Why California’s Great America Could Close Forever After 2027—Everything We Know So Far

Santa Clara, Calif.—Six Flags Entertainment appears to be inching closer to a decision on the future of California’s Great America, the 100-acre amusement park that has thrilled Bay Area families since 1976. Remarks made by chief financial officer Brian Witherow during the company’s May investor day confirmed that the park’s land lease is set to expire in 2028 and could end one season earlier, after the 2027 operating year, if Six Flags chooses not to exercise a five-year renewal option. Key points • Lease clock: The park sits on property owned by logistics real-estate giant Prologis, which bought the land from then-operator Cedar Fair in 2022. Without an extension, the gates could close permanently as early as fall 2027. • Cost pressures: Witherow cited surging labor costs—hourly wages have risen from roughly $11 to $18—as a drag on margins, placing Santa Clara “low on the ranking” of the company’s 56 combined theme and water parks. • M&A backdrop: Six Flags’ $8 billion merger with Cedar Fair last year left the enlarged company with a sprawling portfolio. Management has begun pruning under-performers; Six Flags America in Maryland was slated to shut at the end of the 2025 season. Community impact and reaction Santa Clara officials say Great America generates millions in local tax revenue and seasonal jobs. “Losing the park would be an economic gut punch,” councilmember Kevin Park told reporters after the investor presentation. Tourism groups also worry about a void in Silicon Valley’s family-entertainment lineup, especially with nearby Levi’s Stadium already drawing visitors primarily on NFL weekends. Upcoming summer events still on Despite the cloud hanging over its future, the park is pushing ahead with a full slate of attractions. The popular “Star-Spangled Nights” fireworks and drone show lights up July 4–5, while Haunt and WinterFest will return later this year. Six Flags spokespersons stress that “no final decision has been made” and tickets, season passes and new ride promotions remain valid through at least 2027. What could happen next? Industry analysts outline three scenarios: 1. Lease extension: Six Flags exercises its five-year option, keeping Great America open through 2032 while negotiating long-term rent relief. 2. Sale or relocation: Rides could be transferred to other Six Flags parks, mirroring asset moves made after the closure of Six Flags New Orleans post-Katrina. 3. Mixed-use redevelopment: Prologis might convert the prime Highway 101 parcel into high-density logistics, office or housing once the park shutters. Tips for visitors planning ahead • Lock in discounted 2025–2026 season passes before any formal closure notice. • Keep digital copies of tickets and membership contracts. • Follow @CAGreatAmerica and Santa Clara city channels for public-meeting dates on the park’s fate. Bottom line California’s Great America is still open for business, but the countdown has begun. Unless Six Flags and Prologis strike a deal, the 2027 season could be the last chance to ride Gold Striker, RailBlazer and the classic Carousel Columbia. Families looking to create—or relive—summer memories should circle their calendars now, while local leaders scramble to keep one of the Bay Area’s signature attractions alive.