California's Great America, a beloved theme park in Santa Clara, will close its gates permanently after the end of the 2027 season, owner Six Flags announced. The park's final day of operation will be Labor Day, September 6, 2027.
First opened in 1976 as part of the nation's Bicentennial celebration, Great America has hosted tens of millions of visitors over its 51-year history. "For more than five decades, this Santa Clara theme park has brought people together, created family traditions and served as the backdrop for unforgettable memories," said park manager Dave Vosejpka.
The closure follows a decision made by former owner Cedar Fair, which sold the 112-acre property to real estate developer Prologis for $310 million in June 2022. This sale included a lease agreement that allowed the park to continue operating through 2028. Cedar Fair had the option to extend the lease for an additional five years, but ultimately chose not to, citing the park's profitability.
Following Cedar Fair's merger with Six Flags in 2024, the combined company reviewed its portfolio of properties. Executives indicated that Great America was among the lower-performing parks in terms of profit margins, with high operating costs contributing to the decision not to renew the lease. The company reported significant financial losses, with a net loss of $366.1 million in the third quarter of the previous year.
The land occupied by California's Great America, situated next to Levi's Stadium, is viewed as having significant development potential. However, the site is currently zoned for theme park use, which would necessitate a zoning change for alternative developments such as data centers or mixed-use business parks. Six Flags has not yet announced a specific opening date for the park's final season, which is slated to begin in March 2027.