California’s Great America to Close as Six Flags Shutters More Parks
Once a staple of summertime thrills and roller coaster firsts, California’s Great America has found itself at the mercy of corporate restructuring. It’s a story that’s becoming more familiar, as beloved parks across the country face uncertain futures in the wake of industry consolidation and shifting priorities.
Theme park fans have watched the landscape transform in the year following the blockbuster merger between Six Flags and Cedar Fair. Finalized on July 1, 2024, the merger created North America’s largest amusement park operator, now called Six Flags Entertainment Corporation. With more than 40 parks across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the new entity promised “strategic alignment.” For some, though, that’s looked more like strategic attrition.
The newly merged company is now led by former Cedar Fair CEO Richard Zimmerman. While consolidation offered potential efficiencies, many within the fan community expressed concerns early on that the new corporation might trim its oversized portfolio. Those fears gained traction as several major rides—once the crown jewels of their respective parks—were suddenly retired.
Another Casualty: California’s Great America
This week, at Six Flags Investor Day, those long-simmering concerns were validated once more. California’s Great America, the Santa Clara park known for its signature wooden coaster and deep roots in Bay Area culture, will close permanently.
There’s a silver lining of time—unlike Six Flags America, which is scheduled to shut down after the 2025 season, Great America will continue operating through 2027. That could change, depending on lease negotiations.
“Unless we decide to extend, and exercise one of our options to extend that lease, that park’s last year without that extension would be after the ‘27 season,” said Six Flags CFO Brian Witherow, as reported by PEOPLE. He added that both California’s Great America and Six Flags America “are very low on the ranking of margins.”
His comments followed a direct question about the park’s future. While not a formal closure announcement, it’s the clearest signal yet that the company doesn’t intend to keep the park open long-term.
That timeline aligns with a decision made before the merger. In 2022, Cedar Fair sold the 112-acre plot of land to logistics real estate firm Prologis for $310 million, opting to lease it back for up to 11 years. The original lease term ends in June 2028, and there’s been no indication that Six Flags plans to extend it.
Prologis, meanwhile, appears eager to move forward. “We’re focused on identifying and partnering with planning and design experts to help us create a master plan for the property,” a spokesperson told the Los Angeles Times earlier this year.
A Park That Shaped Generations
Originally opened on May 20, 1976, as Marriott’s Great America, the park was one of two nearly identical properties launched by the hotel giant. Over the years, it changed hands—from Marriott to Paramount Parks, then to Cedar Fair in 2006. Each era brought new attractions and refinements, helping cement its place in the Bay Area’s cultural fabric.
Great America has long been known for standout attractions like Gold Striker, frequently ranked among the world’s best wooden coasters; RailBlazer, a daring single-rail ride; and Flight Deck, a smooth inverted coaster that remains a guest favorite. The South Bay Shores waterpark, Planet Snoopy kids’ area, and seasonal events like Halloween Haunt added to its multi-generational appeal.
Will you miss California’s Great America?
