Merger economics and an expiring land lease put Northern California’s only major thrill‑park on the brink.
Six Flags fans in the Bay Area got a jolt this week: top company executives signaled that California’s Great America in Santa Clara could operate for just two more summers, closing after the 2027 season unless a costly lease extension is signed.
First opened by the Marriott Corporation in 1976, the park has weathered ownership changes and economic cycles. Now, however, chief financial officer Brian Witherow calls it “very low on the ranking of margins,” the same label applied to Six Flags America in Bowie, Maryland, which will close this November. Witherow delivered the sobering outlook during a post‑merger earnings discussion covered by People magazine.
Why Six Flags California’s Great America faces closure after its 50th season
The potential shutdown stems from a perfect storm of financial and real‑estate pressures. In 2024, Cedar Fair and Six Flags combined to form Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, creating a 27‑park giant—but also a mandate to trim under‑performers.
Great America sits on land the company leases from the city; that agreement ends in 2028, and extending it would require a substantial rent hike. After crunching the numbers, executives say operating past 2027 may not make economic sense.
What local visitors and season passholders should know before planning trips
Will your next season pass still be worth it? Here are the key dates and facts to keep in mind before mapping out family outings:
- November 2024 – Six Flags America (Bowie, MD) shuts down, foreshadowing cuts elsewhere.
- 2025–2026 seasons – Santa Clara park continues normal operations while management reviews lease terms.
- 2027 season – 50th‑anniversary celebrations go forward; closure could follow the final fall weekend.
- End of 2028 – Current land lease formally expires if no extension is signed.
After reviewing those milestones, Bay Area thrill‑seekers may wish to visit sooner rather than later. Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo—another Six Flags property—remains unaffected and could absorb displaced annual‑pass perks, though the company has not committed to that plan.
Community impact and the road ahead for local tourism and jobs
Roughly 2,000 seasonal workers, dozens of full‑time technicians, and countless nearby hotels and restaurants depend on Great America’s traffic. Santa Clara officials have not released a redevelopment blueprint for the 112‑acre parcel, but real‑estate analysts say high‑density housing or mixed‑use offices may dominate any future proposal. Could civic leaders broker a last‑minute deal to keep the coasters running? City Hall declined comment, leaving negotiations—and park loyalists—in limbo.
Unless a new lease is hammered out, Northern California’s flagship thrill park will take its final lap after its golden anniversary. Families hoping to ride RailBlazer or the classic Demon one more time should circle the next two summers on their calendars—just in case.