DisneyFanatic.com The Latest News, Advice, and Perspective from Disney Fans for Disney Fans!
Six Flags continues to deal with an appalling blow, with a report revealing that one of the company’s theme parks is set to be demolished this month.
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation recently made nationwide headlines by becoming North America’s most prominent theme park operator. With an impressive portfolio of 42 locations, including amusement parks and water parks in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation has become one of the world’s most significant theme park companies.
Credit: Six Flags
Related: Mass Restrictions Coming: Disneyland to Block Thousands from Entering the Park
This whopping title comes as a result of the billion-dollar merger between Six Flags and Cedar Fair Entertainment Company, dethroning The Walt Disney Company in California and possibly launching the newly formed corporation ahead of other competitors like Universal Destinations & Experiences and United Parks & Resorts Inc. (formerly SeaWorld Entertainment Inc.).
Additionally, the theme park mogul is extending its international market with a multi-million-dollar theme park being developed in Qiddiya, Six Flags Qiddiya. It will be the company’s first theme park outside the continent.
However, the company has recently faced multiple hinderances in the operations of its international parks, including an immediate order to cease all actions for a new attraction and a scandalous breakdown at Six Flags Mexico.
Unfortunately, Six Flags continues to deal with an overwhelming problem for the company.
Credit: Six Flags
Related: Florida Theme Park Counters Divisive Decision, Immediately Reverses Permanent Shutdown Announcement
Following Jazzland’s tragic bankruptcy and permanent closure in New Orleans in 2002, Six Flags acquired the property to revive the amusement park. Plans included a resort, a water park, a downtown area, and a focus on attracting tourists to the often-neglected eastern side of New Orleans.
Six Flags New Orleans was expected to draw inspiration from Disney’s successful Downtown Disney concept to create a vibrant, New Orleans-themed street experience. Sadly, with a proposed 15-year construction timeline, the ambitious project failed to gain city approval.
Additionally, the severe effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005 further staggered Six Flags’ plans. Due to the flooding, Six Flags New Orleans never opened its gates, and the amusement park project remained abandoned for nearly two decades.
Regardless, the tides could soon turn for Six Flags New Orleans, shining a light of hope upon the abandoned amusement park.
Credit: Six Flags
Related: Guest Suffers Grotesque Accident Aboard High-Speed Roller Coaster
In 2021, the redevelopment group Bayou Phoenix expressed interest in making the abandoned site rise from its ashes and unveiled its vision for Six Flags New Orleans in 2023.
Plans to transform the abandoned site in Eastern New Orleans include the creation of a $500 million complex with youth sports fields, hotels, shops, a movie studio, and a waterpark. Despite the proposal, the fate of Six Flags New Orleans remained uncertain. But that could soon change.
A recent AXIOS New Orleans report recently revealed that Six Flags New Orleans is expected to be completely demolished starting this month, paving the way for Bayou Phoenix to breathe new life into it.
The report states that the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority approved Bayou Phoenix’s master plan last year and signed a lease for the 227-acre site with the company.
Credit: Insider, X
Related: With Ryan Reynolds Now Fired From Deadpool Role, Marvel Drops Update
Bayou Phoenix’s Troy Henry stated that the developers are seeking nearly $100 million in government funding for infrastructure but added that other project pieces would be self-financed.
As final negotiations neared their final steps with an unnamed demolition company, the project’s first stage is expected to start in September. The demolition is expected to last five months and be completed before New Orleans hosts the Super Bowl in February 2025.
Credit: Insider, x
Related: Disney’s ‘Indiana Jones’ Assets Sold Following “Harrison Ford” Actor’s Tragic Death
Bayou Phoenix’s project drew award-winning composer Elvin Ross’ attention, who signed on to build e. ross studios Jazzland on the property. Per the studio’s website, Ross’ plans include the construction of “a premiere motion picture and television studio as well as entertainment hub for the region.”
Credit: Matthew Christopher Photography / Abandoned America
Related: Federal Action Demanded After Amusement Park Crisis at Cedar Point
Bayou Phoenix aims to complete the project in 2027, and similarly to The Walt Disney Company’s and Universal Destinations & Experiences’ actions, plans to host an event to share more information about the project and its future.
Developing projects for local theme parks often stir debate among residents, which was the case for Universal Destinations & Experiences in 2023 after announcing plans to build a family theme park in Frisco, Texas, to be named Universal Kids Resort.
Credit: Universal
The project stirred polemic among locals and received significant backlash after its original announcement. Regardless, Universal gained the project’s approval and is currently developing Universal Kids Resort.
Continuing this trend and a history of failed plans to revive the property, residents remain skeptical about Bayou Phoenix’s project. However, the company remains confident in the project and will undoubtedly push through the skepticism.
Don’t forget, you have the final word. Are you excited about Six Flags New Orleans being demolished to make way for Bayou Phoenix’s project? Weigh in and share your opinion with us and our readers in the comments below!
