[carowinds4ever]

I was being sarcastic.

[Davidtmp]

I was being sarcastic.

Actually, it wouldn't be a bad idea now that I think about it.....not the $50 though. You can just ride LZ, or a couple of rides....Or everything. Personally after paying to park(which they would need to do, maybe not $10 though) and $35 ride everything pass, you end up paying $40-$50. But you do draw in people that don't ride and sell them food. You could make some money which is all they would want to do at this point. Then sell the park in 3 to 4 years as a profitable park and triple your money(or more). Be interesting to see if they can make that work down there.

And ok, sarcasm doesn't read well on boards. The steal was buying the park for $25million.

[carowinds4ever]

I see your point and agree with you. that would be fine at least hrp has better rides than the pavilion had for the wrist band deal.

(I should have wrote i was being sarcastic) in the first post that would it would have read better, o well.

[Davidtmp]

The bad part is the new owners want to try and keep the Hard Rock name....Interesting if they let them......I guess my shot glass I bought there won't be worth as much!

[coasterbruh]

im a tad bit happy that these people want to actually KEEP the park instead of using it for real estate. I think these are not the people who want to do the pay per.

[Davidtmp]

im a tad bit happy that these people want to actually KEEP the park instead of using it for real estate. I think these are not the people who want to do the pay per.

I think your right too Bruh, I haven't had time to read everything regarding the buyers. I know there was a buyer for $25mil, but the people that own the Nascar Speedpark and stuff(I think that's what they own) were looking to put in their own bid but was a little late. They I know were looking to charge the "per ride" rates.

Do you guys think the new people can make it work enough to keep the Hard Rock brand name and pay them the rights fees? Or do you think they would be better off stripping the name and fees and work on turning a profit? The money they would pay Hard Rock would cut into profits/ride improvements. Of course then there is the issue of the big Gibson Guitar in the middle of the park. Not sure if that is part of the Hard Rock fees or another fee to Gibson.

[Jonathan]

To be honest, if you remove all the Hard Rock stuff, it goes from being one of my favorite parks that I have been to to a pretty boring one that I would have little interest in going back to without a new ride going in.

[Davidtmp]

^^^ That is true too. It may actually be worth more to continue the relationship than have to spend more money to rip it all out.
From what was posted on Screamscape today, the new owners actually sound like they have more of a clue than the previous ownership did. Season Pass holders will not have to pay this year to renew, cut the new season passes in half, and cut gate cost's to $35-$40,,,,,most of what we have discussed here forever. Installing a few more kids rides, and taking care of the rides they have. They actually took a gamble that nobody would bid on the park and saved themselves $10mil to use to get the park ready. And they will work with Hotels in the area. We'll see how well it is executed now.

[Wormy]

Now hiring:

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/breaki ... 71413.html

[Wormy]

Now broadening the appeal:

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/474/story/590766.html

[MarkD]

I read the 3 comments that were at the bottom and they are saying the same thing I have said since they talked about building the park.

If you take your Family of 4 on vacation to Myrtle Beach where are you going to find the extra 200.00 to attend the park? In these times it's tough for most. I hope the locals anty up and get the new lower season pass. At that price I would by one if not so far away. After living there for 20 years I have NO desire to go back.

I really hope they can make a run at it and be profitable. Ripping out Nights in White Satin is a great move. Adding some family stuff is good. Maybe in 3-5 years they can actually make that park what it should be.

[KenB]

Read that article just a bit ago from my Observer which I had to dry due to a #@$@#$@ delivery person who doesn't understand that rain and newsprint don't go well together.

It sounds like the current owners get it. I hadn't seen the actual 2008 attendance figure announced previously, or had simply missed it, so I was pretty shocked that it was only 350,000. Remember, Carowinds tends to get 1.8 - 2.0 million. The original owners were simply arrogant to think that with little marketing and basically ignoring the local market they were going to get the numbers they wanted with the prices they had. I'd think with the more reasonable pricing and emphasis on marketing to the local area that the 700K-800K projections for this year are reasonable, even given the current economy.

A huge plus, of course, is that the new guys got everything on the cheap. Not having to factor in those interest payments will help immensely. I'm hoping they can keep the Hard Rock branding, and that they don't go too crazy with the family friendly aspect. Broaden the appeal, but don't turn it all into Soft Rock Park, so keep a few "grownup" restaurants w/ decent bars, etc.

[chargercrazy]

Look what these clowns are up to now. What a bunch of jerks.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/breaking/story/625960.html

[Davidtmp]

Look what these clowns are up to now. What a bunch of jerks.

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/breaking/story/625960.html

I say put them in jail. I would hope a judge wouldn't uphold that crap.

[swampfox43]

Theme park won't keep Hard Rock name:
New name coming within a week, owners say.
Led Zeppelin coaster to be renamed "Hindenburg"
http://thesunnews.typepad.com/tourism/2 ... -name.html