Six Flags CEO Says Coaster Tragedy Will Cost Attendance for Months, Not Years
October visitation dropped 9 percent following a fatal accident in Georgia and serious injuries in California, prompting ride modifications and a broader safety review.
By Ana Castro ·
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation’s leadership told investors on Thursday that the financial and reputational damage from recent coaster accidents will likely persist for months, not years.
John Reilly, the company’s president and CEO, addressed the decline in attendance during a call with analysts. He reported that October visitation fell by 9 percent. Reilly attributed the drop to poor weather on specific weekends, as well as the impact of the October death at Six Flags Over Georgia and subsequent ride closures.
The Georgia accident involved a rider ejected from the Goliath coaster. Local authorities and the ride manufacturer are investigating the cause, while Six Flags conducts its own internal review. Reilly noted that the company is also performing a safety audit of its entire ride portfolio. This review will be verified by independent third-party engineering and inspection specialists.
In addition to the Georgia death, Six Faces is managing lawsuits related to the X2 ride at Magic Mountain. Two riders were hospitalized with brain hemorrhages earlier this year, and other riders are reportedly claiming similar injuries. The X2 ride has been permanently shuttered. Executives on the call referred to the Georgia accident as "the incident."
Reilly stated that confidence in the brand must be earned through action rather than statements. He said the company is adding seat belts to certain coasters that use a descending lap bar similar to the one on the Goliath ride. The company is also moving the AireForce One coaster from the closed Fun Spot America in Atlanta to Magic Mountain, which is undergoing a major refurbishment.
Similar improvement programs are underway at Six Flags Great Adventure in New Jersey and Six Flags Great America near Chicago. These projects aim to make the parks more family-friendly by adding comfort, shade, and amenities. Reilly predicted that the impact on attendance will be limited to Georgia, Magic Mountain, and parks with temporary closures.
The executive added that the company is open to selling parks as part of a portfolio optimization strategy. He noted that discussions are currently underway now that the bulk of the season has passed.
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