Today marks a historic day for all SeaWorld parks. Just 50 years ago SeaWorld San Diego opened it’s gates to the general public to help inspire the youth of the world to show them the wonders of the ocean and help us have a better understanding as a people of all the amazing creatures that dwell beneath the waves. No other attraction will help emphasize that goal better than Explorer’s Reef, SeaWorld San Diego’s brand new main entrance plaza.
Explorer’s Reef will allow guests to interact with dozens of unique species of fish with a hint of SeaWorld magic. “At SeaWorld San Diego, we’re reinventing the arrival experience of a theme park with Explorer’s Reef,” said Brian Morrow, SeaWorld’s creative director. “Guests will have a new way of approaching the park, entering the park, and exploring the park right off the bat.” Instantly imersing guests into a colorful oversized coral reef full of fun facts and “hands-in” splash pools. The project lasted 16 months and is one of the largest construction projects to ever take place at SeaWorld SD.
Today not only marked the grand opening of Explorer’s Reef but the 50th Anniversary of SeaWorld parks spanning back to 1964 and the opening of the park in San Diego. To host the grand event, SeaWorld invited Good Morning America host Cameron Mathison.
Cameron talked about what SeaWorld meant to him, and told stories about what sort of experiences he had had with his own family over the years and the parks and on location. It was then time to introduce SeaWorld San Diego Park President John Reilly. John took time to discuss the origins of SeaWorld San Diego and acknowledged those who help create and shape the park over 50 years ago. You can see the video that shown highlighting SeaWorld’s 50 years below.
Next to speak was San Diego Mayor, Kevin Faulconer who talked about how important SeaWorld really is to not only the city of San Diego but to all wildlife, both local and internationally and why we must continue to promote and support the parks.
Assembly Majority Leader and Speaker Elect Toni Atkins came up to speak about what SeaWorld means to San Diego followed by Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute Chairman of the Board Bill Shedd.
Julie Scardina, SeaWorld and Busch Gardens Animal Ambasssador came up to speak about all SeaWorld/Busch brands and how they work together to contribute to the rehabilitation are care of animals followed lastly by SeaWorld CEO Jim Atchison who gave a powerful speech thanking each and every person who has dedicated their time to helping animals around the planet. In his speech he made a promise (followed by a video of employees also making the promise) that SeaWorld will continue to grow and educate and help animals throughout the world for the next 50 years.
The Ceremony ended with a musical performance ushering in another half-century of SeaWorld conservation.
And with that Explorer’s Reef was opened to all guests!
And with that, a new era of SeaWorld Parks has been ushered. The ceremony was exquisite and really captured the essence of what SeaWorld parks really is. Stay tuned for more in-depth coverage of Explorer’s Reef coming soon.
For more information about SeaWorld please visit their official webpage here.
For ticketing info and how you can visit Explorer’s Reef in San Diego, please visit here.
