Six Flags Being Demolished After 19 Years of Abandonment

Nearly two decades after Hurricane Katrina’s devastating impact, the deserted Six Flags New Orleans is finally coming down.

This long-awaited demolition marks a significant turning point for the once-thriving theme park, which has remained abandoned since 2005, a reminder of the city’s struggle to recover.

Credit: Erik Jorgensen, Flickr

Six Flags New Orleans, initially opened as Jazzland in 2000, quickly faced financial difficulties and was acquired by Six Flags in 2002. The park then became a local favorite, featuring attractions themed around New Orleans culture.

However, disaster struck in 2005 when Hurricane Katrina submerged the park under over seven feet of water for an entire month due to severe drainage failures. Unable to recover, Six Flags left the park to deteriorate and eventually declared bankruptcy in 2010, leaving behind a haunting landscape that has attracted urban explorers and videographers over the years.

Credit: Erik Jorgensen, Flickr

Yesterday (November 4), demolition work officially began under the direction of New Orleans-based Smoot Construction. Developer Troy Henry, leading the redevelopment through his Bayou Phoenix partnership, expressed optimism, noting the community’s anticipation for this day.

“It’s a positive step for the area,” Henry remarked, emphasizing that this demolition represents a clean slate for the site and its surrounding neighborhoods.

The ambitious redevelopment plan, spearheaded by Bayou Phoenix, seeks to transform the former park into a mixed-use development aimed at driving economic growth in New Orleans East. Proposed projects include a sprawling warehouse, a STEM education center in partnership with STEM NOLA, a hotel, a water park, an esports arena, and a cutting-edge film studio.

Credit: Erik Jorgensen, Flickr

Henry has confirmed a deal with one of the planned anchor tenants, with negotiations continuing for the others, signaling forward momentum in Bayou Phoenix’s vision for the area.

For local leaders and residents, the demolition represents more than just the removal of a blighted property; it’s a symbolic closure of a difficult chapter and a hopeful start for the future. Mayor LaToya Cantrell’s administration has voiced strong support for the redevelopment, underscoring its potential to boost economic opportunities and bring much-needed resources to New Orleans East.

With community support behind the initiative, the former Six Flags site is on track to become a vibrant community destination, breathing new life into an area that has long-awaited revitalization.

How do you feel about the upcoming renovation of Six Flags New Orleans?