Six Flags Fiesta Texas
Previously known as Fiesta Texas | |
File:Six Flags Fiesta Texas logo.jpg | |
Location | San Antonio, Texas, United States |
---|---|
Coordinates | 29°35′58″N 98°36′34″W / 29.5995°N 98.6094°W |
Opened | March 14, 1992 |
Owner | Six Flags |
Operating season | March to January |
Area | 224 acres (0.91 km2) |
Attractions | |
Total | 50 |
Roller coasters | 8 |
Water rides | 9 |
Website | Six Flags Fiesta Texas |
Six Flags Fiesta Texas is a theme park located on approximately 200 acres (0.81 km2) of land in San Antonio, Texas. It is owned by Six Flags.
Six Flags Fiesta Texas is the major entertainment component of USAA's La Cantera, a 1,600 acre (6.5 km²) master-planned development in northwest San Antonio. "La Cantera" means "rock quarry" in Spanish[1] and refers to the former use of the property on which the development sits.
History
Fiesta Texas (1990–1995)
Development and construction (1990–1991)
The original development team consisted of property owner USAA Real Estate Company, a subsidiary of the USAA insurance company, and Gaylord Entertainment Company, which owned the now closed Opryland USA theme park in Nashville, Tennessee. The original concept for Fiesta Texas was defined as "a destination market, musical show park" similar to that of Opryland. The primary focus on southwestern music and culture rather than rides would be the unique element that would set the park apart from its competition.[1]
When the initial ownership group began investigating a possible major theme park development in San Antonio, Texas, they faced significant competition in the Texas market. There were similar established Six Flags parks in Arlington and Houston as well as the nearby SeaWorld of Texas, which opened in 1988. Based on the competition, the development team believed the opportunity in San Antonio (an established regional leisure destination) was there and that the stable, slow growth direction of the theme park industry in the U.S. was in their favor.
Actual construction of the theme park took approximately 23 months, running from early 1990 to the park's opening in March 1992.[1] Construction of the theme park was overseen by a joint venture of two general contractors, Lyda Inc. of San Antonio and Manhattan Construction Company of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The park had four theme sections; Crackaxle Canyon, Los Festivales, Spassburg, and Rockville, with the water park Ol' Waterin' Hole.
Fiesta Texas Era (1992–1995)
After the park opened in 1992, Fiesta Texas has added a new section Fiesta Bay Boardwalk with rides and attractions in 1994 and also a new event "A Lone Star Christmas" during the winter months. In 1995 the park opened a Screamin’ Skycoaster in the Fiesta Bay Boardwalk.
Gaylord Entertainment managed and was a minority owner of Fiesta Texas, with USAA Real Estate Company as the majority owner. Although attendance at the park met initial projections, Fiesta Texas was a money loser. After losing $16 million on the theme park in 1995, Gaylord sold its 14-percent stake back to USAA.
Six Flags (1996 – present)
In 1996, Time Warner took over management and operations of Fiesta Texas and added the Six Flags name to the park, while USAA remained as the sole owner. Premier Parks, which acquired the Six Flags theme park chain from Time Warner, purchased Fiesta Texas from USAA in 1998.[2]
Time Warner Era (1996–1998)
Time Warner, who saw the opportunity to advertise and promote their movies through the Six Flags parks, added The Joker's Revenge a Vekoma Hurricane that ran backwards, for the 1996 season. Then for the 1997 season, Fiesta Texas added their fourth roller coaster Road Runner Express that is a family mine theme coaster and also it was the last season to operate the event "A Lone Star Christmas". Time Warner operated the park until the middle of the 1998 season and introduced the Hopkins Super Flume Bugs' White Water Rapids, that is theme to the Looney Tunes character Bugs Bunny.
Premier Era (1998–2001)
Premier Parks purchased Six Flags from Time Warner and Boston Ventures on April 1, 1998, giving Premier Parks the management contract to the park.[3] The new management company brought two new rides during the 1998 season Der Twister (now known as The Twister) and Frisbee. In October of that year, Premier Parks purchased Fiesta Texas from the La Cantera Development Company/USAA giving them complete ownership of the park.[4] In 1999, Fiesta Texas saw the biggest expansion ever with around 13 new rides/water rides and two new coasters, Boomerang: Coast to Coaster and Poltergeist that debuted and was the first year that the park won the Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Award for the best shows in America, and also Ol' Waterin' Hole was renamed to Armadillo Beach. For the 2000 season, the park was supposed to open two new coasters Superman: Krypton Coaster a Bolliger & Mabillard Floorless roller coaster and Boardwalk Canyon Blaster a Zierer roller coaster, but only Superman: Krypton Coaster was constructed and opened. Boardwalk Canyon Blaster never operated at the park but was ship to another Six Flags park Warner Bros. Park Madrid in 2001. The park won another Golden Ticket Award for Best Shows for a second year in a row.
Burke Era (2001-2005)
During 2001 – 2005, the park has been adding new shows each season and also won the award for the Best Shows for the Golden Ticket Awards all throughout those seasons. Fiesta Texas added new rides like Tempest and Turpo Bungee in 2001, Scooby-Doo! Ghostblasters: The Mystery of the Haunted Mansion in 2002, a new night time show Lone Star Spectacular, and Tornado for the waterpark. The park has also removed smaller rides throughout the seasons and the coaster Joker's Revenge that was SBNO during the 2002 season and then later removed to be relocated at Six Flags New Orleans for their 2003 season and opened as The Jester.
Shapiro Era (2006–2010)
In December 2005, stockholders approved a plan offered by Daniel Snyder to take over management of the Six Flags chain, who appointed former ESPN employee Mark Shapiro as CEO of Six Flags. For the 2006 season, Fiesta Texas got the biggest expansion for the water park with three new water rides/slides, a kids area, new entrance and shop, and with the new water park name White Water Bay. Also some rides were removed before the season.
In 2007 and 2008, Six Flags Fiesta Texas introduced two new coasters Tony Hawk's Big Spin (2007) a Gerstlauer spinning roller coaster and Goliath (2008) a Bolliger & Mabillard Inverted roller coaster. Tony Hawk's Big Spin is located where Joker's Revenge was at and Goliath was relocated from Six Flags New Orleans where it was known as Batman: The Ride, and it's located in the front entrance of the park. Also for the 2007 season, the park reopened it's holiday event for the winter months but with a new name Holiday in the Park.
For the 2009 season, Fiesta Texas debuted the new kid's area Wiggles World. The first children's theme area at Fiesta Texas and it is themed after the kid sensation the Wiggles. Wiggles World replaced the former Spassburg kid's area. Every year before 2009, the park won the Best Shows in America award from the Aumusement Today Golen Tickets except for 2009 and 2010.
Weber/Anderson Era (2010 – present)
Six Flags officially emerged from bankruptcy protection on May 3, 2010, and announced plans to issue new stock on the New York Stock Exchange.[5] Amid suspected disagreements regading the future of the company with the board, Shapiro left the company and Al Weber, Jr. was brought in as interim President and CEO.[6] Six Flags announced that Jim Reid-Anderson would replace Weber and become Chairman, President and CEO on August 13, 2010.[7]
In late 2010, Six Flags began the process of removing licensed theming from attractions. They terminated several licenses including their licenses with Tony Hawk and The Wiggles. Tony Hawk's Big Spin was renamed and rethemed to Pandemonium and Wiggles World will be rethemed to KIDZOPOLIS, all in time for the 2011 season.[8][9]
In 2011, Six Flags Fiesta Texas premiered "Lone Star Nights," a new fireworks and laser light show.[10] The revamped show opened in the summer of the 2011 season and featured brighter lasers and new projections to tell the story of the history of Texas. The park's Zaragoza Theatre was renovated and debuted a new show, Ovation — a compilation of hits from popular Broadway shows.[11][12]
For 2012, Fiesta Texas will introduce SkyScreamer a 200 feet (61 m) Funtime StarFlyer, that will soar riders in a 98-foot (30 m) circle at speeds over 43 miles per hour (69 km/h), which will open in the spring of 2012.[13] Also for 2012 is Country Chart Toppers a new show that will be located in the Sundance Theatre and the park will be celebrating the 20th anniversary in 2012.[14] A January 2012 interview with Rocky Mountain Construction Group conducted by the Spokane Journal of Business revealed plans for Rattler to be completely refurbished in 2013 with new track and trains in a manner similar to Texas Giant at Six Flags Over Texas.[15]
Rides and attractions
The six themed areas of the park are Los Festivales, Crackaxle Canyon, Spassburg, Rockville, Fiesta Bay Boardwalk, and KIDZOPOLIS
Current Roller Coasters
Name | Opened | Status | Type | Location |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rattler | 1992 | Operating | John Pierce and RCCA Wooden Coaster | Crackaxle Canyon |
Kiddee Koaster | 1992 | Operating | Vekoma Junior Coaster | KIDZOPOLIS |
Road Runner Express | 1997 | Operating | Arrow Dynamics Mine Train Coaster | Crackaxle Canyon |
Boomerang: Coast to Coaster | 1999 | Operating | Vekoma Boomerang roller coaster | Los Festivales |
Poltergeist | 1999 | Operating | Premier Rides LIM Catapult Coaster | Rockville |
Superman: Krypton Coaster | 2000 | Operating | B&M Floorless Coaster | Spassburg |
Pandemonium | 2007 | Operating | Gerstlauer Spinning Coaster | Fiesta Bay Boardwalk |
Goliath | 2008 | Operating | B&M Inverted Coaster | Los Festivales |
Current Rides and Attractions
Name | Opened | Type | Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fiesta Texas Railroad | 1992 | Train (2 Stations) | Crackaxle Canyon & Spassburg | Whistle Stop (Station) & Der Pilger Bahnhof (Station). |
The Gully Washer | 1992 | Intamin Rapids Water Ride | Crackaxle Canyon | In 2010, the park added more water effects. |
Whirligig | 1992 | Zierer Wave Swinger | Spassburg | Named Die Fledermaus from 1992 to 2008. |
Fender Benders | 1992 | Morgan Bumper Cars | Spassburg | Named Steingasse from 1992 to 2008. Since 2010 the ride has been converted to an Ice Skating Rink, known as Frostee's Skating Rink for Holiday In the Park event. |
Amerigoround | 1992 | Morgan Carousel | Rockville | Located in Spassburg as Dornroschen from 1992 to 2008; moved to former Chaos location in 2009. |
Motorama | 1992 | Morgan Sports Car Ride | Rockville | Named Motorama Turnpike from 1992 to 2004. |
The Hustler | 1992 | Morgan Spinning Ride | Rockville | |
Power Surge | 1992 | Intamin Shoot-the-Chute Water Ride | Rockville | |
Krazy Kars | 1992 | Zamperla Convoy Ride | KIDZOPOLIS | Named Kinderbahn from 1992 to 2008; original "truck-style" cars re-themed for Wiggles World in 2009–2010 as The Big Red Cars; and now rethemed in late 2010. |
Crow's Nest Ferris Wheel | 1994 | Chance Ferris Wheel | Fiesta Bay Boardwalk | |
Waverunner | 1994 | Eli Bridge Scrambler | Fiesta Bay Boardwalk | |
Little Castaways | 1994 | Ride Works Tea Cups | Fiesta Bay Boardwalk | |
Bugs' White Water Rapids | 1998 | Hopkins Super Flume Water Ride | Spassburg | |
The Twister | 1998 | Huss Top Spin | Spassburg | Named Der Twister from 1998 to 2008. |
Frisbee | 1998 | Huss Frisbee | Fiesta Bay Boardwalk | Originally located on current Boomerang site in Los Festivales; relocated to former paddleboat lake. |
Yosemite Sam's Wacky Wagons | 1999 | Zamperla Mini Kiddie Ferris Wheel | Crackaxle Canyon | |
Foghorn Leghorn's Barnyard Railway | 1999 | Zamperla Rio Grande Kiddie Train Ride | Crackaxle Canyon | |
Kinderstein | 1999 | Zamperla Mini Tea Cups Kiddie Ride | Spassburg | Named Mini Tea Cups from 1999 to 2002. |
Scream | 1999 | S&S 3-tower Combo Complex | Rockville | |
Daffy's School Bus Express | 1999 | Zamperla Crazy Bus | Rockville | |
Taz's Tornado | 1999 | Zamperla Lolly Swing | Rockville | |
Go-Karts | 1999 | (Extra Charge) | Fiesta Bay Boardwalk | Located where The Joker's Revenge and the park's former "kiddie beach" used to sit. |
Buckarooz | 1999 | Kiddie Drop Ride | KIDZOPOLIS | Located in Crackaxle Canyon from 1999 to 2008 as Rodeo Rider (1999 to 2001) and Lil' Bronco Buster (2002 to 2008); moved to Wiggles World for 2009–2010 as Wiggly Trail Ride; and now rethemed in late 2010. |
Scooby-Doo! Ghostblasters: The Mystery of the Haunted Mansion | 2002 | Sally Corp. Interactive Family Dark Ride | Fiesta Bay Boardwalk | |
ZoomJets | 2009 | Zamperla Aero Top Jet | KIDZOPOLIS | It was known as Big Red Planes from 2009 to 2010 in Wiggles World; and now rethemed in late 2010. |
Up, Up & Away | 2009 | Zamperla Samba Tower | KIDZOPOLIS | It was known as Yummy Yummy Fruit Salad from 2009 to 2010 in Wiggles World; and now rethemed in late 2010. |
Splish Splash Zone | 2009 | Interactive Kiddie Playship | KIDZOPOLIS | It was known as S.S. Feathersword's Playship from 2009 to 2010 in Wiggles World; and now rethemed in late 2010. |
3-Point Challenge | 2009 | Half Court | Spassburg | Extra-charge attraction; moved in 2012 next to The Twister to make room for SkyScreamer at its former location. |
SkyScreamer | 2012 | Funtime StarFlyer | Spassburg | New for 2012 a 200 feet (61 m) Funtime StarFlyer.[16] Located where the 3-Point Challenge attraction used to be in Spassburg. |
White Water Bay
Fiesta Texas includes a separate water park adjacent to the main park. There is no additional charge to visit it. It was originally named Ol' Waterin' Hole from 1992 to 1998 and Armadillo Beach from 1999 to 2005.
Name | Opened | Type | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Texas Tumble | 1992 | family raft ride | |
White Water Canyon | 1992 | lazy river | |
The Six Chuter | 1992 | open tube slide | |
The Mine Shaft | 1992 | enclosed tube slide | |
Blow Out | 1992 | body speed slide | Repainted yellow in 2010. It used to be white. |
Twister | 1992 | enclosed body slide | Repainted orange in 2010. It used to be dark blue. |
Texas Treehouse | 1999 | family activity area | |
Lone Star Lagoon | 1999 | Texas shaped wave pool | |
Tornado | 2004 | Proslide Technology Inc. Tornado "60" | |
Whirlpool | 2006 | Proslide Technology Inc. “Cannonbowl” | |
Big Bender | 2006 | Proslide Technology Inc. “Pipeline” | |
Hill Country Racer | 2006 | Proslide Technology Inc. 6-lane “ProRacer” | Relocated from Six Flags Astroworld. |
Splash Water Springs | 2006 | new different kids area |
Former Roller Coasters
Name | Opened | Closed | Removed In | Type | Former Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The Joker's Revenge | 1996 | 2001 | 2002 | Vekoma Hurricane Coaster, with backward-facing trains | Fiesta Bay Boardwalk | Relocated to Six Flags New Orleans in 2002 and opened as The Jester in 2003. Used to be where Pandemonium is now. |
Boardwalk Canyon Blaster | 2000 | 2000 | 2001 | Zierer, Tivoli – Large coaster. | Fiesta Bay Boardwalk | The roller coaster was on the 2000 park map, but never built. It was located behind Poltergeist for the 2000 season and never set up. It was supposed to be built behind Frisbee. In 2001 it was relocated to Parque Warner Madrid as Tom y Jerry, where it has been operating since March 2002. |
Former Rides and Attractions
Name | Opened | Removed In | Type | Former Location | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rennsporplatz | 1992 | 1997 | Mason Corporation kiddie roller racers/scooters | Spassburg | |
Cap’n Willie’s Shrimpboat | 1994 | 1998 | kiddie soft play ship | Fiesta Bay Boardwalk | |
Bayside Paddle Boats | 1994 | 1998 | Paddle Boat Ride | Fiesta Bay Boardwalk | (extra charge) Used to be where Frisbee is now. |
Seaside Golf | 1994 | 1998 | Mini Golf | Rockville | Used to be where Poltergeist is now. |
Daffy’s Duckaneer | 1999 | 2000 | Sartori kiddie swinging ship | Crackaxle Canyon | Moved to Six Flags St. Louis in 2006. |
Screamin’ Skycoaster | 1995 | 2001 | Skycoaster | Fiesta Bay Boardwalk | Extra charge; moved to the Texas State Fair; used to be where Tempest used to be. |
Chaos | 1999 | 2005 | Chance Chaos | Rockville | Relocated to Kemah Boardwalk; Used to be where Amerigoround is now. |
Turbo Bungy | 2001 | 2005 | Eurobungy bungee/trampoline | Crackaxle Canyon | (Extra charge) Used to be where Whirlpool and Big Bender is now. |
The Wipeout | 1994 | 2006 | Chance Wipeout | Fiesta Bay Boardwalk | The ride was closed in 2003, and finally removed in 2006. Used to be in the area in front of Johnny Rockets. |
Tempest | 2002 | 2006 | Gravity Works Skyscraper | Fiesta Bay Boardwalk | (extra charge) Used to be behind Frisbee and Go Karts. Removed to make room for Pandemonium. |
Der Fliegenzirkus | 1992 | 2008 | kiddie biplane ride | Spassburg | Removed for Wiggles World. |
Kinderwagen | 1992 | 2008 | kiddie bumper cars | Spassburg | Removed for Wiggles World; used to be where the Buckarooz is now. |
Frosty's Snow Chutes | 2008 | 2010 | Snow Hill | Fiesta Bay Boardwalk | Opened only during Holiday In The Park. Located behind Frisbee. |
Wagon Wheel | 1996 | 2011 | Schwarzkopf Enterprise | Crackaxle Canyon | Relocated from Six Flags Over Texas. |
S.S. Overboard | 1994 | 2012 | Zamperla Galleon | Fiesta Bay Boardwalk | Closed after the end of the 2011 season that was on January 1, 2012. |
Former waterpark attractions
Name | Open | Removed In | Type |
---|---|---|---|
Tadpole Pond | 1996 | 1998 | kiddie pool |
Sandy Bottoms | 1996 | 1998 | beach volleyball area |
The Gusher | 1992 | 1999 | two open raft slides – wet/dry slides |
Pipeline | 1992 | 1999 | two enclosed raft slides – wet/dry slides |
The Triple Dipper | 1992 | 2002 | two body slides with three humps |
Splash Water Springs | 1992 | 2005 | kiddie play area |
Ol’ Swimmin’ Hole | 1996 | 2005 | family activity area |
Crackaxle Springs | 1996 | 2005 | “adult” activity area |
Award-winning shows
In addition to Fiesta Texas’ roller coasters and water park, several shows are presented throughout the day. Six Flags Fiesta Texas' show bill has been awarded Amusement Today's Golden Ticket Award for “best theme park shows in the country” for the tenth consecutive year (1999–2008). In 2005, Xcelleration, a show featuring professionals from the sports of BMX Biking, skateboarding, bungee artists and acrobatics was opened at the Zaragoza Theater. Xcelleration was also awarded an industry accolade, the Big “E” for “Best Sports Show of 2005.”[17] Fiesta Texas' Fright Fest show "Mayor Slayer's Monster Mash Bash" was awarded best show with a production value of $25,000–$50,000 at the IAAPA Big "E" Awards.
Stages & Theaters
Venue | Opened | Location | Current Shows | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|
Lone Star Lil's Amphitheater | 1992 | Crackaxle Canyon | Lone Star Nights | This venue is mostly used for the "Lone Star Nights"[10][11] and the "Starburst Summer Concert Series" and other concerts or events. |
Rockville High | 1992 | Rockville | Rockin’ at Rockville High | Rockin' at Rockville High will be celebrating it's 20th anniversary in 2012.[14] |
Sangerfest Halle | 1992 | Spassburg | Looney Tunes We Got the Beat | Also a Food court inside the Halle. |
Sundance Theatre | 1992 | Crackaxle Canyon | Country Chart Toppers & Grassroots Country | New for 2012, Country Chart Toppers[14] |
Teatro Fiesta | 1992 | Los Festivales | Ritmos del Corazon | |
Wiggles Theatre | 2009 | KIDZOPOLIS | SBNO since late 2010. | |
Zaragoza Theater | 1992 | Los Festivales | Ovation | Theater only open during the Summer months, "Fright Fest", and "Holiday in the Park". |
Former Stages & Theaters
Venue | Opened | Closed | Location | Description |
---|---|---|---|---|
The Loop Theatre | 1992 | 1999 | Rockville | Partially removed for Scream; Seating and stage demolished, backstage extensively remodeled. |
Spassburg Children's Theatre | 1992 | 2008 | Spassburg | Removed for KIDZOPOLIS; Used to be where the Up, Up & Away is now. |
Annual events
During peak periods, the Lone Star Nights fireworks and laser show takes place on the quarry walls. During May – September on selected days the park host Starburst Concert Series, that is held in the Lone Star Lil's Amphitheatre. In October, the park hosts "Fright Fest" for Halloween. In December, "Holiday in the Park" celebrates Christmas; it is actually the third Christmas event in the park's history, after the "Lone Star Christmas" events that ran from 1994 to 1997. On New Year's Eve the park host "10 Seconds To Midnight" popping four different fireworks displays in the park, before 10 Seconds To Midnight.
References
- ^ a b c Theme park development case study
- ^ Fiesta Texas history
- ^ Seifert, Jeffrey; Slade, Gary (2011). "Timeline: Six Flags Corporation". Amusement Today. Vol. 15, no. 5. p. 23B.
- ^ O'Brien, Tim (1998). "Premier Parks/Six Flags Exercises Option to Buy Fiesta Texas". Amusement Business.
- ^ Hals, Tom (May 3, 2010). "Six Flags emerges from bankruptcy". Reuters. Retrieved September 12, 2010.
- ^ Seetharaman, Deepa (May 12, 2010). "Six Flags abruptly names interim CEO; Shapiro out". Reuters. Retrieved September 12, 2010.
- ^ "James Reid-Anderson Named Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation". PR Newswire. August 13, 2010. Retrieved September 12, 2010.
- ^ MacDonald, Brady (November 25, 2010). "Six Flags amusement parks prepare for thematic makeovers". LA Times. Retrieved November 27, 2010.
- ^ http://www.sixflags.com/fiestaTexas/food/ThemedAreasFoodFun.aspx
- ^ a b Lone Star Spectacular new name and logo to Lone Star Nights
- ^ a b Fiesta Texas confirms 2011 addition
- ^ Fiesta Texas New Show Ovation
- ^ Six Flags Fiesta Texas (September 1, 2011). "Six Flags Fiesta Texas Announces Major Tower Attraction for 2012". Press Release. Six Flags. Retrieved September 1, 2011.
- ^ a b c Six Flags Fiesta Texas (January 26, 2012). "Six Flags Fiesta Texas Guests Will Experience Thrills at New Heights with SkyScreamer in 2012". Press Release. Six Flags. Retrieved January 29, 2012.
- ^ McLean, Mike (January 19, 2012). "North Idaho roller coaster maker expands to accommodate innovations". Spokane Journal of Business. Retrieved January 23, 2012.
- ^ Six Flags Fiesta Texas. "SkyScreamer". Six Flags. Archived from the original on August 22, 2011. Retrieved August 31, 2011.
- ^ Six Flags 2004 Annual Report (PDF) does not include revised stats since Hurricane Katrina closed Six Flags New Orleans; or the closing of Six Flags Astroworld in 2005.