Six Flags announced today the lease for Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, Kentucky would not be renewing their lease and that the park would cease operation. Does this have anything to do with their bankruptcy? Yes, it does.
Six Flags will be completing the restructuring of their company shortly and Kentucky Kingdom was not accepted into their agreement. Unfortunately, the park will probably be torn down. It seems as though they will try and relocate their rides to other Six Flags parks. Details have not been confirmed yet. Kentucky Kingdom employees are being given the option to relocate to other Six Flags parks if they wish to stay with the company. Pass Holders are also being offered a refund for their pass or if they choose to keep their passes, it will be valid for any other Six Flags park and they will receive four “Bring your friends or family” pass as well.
Here’s the actual letter that was sent to Kentucky Kingdom pass holders:
“Dear Valued Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom Season Pass and Play Pass Holders:
On behalf of Six Flags and the 55 full-time Kentucky Kingdom employees, I would like to personally thank you for your continued loyalty and support. It has been our honor to provide amazing thrills and lifelong memories to you and your families for the last 12 years.
It is however, with much regret that I inform you that despite multiple attempts to reach a new,
fair and equitable lease agreement with the Kentucky State Fair Board, Six Flags has been unable to do so. As a result, Six Flags has rejected the current lease and will cease operating Kentucky Kingdom, effective immediately. Please know that this action only affects the Kentucky Kingdom theme park — all 19 other Six Flags parks will be open for business as usual in 2010, including nearby Six Flags St. Louis and Six Flags Great America in Chicago.
As a reminder, your Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom Season Pass and/or Play Pass is valid at any of our
Six Flags Theme Parks, as well as Six Flags Mexico and La Ronde Theme Park in Canada. In a few weeks, we will be sending you, via e-mail, four “Bring A Friend For Free” tickets valid to any of our
Six Flags Theme Parks. These “Bring A Friend For Free” tickets will only be valid if you choose to retain your 2010 Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom Season Pass.
Information on our other theme parks, locations and operating hours, can be found at sixflags.com. For your convenience, we have also developed a “Frequently Asked Questions” page on our website should you have any additional questions.
If you would prefer to return your 2010 Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom Season Pass, you can find information on how to obtain a full refund at sixflags.com/kentuckykingdom.
Again, I want to thank you for your continued support over the last 12 years, and I hope to see you at another Six Flags park very soon.
Sincerely,
Andrew J. Michaelree
President
Kentucky Kingdom”
More information on the park’s closure can be viewed here.
