Will Six Flags close parks?

SANDUSKY — Cedar Point's parent company is considering the sale or closure of some of its 42 theme parks and water parks as Six Flags pushes forward with Project Accelerate, an initiative aimed at streamlining operations and reducing debt following its recent merger with Cedar Fair. The merger, finalized in July after regulatory approval from the U.S. Department of Justice, brought together the two largest regional amusement park operators in North America, creating a combined portfolio of 27 amusement parks and 15 water parks across the U.S., Canada and Mexico. The expanded portfolio draws approximately 48 million visitors each year. During an earnings call, on Wednesday, Six Flags discussed its intentions under Project Accelerate, a strategy that includes portfolio optimization as a central focus. The company outlined plans for a "comprehensive review" of its parks to assess potential divestitures of what it considers non-core assets, aiming to reduce financial leverage and improve profitability. With flagship properties — including Cedar Point in Ohio (4 million annual visitors), Knott's Berry Farm in California (4.2 million) and Six Flags Magic Mountain in California (3.4 million) — the combined chain boasts seven of the Top 20 North American amusement parks by annual attendance, as reported by the Themed Entertainment Association and AECOM. Six Flags Great America in Illinois; Kings Island in Mason, Ohio; Canada's Wonderland; and Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey also rank among the chain's most popular destinations, each drawing millions of guests each year. The potential sales or closures mark a significant shift for the company, which has focused historically on building guest loyalty and enhancing the guest experience across its properties.