Playtime is Over.

alexander · Serpent Rider Joined: 17 Feb 2008 Posts: 14

Hello, everyone. The last nail for SFNO's coffin has been prepped, placed, and pounded in. For reasons that will not be disclosed, SSA has ceased its pursuit of the former New Orleans amusement park.

Friends and Families of the Gulf Coast,

It has been a busy ten months as we have worked to revive the former Six Flags New Orleans property. After working very diligently, we have reached a point in this project where we are no longer able to pursue reopening this park. We cannot comment as to any situations that have or may have impacted our decision. We remain committed to pursuing opportunities along the Gulf Coast and have not given up on our plans on establishing a park here. We look forward to releasing information in the near future on our future growth.

Warmest Regards,

Christopher Sweeney
Vice President
Southern Star Amusement

Thank you to those who showed their support for this project. Hopefully SSAG will be able to open a park somewhere close by in the next few years. In the mean time, check out Blue Bayou / Dixie Landin', Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Six Flags Over Texas, and Sea World San Antonio.

Have a good one,
Alex

Midnightbiker · Texas Cyclone Rider Joined: 23 Sep 2007 Posts: 490

That sucks. Mad

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Mike Robinson · Site Admin Joined: 12 Mar 2002 Posts: 4184

Is anyone really surprised? We never had a good sense of SSA's business plan. Considering that Jazzland had so may issues....

What happens when you build a park in an area that can't sustain the park?

See Jazzland and Hard Rock Park.

This is not "Field of Dreams". If you build it they probably will not come.

bigboy · Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 8:30 am Post subject:

I hate it when I'm right.

astroworldfan_1 · Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 3:09 pm Post subject:

Oh yeah. HRP lasted about 1 season, and Jazzland/SFNO lasted 5 seasons!
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alexander · Serpent Rider Joined: 17 Feb 2008 Posts: 14

The number of seasons doesn't really matter.
HRP and Jazzland/SFNO were both built in really... stupid locations. HRP is in the middle of nowhere, and one can only get to SFNO by driving through some of the worst neighborhoods New Orleans has to offer.

If SSA were to build a park from scratch, I'd place my bet on the Northshore if they were dead-set on staying in Louisiana. In the beginning Danny said his backup plan would be building a major (upwards of $300 million) theme park somewhere in coastal Mississippi. Maybe Legend City will live on after all..? If you look around hard enough, you might find something. SSA isn't dead. They'll be issuing more and more press releases as time goes by.

I wish there was a way to save Jester. Not like it's a good ride, it's just the only Vekoma Hurricane in America. I'm sure if somebody did some standard--and much needed--maintenance and bought a new set of trains from Vekoma, this ride wouldn't suck as much as the backwards-Arrow-fied version at SFNO.

Meh, back to business as usual.
I'll be back sometime to hype whatever SSA comes up with next.
Alex

smith · Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 5:19 pm Post subject:

alexander · Serpent Rider Joined: 17 Feb 2008 Posts: 14

Maybe SSA will go there!
Though I'm officially putting my money on the Mississippi/Alabama region.

As long as there's a nice Gravity Group/MVR woodie and a few other things (NO GTRAINS!) I'll be happy.

Daffy · Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 9:18 pm Post subject:

How Far is it from New Orleans To Dallas and San Antonio.
Is Houston Lot closer from New Orleans??

Tron · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2008 2:41 am Post subject:

Houston is 365 miles (give or take) from New Orleans. Dallas and San Antonio are both over 500 miles.

If population is the key to success, Mississippi/Alabama would not be a good location. The Metro New Orleans area still (post-Katrina) has more population than the Mississippi or Alabama Gulf Coast. Remember that only the inner city population statistics of New Orleans have dropped off significantly due to the storm, while other communities in the metro area have had rises in population figures. The Northshore suburbs seem to be the best bet for any new theme park project in the New Orleans area (not that I'm holding my breath waiting for that to happen Rolling Eyes

)
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Mike Robinson · Site Admin Joined: 12 Mar 2002 Posts: 4184

Daffy · Posted: Tue Sep 30, 2008 9:24 am Post subject:

I just wonder if Six Flags INC will closed or Sell more parks?

Mike Robinson · Site Admin Joined: 12 Mar 2002 Posts: 4184

With the credit crisis in this country we are in uncharted territory. I would think any big company (including park chains like Cedar Fair and Six Flags) who carry a big debt load are probably sweating right now.

Six Flags debt is greater than the value of the parks. I hate to say it because I have a lot of friends who work for Six Flags, but I think their days are numbered. 2009 should be interesting.

foxmulder · Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 6:47 pm Post subject:

Heard a rumour the S&S tower was removed...
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astroworldfan_1 · Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 7:29 pm Post subject:

Yep. As of last Saturday, they're gone. They are going to SF Great Escape.
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