California amusement park to close after more than 50 years

A California amusement park will close its gates for the final time next year after more than 50 seasons in business.

California’s Great America, owned by Six Flags, in Santa Clara said it will cease operations after it opted not to extend its land lease that expires in June 2028. 

The park’s final season will begin in March 2027 and end on Labor Day.

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“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,” said Dave Vosejpka, park manager of California’s Great America.

The closure marks the end of an era that began in 1976, when the park opened as Marriott’s Great America. It operated for decades on public land until former owner Cedar Fair Entertainment Co. purchased the 112 acres underneath the park in 2019 for around $150 million.

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Cedar Fair sold the land three years later to real estate company Prologis for around $310 million with a lease agreement. Cedar Fair merged with Six Flags in 2024.

Signs of a shutdown had surfaced over the past few years. Great America canceled most live entertainment and its Halloween and Christmas events last year, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The closure of Great America comes after parent company Six Flags sold seven parks to EPR Properties earlier this year.

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FOX Business’ Sophia Compton contributed to this report.