Six Flags hit with another blow as company announces permanent closure of beloved California theme park

Six Flags has been hit with yet another blow as the company has announced the permanent closure of its historic California theme park after 50 years in business.

Six Flags shared the news over the weekend that California’s Great America, located in Santa Clara, would shut down for good after its 2027 season comes to an end.

‘For more than five decades, this Santa Clara theme park has brought people together, created family traditions and served as the backdrop for unforgettable memories,’ Dave Vosejpka, park manager of California’s Great America, said in a press release. 

‘The Farewell Season is an opportunity for generations of Bay Area guests to return, spend time with family and friends, and revisit the attractions and traditions that have made the park in Santa Clara, California, such a meaningful part of the community.’

Its final day of operations will take place on September 6, 2027. 

California’s Great America, which first opened in March 1976, features more than 40 attractions including nine roller coasters. 

It was initially created by the Marriott Corporation but changed ownership numerous times over the years.

Cedar Fair bought the theme park in 2006; the company then sold the 112-acre property to real estate developer Prologis in 2022 for $310 million and signed a lease that allowed it to continue operating.

However, according to the press release, the lease is set to expire in June 2028, and Six Flags, which merged with Cedar Fair in 2024, has opted not to extend the lease.

‘As guests come together for one final season, the park will honor its legacy and celebrate the place it has held in the lives of so many guests through experiences in the park and stories shared across its digital and social channels,’ the press release added. 

It comes weeks after a man was killed after he was flung from a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia.

Hassan Kariem, 42, fell to his death after he was thrown from his seat on the Goliath roller coaster in front of horrified passengers on October 12.

Kariem, an education technology professional at Wesley International Academy, was at the park to celebrate the 13th birthday of his fiancée’s niece, according to his future brother-in-law, Joshua Nelson, who spoke to CNN. 

Witnesses said he flew out of his seat and collided with the ride’s metal frame a number of times before falling to the ground, leaving several of them covered in his blood. 

An investigation has been launched into how Kariem fell to his death. 

As part of the investigation, state officials and Cobb County Major Crimes detectives are evaluating the coaster’s lap bar restraints, locking mechanisms and computerized safety sensors, Fox 5 reported. 

In the aftermath, the theme park company said it plans to add seatbelts to the ride, which has remained closed since the tragedy. 

Six Flags has temporarily closed eight other roller coasters across five parks while they undergo safety reviews. 

John Reilly, the CEO of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, said in a statement: ‘We are reinforcing safety precautions at our parks and taking additional measures, including adding seat belts on Goliath and other coasters with a similar restraint.’

The CEO added that the park’s ride operators complete a multi-stage training program that includes ‘classroom instruction, hands-on training, and supervised, on-the-job experience, with additional instruction and evaluation provided as necessary.’ 

The Six Flags CEO said the company also plans to use independent engineers and ride inspection specialists to review the safety procedures of attractions across all parks.

‘I know trust is earned through actions and not words. As CEO of Six Flags, I take that responsibility personally,’ Reilly wrote.