The price of a Carowinds season pass could increase between 3% and 4% following the park’s merger with Six Flags.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is streamlining operations and reducing costs following its merger with Cedar Fair last year.
In their quarterly business earnings, the company announced a significant workforce reduction and highlighted growth opportunities, such as those at Carowinds.
CEO Richard Zimmerman confirmed on the quarterly call Six Flags has initiated a corporate restructuring that will result in a reduction of more than 10% of its full-time workforce.
“Once this initiative is completed, we will have reduced our full-time headcount by more than 10%,” Zimmerman said.
The job cuts are part of a broader effort to achieve $120 million in merger-related cost synergies by the end of 2025, with an additional $60 million in savings targeted by the end of 2026. Zimmerman emphasized that the restructuring is designed to “flatten our organizational structure, streamline decision making, and drive cost efficiencies.”
WCNC Charlotte reached out to Six Flags and received a statement said “this decision was made after careful consideration and a thorough review of our evolving business needs.”
Earlier this year, Six Flags Entertainment Corporation announced plans to hire more than 50,000 seasonal associates across its parks in 2025. Despite this, Carowinds confirmed to WCNC Charlotte in January they were undergoing a restructuring but limited details were provided.
“Out of the select group of eliminated full-time positions, the majority were offered continued employment into part-time or seasonal positions,” Six Flags’ statement to WCNC Charlotte says. “We are committed to supporting our associates through this transition. All eligible associates will be presented with either an opportunity to continue in a part-time role or will be provided with a separation package and other benefits. We expect to complete the majority of the restructuring before the end of June.”
RELATED: Here’s how many people Carowinds plans to hire for the 2025 season
Revenue and attendance down at legacy Cedar Fair parks
The company reported a $11 million decline in net revenues from legacy Cedar Fair operations in Q1 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. This drop was largely attributed to the rescheduling of the Boysenberry Festival at Knott’s Berry Farm from mid-March to late March, shifting the event into the second quarter to align with Easter.
As a result, attendance at legacy Cedar Fair parks fell by 100,000 visits, and in-park per capita spending declined, including a 2% drop in admissions per capita and a 5% drop in spending on food, merchandise, and games.
Carowinds identified as a growth market
Despite the softer Q1 performance, Six Flags executives pointed to Carowinds as a standout opportunity. CFO Brian Witherow described it as a “fast-growing market” and said the company is exploring ways to extend the park’s operating calendar into the fall to capitalize on regional momentum.
RELATED: Carowinds is opening an adults-only section of its Carolina Harbor Waterpark
This strategy is part of a broader plan to expand operating days in high-potential markets and drive attendance during shoulder seasons. “
We’re continuing to look to find ways to add days in the fall where we can tap into strong momentum,” Witherow said.
Season pass pricing and strategy
Six Flags also outlined its pricing strategy for season passes.
At legacy Cedar Fair parks, the average price of a season pass is expected to rise 3–4% over the remainder of the sales year, while prices at legacy Six Flags parks are projected to remain flat.
At the time of publication, the cost of a Carowinds season pass started at $99, a price the park’s website called a Memorial Day sale. Ahead of the season, the 2025 pass was selling for $95.
Looking ahead
Despite the challenges in Q1, Six Flags reaffirmed its full-year guidance, projecting adjusted EBITDA between $1.08 billion and $1.12 billion. Zimmerman expressed confidence in the company’s ability to deliver on its 2025 plan, citing strong season pass sales, robust demand indicators, and the flexibility to adjust capital spending if needed.
“We remain focused on executing our strategic roadmap, driving top-line growth, capturing synergies and resetting our cost structure,” Zimmerman said.
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