industry as companies reassess their strategic fits and operational sustainability in an era where consumer preferences may continue to evolve.