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Acclaimed roller coaster will debut at a Six Flags park during the 2028-2029 seasons, launching speculation among coaster fans worldwide

, /PRNewswire/ -- Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE:FUN), North America's largest regional amusement-resort operator, has acquired ArieForce One, the celebrated steel roller coaster that captured the imagination of thrill-seekers around the world and quickly earned recognition as one of the most acclaimed coaster experiences of the modern era. Six Flags will introduce the attraction at one of its parks during the 2028-2029 operating seasons.

Six Flags acquires ArieForce One, one of the most acclaimed coasters of the modern era While the coaster's future home remains under wraps, today's announcement officially launches what is expected to become one of the most closely watched and passionately debated conversations in the theme park industry: Where will ArieForce One rise again?

For three years, ArieForce One built a devoted following among roller coaster enthusiasts who traveled from across the country and around the world to experience its signature blend of speed, airtime, inversions and nonstop intensity. Named in honor of Fun Spot America founder John Arie Sr. by the family-owned company that developed the attraction, ArieForce One represented both an ambitious investment and a personal legacy for the Arie family.

When the attraction closed in August, fans openly mourned the loss of a coaster many considered one of the finest steel roller coasters ever built. Since then, the question has echoed throughout enthusiast communities, online forums and social media channels: Can one of the world's most celebrated coasters be saved?

Today, Six Flags proudly answers that question.

"From the moment ArieForce One closed, we knew how much this coaster meant to the enthusiast community and to guests who traveled from around the world to experience it," said Mark Pauls, chief operating officer of Six Flags. "This is a ride that consistently generated excitement, acclaim and passionate fan support. We are thrilled to preserve its legacy, invest in its future and bring this extraordinary attraction to a new generation of guests. This acquisition represents our commitment to delivering world-class thrills and creating unforgettable experiences across the Six Flags portfolio."

"When we built ArieForce One, we wanted to create something truly special. Something that would put Fun Spot America on the map with coaster enthusiasts and families around the world and create memories that would last a lifetime," said John Arie Jr, CEO of Fun Spot America. "Seeing ArieForce One preserved and finding a new home with Six Flags means a great deal to me and my family. Its story isn't ending, it's beginning a new chapter, and we are excited that future generations will get to experience ArieForce One.

Pauls added that while fans now know ArieForce One's future is secure, one major mystery remains.

"Part of the excitement is that the story isn't over," Pauls said. "We know fans will immediately begin theorizing about which Six Flags park is the perfect fit. The passion surrounding ArieForce One is unlike anything we've seen in recent years, and when the time comes to reveal its new home, we believe that announcement will be just as exciting as the acquisition itself."

Manufactured by Rocky Mountain Construction, ArieForce One quickly earned industry acclaim for its relentless pacing, massive airtime moments, innovative elements and unforgettable ride experience. The coaster became a bucket-list attraction for enthusiasts and a fixture on best-in-the-world rankings, making its closure one of the most discussed stories in the amusement industry. To honor that legacy, Six Flags plans to retain the classic ArieForce One name, honoring the coaster's history and preserving the identity that helped make it a fan favorite.

Now, its next chapter begins.

Since news of the closing began circulating, coaster enthusiasts have filled fan communities with theories about acquisitions and where the attraction might ultimately be installed. From parks already known for their world-class coaster collections to destinations seeking a marquee signature attraction, enthusiasts have begun making their cases for why their favorite park should become the new home of ArieForce One.

"The coaster enthusiast community has spent months wondering whether ArieForce One would be saved and where it might ultimately find a new home," said Derek Perry, president-elect of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), the world's largest amusement ride enthusiast organization. "Preservation is central to ACE's mission, so enthusiasts everywhere were hopeful this remarkable coaster would have a future beyond its original park. Today's announcement answers one question and opens the door to another. The speculation about which park will receive ArieForce One is going to be enormous."

Perry added, "Its farewell brought enthusiasts together from across the globe to celebrate a ride they love, and now they'll be watching every clue and announcement as Six Flags prepares for its next chapter."

Once reassembled and enhanced at its new Six Flags destination, the attraction is expected to become one of the premier thrill experiences in North America, drawing coaster enthusiasts, vacationers and adrenaline seekers alike.

ArieForce One Ride Stats:

Manufacturer: Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC) Ride Type: Steel roller coaster Height: 154 feet (approximately 15 stories tall) First Drop: 146 feet Top Speed: 64 mph Track Length: Approximately 3,400 feet Inversions: 4 Duration: Approximately 2 minutes Signature Elements: World's largest zero-gravity stall Raven Truss Dive Outward-banked airtime hill Multiple high-intensity airtime (negative-G) moments Original location: Fun Spot America Atlanta, Fayetteville, Georgia Name origin: Honors Fun Spot America founder John Arie Sr. Opening date: March 31, 2023 Closing date: August 2, 2026 Additional details regarding the attraction's future location, construction timeline and reopening plans will be announced at a later date. Until then, the coaster community's biggest mystery remains unsolved.

Which Six Flags park will become the new home of ArieForce One?

Fans, enthusiasts and thrill-seekers around the world can begin making their predictions now.

"ArieForce One has already cemented its place among the most celebrated roller coasters of its generation," Pauls said. "Today we're thrilled to announce that its future is secure. Next, we'll reveal where its next chapter begins."

Six Flags is home to North America's largest collection of roller coasters with more than 250 across its portfolio, including some of the most iconic roller coasters in North America—like Fury 325, Top Thrill 2, Millennium Force, Leviathan, El Toro, The Beast and Tormenta.

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) is North America's largest regional amusement-resort enterprise. The Company operates a premier portfolio of 20 amusement parks, 14 water parks, and nine resort properties across 13 U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico, as well as an amusement park in Saudi Arabia. Focused on its purpose of creating FUN, thrills, and a lifetime of memories, Six Flags provides immersive entertainment to millions of guests every year with world-class coasters, themed rides, and thrilling water parks powered by beloved intellectual property such as Looney Tunes®, DC Comics®, and PEANUTS®.

About Fun Spot America Theme Parks

Fun Spot America Theme Parks is a family-owned and operated amusement park company known for delivering family-friendly fun, world-class thrills and memorable guest experiences. Founded by John Arie Sr., Fun Spot America operates theme parks in Orlando and Kissimmee, Florida. The company developed ArieForce One at its former Atlanta location as one of the most ambitious investments in its history, creating a coaster that earned worldwide recognition among enthusiasts.

About American Coaster Enthusiasts

With more than 7,000 members worldwide, ACE is the largest and longest-running ride enthusiast organization in the world. Members of ACE have access to exclusive park benefits and opportunities plus RollerCoaster! Magazine and the opportunity to attend national, local and even international tours at parks. ACE hosts more than 100 in-person and digital events around the world annually and has been prominently featured on various news programs and cable networks.

Editor's Notes: Media Kit available here: Six Flags Acquires ArieForce One. Please credit "Courtesy of American Coaster Enthusiasts" when assets are in use.

SOURCE Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

John T. Reilly, President and Chief Executive Officer of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (FUN +3.33%), purchased 15,713 shares of common stock at $15.80 per share on August 12, 2026 per a recent SEC Form 4 filing.

Transaction summaryMetricValueTransaction value~$248,265Shares purchased15,713Post-transaction shares (directly held)297,736Post-transaction value$4.89 millionTransaction value based on SEC Form 4 weighted average purchase price ($15.80); post-transaction value based on August 12, 2026 market close ($16.44).

Key questionsWhat was the primary driver of this equity acquisition?
The purchase was executed under a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan that John Reilly established on May 12, 2026, indicating the trade was scheduled in advance to meet personal portfolio management objectives.How does this transaction affect the CEO’s total equity stake?
By acquiring 15,713 shares, Reilly increased his direct holdings by 6%, bringing his total direct position to 297,736 shares of common stock.What is the current market valuation and concentration of the insider position?
The CEO’s direct holdings are valued at $4.89 million based on the August 12, 2026 market close, representing approximately 0.29% of the company's total market capitalization.What is the recent performance context for the stock?
The transaction was completed at a time when shares were priced at $15.80, following a one-year return of -36% as of the August 12, 2026 transaction date.Company OverviewMetricValueShare Price (as of market close 2026-08-11)$15.91Market Capitalization$1.6 billionRevenue (TTM)$2.7 billionNet Income (TTM)-$1.8 billionCompany SnapshotSix Flags Entertainment operates a diversified portfolio of amusement parks, water parks, and themed leisure destinations across North America, generating revenue through admission fees, food and beverage sales, merchandise, and ancillary services.The company's business model centers on delivering experiential entertainment to families and leisure consumers through iconic branded attractions featuring roller coasters, shows, and seasonal events that drive repeat visitation and season pass subscriptions.Six Flags serves a broad consumer base including families, thrill-seekers, and tourists across 17 U.S. states plus Canada and Mexico, with particular strength in metropolitan markets where population density supports high-traffic destination properties.Six Flags Entertainment stands as a prominent operator of amusement and resort properties across North America, maintaining an extensive network of 17 domestic locations supplemented by international operations. The company leverages its established brand portfolio and operational scale to deliver memorable experiences while managing capital-intensive theme park infrastructure.

Despite current profitability challenges reflected in its net losses, the company's substantial revenue base of $2.7 billion over the trailing 12 months demonstrates the enduring appeal of experiential leisure consumption across its geographic footprint.

What this transaction means for investorsThe August 12 acquisition of Six Flags shares by CEO John Reilly indicates he has a bullish outlook towards the stock, so much so that he scheduled the transaction in advance through a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan. The purchase at $15.80 per share suggests this level presents a buy opportunity.

Six Flags stock fell after the company announced earnings for its fiscal second quarter ended June 28. Revenue dropped 7% year over year to $864.9 million due to the closure and sale of some of its amusement parks. Excluding these parks from the sales numbers results in a year-over-year increase to $864.5 million compared to $844.2 million in 2025.

While the comparable park sales growth is encouraging, the same can’t be said for the bottom line. Excluding the closed and sold parks, fiscal Q2’s net loss totaled $194.4 million compared to the prior year’s loss of $86.6 million. The widening net loss coupled with total debt of $5 billion was enough to drive shares down.

Robert Izquierdo has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Six Flags Entertainment. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Limited-time offer delivers MVP-level deal with unlimited visits, free parking, regional access to new attractions and exclusive benefits now through 2027

, /PRNewswire/ -- Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN), North America's largest regional amusement park operator, today launched sales of its 2027 Season Passes at the lowest price guests will see this season or next. To mark the occasion, Six Flags teamed up with brand ambassador Travis Kelce to celebrate the biggest pass offer of the year on a date with special significance: 8/7, the iconic number Kelce has worn throughout his legendary career.

Six Flags launches its 2027 Season Passes at the lowest price of this season and next! Guests can purchase a 2027 Gold Pass or Prestige Pass at the lowest price of the season and enjoy access for the remainder of 2026, including Halloween and holiday events, plus all of 2027. The limited-time offer runs through Sept. 7.

"The Six Flags Season Pass has so much to offer. Unlimited visits would have blown my mind as a kid, and right before Halloween and the holidays when you know the parks go crazy. You get more access this year and everything that's coming in 2027," Kelce said. The launch continues Six Flags' partnership with Kelce, whose larger-than-life personality, competitive spirit and passion for nostalgia align with the company's mission to create those memorable experiences for everyone

Make the big play

The 2027 Gold Pass offers guests exceptional value, including:

Lowest 2027 pass price of this season and next Unlimited visits through the remainder of 2026 and all of 2027 Free general parking (some restrictions apply) Admission to parks throughout a designated region: East, West, Midwest or Texas Access to fall haunt events and seasonal holiday celebrations Discounts on select food, merchandise and tickets One bonus Bring-A-Friend Free ticket for renewing season passholders and new members who purchase by Sept. 7 Guests seeking the ultimate VIP experience can upgrade to a Prestige Pass, which includes:

Access to all Six Flags parks across North America Preferred parking at many parks Complimentary fountain beverages VIP entrance access at participating parks Free Bring-A-Friend tickets One free single-use Fast Lane per visit A $20 in-park credit for new Prestige members and Prestige passholders who renew by Sept. 7 Memberships also available for guests looking for maximum flexibility

For guests who prefer a month-to-month option, Six Flags also launches 2027 Memberships, offering many of the same great benefits as Season Passes with the added convenience of recurring monthly payments. Memberships provide unlimited visits, access to multiple parks based on membership level, parking benefits, discounts on food and merchandise, exclusive member rewards and special offers throughout the year. Premium membership tiers unlock additional perks, including expanded park access, VIP benefits and enhanced in-park savings, giving guests more ways to customize their Six Flags experience while enjoying year-round thrills and value.

A pass packed with record-breaking reasons to visit

The 2027 Season Pass arrives as Six Flags prepares to debut one of its most ambitious attraction lineups ever.

In the East region, Six Flags Great Adventure will unveil Bakunawa, the world's tallest and fastest spinning coaster. Inspired by the legendary moon-eating serpent of Philippine mythology, the attraction will soar 382 feet, reach 100 mph and break six world records. Bakunawa anchors the newly renovated Boardwalk section which celebrates the iconic culture of the Jersey Shore. Carowinds will introduce Rip Roarin' Falls, a groundbreaking super-flume experience featuring the world's tallest water ride drop at 100 feet, along with multiple world-record-breaking elements. In the Texas region, Six Flags Fiesta Texas will debut Werewolf Gorge, the world's longest family launch coaster, blending immersive storytelling, family thrills and a mysterious legend lurking within a rugged quarry landscape. In the Midwest region, Six Flags Great America will open Camp Timber Trail, an expansive family adventure area anchored by Sky Hawk, the Midwest's longest, tallest and fastest suspended family coaster. In the West region, Knott's Soak City will introduce Coral Craze and Kelp Kraze, innovative new family raft slides featuring ride systems making their West Coast and North American debuts. And according to Six Flags, even more major announcements are still to come.

More reasons to visit right away

Guests who purchase a 2027 Season Pass can begin enjoying major additions already open in 2026, including:

Quantum Accelerator at Six Flags New England Tormenta: Rampaging Run at Six Flags Over Texas Shoreline Pier at Six Flags Great Adventure Daredeviler at Canada's Wonderland Speedway Stunt Coaster at Six Flags Mexico Looney Tunes™ Land at Six Flags Magic Mountain Phantom Theater at Kings Island A major summer entertainment lineup at Kings Dominion The fun doesn't stop when summer ends. Six Flags will soon unveil its 2026 Halloween lineup, featuring new blockbuster horror franchise experiences, all-new entertainment and other can't-miss seasonal offerings. Then, as winter arrives, guests can celebrate the wonder of the holidays with dazzling lights, festive entertainment and family fun at parks from coast to coast, plus the triumphant return of a newly reimagined Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great Adventure and Six Flags Over Georgia.

"More time at the parks now means more awesome memories later," Kelce said. "More rides. More laughs.  More reasons to get your crew together. That's exactly what a Six Flags Season Pass delivers."

With dozens of parks, hundreds of attractions, seasonal festivals and major new investments arriving across North America, the 2027 Season Pass offers guests the most affordable way to experience everything Six Flags has to offer.

Guests must purchase by Sept. 7, 2026, to receive promotional offers and launch pricing. For more information, park-specific offerings and restrictions, visit www.sixflags.com 

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) is North America's largest regional amusement-resort operator, with 21 amusement parks, 14 water parks and nine resort properties across 13 states in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The Company also manages an amusement park in Saudi Arabia. Focused on its purpose of making people happy, Six Flags provides fun, immersive and memorable experiences to millions of guests every year with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks, resorts and a portfolio of beloved intellectual property such as Looney Tunes®, DC Comics® and PEANUTS®.

MEDIA NOTES: 

To download images and video for your stories, please click here: 2027 Season Pass Media Kit. This link is for media only and should not be provided to the general public. When assets are in use, please credit, "Courtesy of Six Flags." Pass sales will launch across all Six Flags websites throughout 8/7/26.  SOURCE Six Flags Entertainment Corporation