Hard Rock Park closes for season

[SnooSnoo]

Hard Rock Park declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy today, closing its gates for the 2008 season. Though this does not come as a surprise to some given the park's tough first year of being open, this announcement was very sudden, as many believed the park would finish out the 2008 season before addressing the financial state of the park.

Hard Rock Park began its 2008 season with great excitement, but news of low attendance and shortcomings soon plagued the park, including the laying off of employees and the apparent non payment of Premiere Rides for the construction of roller coasters Maximum RPM and Slippery When Wet.

By declaring Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the park is able to continue its operation while reviewing its budget and reorganizing its finances under U.S. Court supervision.

This is to say the park is not shut down forever, and does plan to reopen for the 2009 season.

For now, Hard Rock Park will focus all efforts on reanalyzing its finances.


http://www.hardrockpark.com/closinginformation.cfm

[cpkidOH]

You know, I'm not really that suprised by this. I've heard that they've had weak attendance since they opened on almost every day of operation. There are alot of factors to balme for this, like lack of multiple signiture attractions, the high admission price, gas prices, the economy, etc. They're definatly going to have to tweak their business plan around these in order to make it through. I wish them the best, since it would be really sad to see this place go so quickly.

[Timberhawk]

It looks like a nice park with some great theming, but I think the location and ticket prices killed it's chances of having a good first season.

[BoRJoYZeE]

Yeah, those ticket prices was not worth my time.

The economy is in a hole right now, and I assume this will cause some more problems for this park, unless they come up with something that would attract more people.

[KingVeveraine]

I wouldn't be surprised if they sold the park to someone more experienced. Kinda like what happened to all the Legoland parks.

[Alpengeist]

This doesn't surprise me at all.

[FlyingPenguins]

It was surprising for me, considering how hyped the park was.

[Nethero]

Just looking at the park map it seemed like something that wouldn't last long. Things like the giant lake which takes up too much space, the Heavy Metal Graveyard, and excessive concert stages were mistakes. When you get right down to it you only need one outdoor stage, two at max. But 4 is just too many. It looks like they should focus more on the rides an less on the cumbersome scenery. Plus, Led Zeppelin and Maximum RPM are the only coasters I can see myself riding.

[Garfield 06]

As stated on the CoasterBuzz podcast, people just don't get it. People go for Universal style rides and uberly over-the-top experiences. The mentality is to enjoy the park for its awesome vibe and neat little quirks. I might not of been, but the more I look at it, the more I would consider spending time there. But, as Squid said countless times, they really need a good water ride...

Bah. What do I know. I'm a Decades fanboy!

G-06

[-LiLDaReDeViL5-]

They're done,son.

[Cedar Point]

This park was so freakin' hyped up..

but nobody showed up?

[SnooSnoo]

^In the Amusement Community.. but people outside of us just didn't hear about it.

[Squid2]

Supposedly they couldn't get the financing to properly advertise the park... possible in this economy. I personally would have enough money set aside for a full five years of operations, including advertising, before I ever started building. From what I heard, they had already done this, so I don't know what the heck happened to them.

It's interesting to note that SFoG has offered to give a free ticket to everyone who turns their HRP season pass over to them.

Squid2

[Rupeeman]

I hope they get money soon,and defiently change the park for the better,I thougth it was pretty plain and boring.:bored: