Open main menu
Home
Random
Recent changes
Special pages
Community portal
Preferences
About Wikipedia
Disclaimers
Incubator escapee wiki
Search
User menu
Talk
Dark mode
Contributions
Create account
Log in
Editing
Six Flags AstroWorld
(section)
Warning:
You are not logged in. Your IP address will be publicly visible if you make any edits. If you
log in
or
create an account
, your edits will be attributed to your username, along with other benefits.
Anti-spam check. Do
not
fill this in!
==History== ===Planning and construction=== Judge [[Roy Hofheinz]], who was one of the original owners of the [[Houston Astros]] baseball team and spearheaded the lobbying effort that resulted in [[Harris County, Texas|Harris County]] financing the construction of the [[Astrodome]], founded the "Astrodomain" holding company after the Astrodome's opening in 1965. It owned {{Convert|116|acres}} in south Houston surrounding the Astrodome. Hofheinz continued to develop the Astrodomain, creating AstroWorld (1968), the Astrohall convention center (which hosted twice-daily stagings of the [[Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus]] in 1969;<ref name=Diehl-69>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12031557/astro-world/ |title=Astroworld Is Ideal For Family Vacation Fun |author=Diehl, Henry |newspaper=[[Longview News-Journal|Longview News]] |date=July 6, 1969 |access-date=19 July 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719152419/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12031557/astro-world/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12031500/circus-houston-69/ |title=World's Largest Circus To Summer Near Astrodome |date=May 21, 1969 |newspaper=[[Galveston Daily News]] |access-date=19 July 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719152420/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12031500/circus-houston-69/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Hofheinz had acquired the circus in December 1967),<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12030985/circus-bought-houston/ |title=Greatest Show on Earth Bought |date=December 21, 1967 |newspaper=Brookshire Times |access-date=19 July 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719152419/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12030985/circus-bought-houston/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and four hotels with a capacity of 5,600 guests to serve visitors: the Astroworld Motor Hotel (with a private suite for Hofheinz on the ninth floor),<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.papercitymag.com/real-estate/roy-hofheinz-private-penthouse-celestial-suite-astrodome-hotel-peek-inside/ |title=Inside Roy Hofheinz's Lavish Private Penthouse Suite |author=Anspon, Catherine D. |website=PaperCity |date=November 19, 2017 |access-date=20 July 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720151245/https://www.papercitymag.com/real-estate/roy-hofheinz-private-penthouse-celestial-suite-astrodome-hotel-peek-inside/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Holiday Inn-Astroworld, Howard Johnson Motor Lodge-Astroworld, and Sheraton Inn-Astroworld.<ref name=hofheinz>{{cite web|last=Seeber|first=Jill S.|date=June 15, 2010|title=Hofheinz, Roy Mark (1912–1982)|url=http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fho87|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426172608/http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fho87|archive-date=April 26, 2012|access-date=August 31, 2020|publisher=[[Texas State Historical Association]]}}</ref><ref name=Tucson-68>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/18911253/ |title=Texans Claim Astroworld Largest Fun Park |date=June 29, 1968 |newspaper=[[Tucson Daily Citizen]] |access-date=19 July 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719152421/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/18911253/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1967, Hofheinz initially denied that preliminary work for an amusement park had been underway,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1567 |title=Evans Wrote It Last January |date=September 17, 1967 |newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]] |access-date=14 July 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714155109/https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1567 |url-status=live }}</ref> but later announced on September 16 that approximately half of the remaining land, {{cvt|57|acre|adj=on}}, was being developed for a park to be named "Astroworld".<ref name=Chron-1967>{{cite news |url=https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1609 |title=Hofheinz, Astrodome Operator, Maps $25-Mil Amusement Park Next Door |date=September 27, 1967 <!--|newspaper=Houston Chronicle?--> |publisher=Astrodome Memories |access-date=14 July 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714155110/https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1609 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=CCCT-1967>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43733046/astroworld-announced/ |title=Astroworld Will Be Amusement |date=October 22, 1967 |newspaper=[[The Corpus Christi Caller-Times]] |access-date=14 July 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714155111/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43733046/astroworld-announced/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Hofheinz showed an architectural model of the park and announced that [[Randall Duell]] and Associates had designed it; Duell, a Hollywood set designer and architect, had previously designed [[Six Flags Over Texas]].<ref name=Chron-1967/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4071409/astroworld-sept-1967/ |title=Multimillion Dollar Amusement Center Is Under Construction Near Astrodome |date=September 17, 1967 |agency=AP |newspaper=[[Corpus Christi Caller-Times]] |access-date=15 July 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715174027/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4071409/astroworld-sept-1967/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|date=December 4, 1992|title=Randall Duell Is Dead; Park Designer Was 89|work=[[The New York Times]]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/04/obituaries/randall-duell-is-dead-park-designer-was-89.html|url-status=live|access-date=August 27, 2020|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402043455/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/04/obituaries/randall-duell-is-dead-park-designer-was-89.html}}</ref> An initial $25 million investment paid for extensive landscaping and a long pedestrian viaduct spanning the [[Interstate 610 (Texas)|I-610]] freeway,<ref name="HTO">{{cite journal | first=Delicia | last=Daniels | title=Astroworld | journal=[[Handbook of Texas]] | access-date=August 26, 2020 | url=https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/astroworld | publisher=[[Texas State Historical Association]] | archive-date=August 28, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828145618/https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/astroworld | url-status=live }}</ref> the first privately owned, publicly accessible span over a federal highway.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/The-story-of-the-AstroWorld-bridge-over-the-South-12965418.php |title=The story of how the president of the United States made the AstroWorld bridge possible |author=Hlavaty, Craig |date=June 4, 2018 |newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]] |access-date=14 July 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714151239/https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/The-story-of-the-AstroWorld-bridge-over-the-South-12965418.php |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Arthur E. Jones|Lloyd, Morgan & Jones]] designed the bridge.<ref name=Family-Baytown>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43733137/astroworld-announced-info/ |title=Astroworld--Truly A Family Affair |date=September 24, 1967 |newspaper=[[The Baytown Sun]] |access-date=19 July 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719152422/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43733137/astroworld-announced-info/ |url-status=live }}</ref><!--Integration notes: During his terms as county judge and mayor, Hofheinz claimed credit for quietly integrating Harris County buses, golf courses, and City Hall restrooms.<ref name=SI-1969>{{cite news |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1969/04/21/the-greatest-showman-on-earth-and-hes-the-first-to-admit-it |title=The Greatest Showman on Earth, and he's the first to admit it |author=Maule, Tex |author-link=Tex Maule |date=April 21, 1969 |work=Sports Illustrated |access-date=13 September 2021}}</ref> It is not clear if he intended for AstroWorld to be segregated whether by intent or unfriendly policies, such as location inaccessible to public transportation, but Hofheinz's prior record seems to indicate that he would have supported integration. I think it would be synthesis to attribute intent to the location of AstroWorld without an explicit reference.--> Additional design work for the park was performed by I. A. Naman & Associates (air conditioning); Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam (electrical); [[Walter P Moore]] (structural); Turner, Collie & Braden (civil engineering); and Linesch & Reynolds (landscape architects).<ref name=Family-Baytown/> {{cvt|500000|yd3}} of fill was required for the site, because of its low elevation and drainage issues.<ref name=CCCT-1967/> Dozier Specialty, who had previously worked on [[Colt Stadium]], was the general contractor.<ref name=Family-Baytown/> The name AstroWorld was selected following Houston's designation as the home of the [[Johnson Space Center]] in 1965, paying homage to the nation's crewed space programs.<ref name="HTO"/> Executives commissioned Ed Henderson, a [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] animator, to build a scale replica of the park and design maps for park guests.<ref name=Turner-2011/><ref name="50th Anniversary-HoustonPress" /><ref name="EdHenderson-HC">{{cite news |last1=McGuinness |first1=Dylan |title=Ed Henderson, Disney animator behind Astrodome scoreboard cartoons, dies at 95 |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Ed-Henderson-Disney-animator-behind-Astrodome-15022812.php |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2020 |work=[[Houston Chronicle]] |date=February 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310235003/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Ed-Henderson-Disney-animator-behind-Astrodome-15022812.php |archive-date=March 10, 2020}}</ref> Henderson's model of AstroWorld, measuring {{convert|8|×|10|ft|m}}, was built as a publicity preview of the park in 1967. Architecture students at [[Rice University]] and the [[University of Houston]] sculpted many of the buildings.<ref name=Turner-2011/> It was displayed in the window of [[Foley's]], a downtown department store,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1572 |title=Re: Astroworld Model |author=Chandler, Wayne |date=May 8, 1968 |publisher=Astrodome Memories |access-date=14 July 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714155748/https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1572 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://swamplot.com/now-on-craigslist-original-astroworld-model/2011-06-29/ |title=Now on Craigslist: Original AstroWorld Model |date=June 29, 2011 |website=Swamplot |access-date=13 July 2021 |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713173337/http://swamplot.com/now-on-craigslist-original-astroworld-model/2011-06-29/ |url-status=live }}</ref> then moved to Hofheinz's Astrodome suite<!--Hofheinz had residences in both the Astrodome and the Astrodome Hotel. The Astrodome suite was behind the scoreboard and were removed in the 1980s: https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1988-03-18-mn-1682-story.html The former Astrodome Motor Hotel is at 8686 Kirby, with a 9th floor penthouse designed by Harper Goff as Hofheinz's private residence; the rooms are still intact. https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/The-hotel-suites-at-the-top-of-the-Crowne-Plaze-12227040.php--> once the park opened;<ref name=Swamplot-2010/> as an Easter egg, a model of Hofheinz's black Cadillac is parked in a private lot in the northwest corner of the park's model.<ref name=Turner-2011/> After the park closed in 2005, the model was discovered, sawed into six pieces in a warehouse, then returned to Henderson. He stored it in his garage before it was displayed in fall 2010 at the Optical Project gallery, operated by artists Bill Davenport and Francesca Fuchs.<ref name=Swamplot-2010>{{cite web |url=http://swamplot.com/for-sale-early-model-astroworld/2010-10-29/ |title=For sale: early model AstroWorld |date=October 29, 2010 |website=Swamplot |access-date=13 July 2021 |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713173338/http://swamplot.com/for-sale-early-model-astroworld/2010-10-29/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2011, it was sold to I. A. Naman and Associates, the same firm that had designed the park's outdoor air conditioning; they donated the model to the [[Houston Public Library]].<ref name=Turner-2011/> ===Hofheinz family=== {{multiple image |direction=vertical |title=AstroWorld early ephemera |align=right |image1=aw bumpstick.jpg |caption1=Original logo, from bumper sticker |image2=1969 Astroworld Tickets Houston Texas.JPG |alt=Refer to caption |caption2=[[Very important person|V.I.P.]] admission tickets, 1969}} The Hofheinz family, Roy and his three children (Roy Jr., Fred, and Dene), shared ownership of the park.<ref name=Family-Baytown/> Hofheinz hosted a press preview in May 1968; Leonard Traube wrote the park "has a beautifully realized continuity and layout calculated to move traffic in such a way as to make practical the policy of a single gate admission for virtually everything on the grounds",<ref>{{cite news |url=https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1409 |title=Astroworld Shapes as Hofheinz's Third Whammo Entry in Houston |author=Traube, Leonard |date=May 28, 1968 <!--|newspaper=New York Times?--> |publisher=Astrodome Memories |access-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714155108/https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1409 |url-status=live }}</ref> referring to the [[Duell loop]] that routes visitors through each part of the park.<ref name=Imagineering/>{{rp|83}} AstroWorld opened on June 1, 1968, just south of the Astrodome, creating a multi-facility entertainment complex; 50,000 guests visited the park during the first weekend. Hofheinz enlisted two of his grandchildren to launch the amusement park with the release of 2,000 balloons. An initial workforce of 1,200 collected tickets at a price of $4.50 for adults and $3.50 for children.<ref name="HTO"/> Stan McIlvaine, who had formerly operated Six Flags Over Texas, was the first general manager of AstroWorld.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4071595/astroworld-june-1968/ |title=June Opening Is Scheduled For Astroworld |date=May 12, 1968 |newspaper=[[Corpus Christi Caller-Times]] |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715174027/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4071595/astroworld-june-1968/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Two of the park's sixteen attractions<!--The sixteen attractions: (1)Alpine Sleighs, (2)Astroneedle, (3)Astroway, (4)Lost World, (5)Astrowheel, (6)Black Dragon, (7)Mill Pond, (8)Rub-a-Dub, (9)Spin Out, (10)610 Limited, (11)Le Taxi, (12)Boot Slide, (13)Maypole/Spin-a-Cup, (14)Crystal Palace, (15)Astro Go-Go, (16)Shooting Gallery - according to https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/18911253/ --> were not operational on opening day.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|date=June 2, 1968|title=Astroworld Reaction: 'It's A Fun Place'|url=https://www.chron.com/local/history/culture-scene/article/Astroworld-Reaction-It-s-A-Fun-Place-10820539.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412004331/https://www.chron.com/local/history/culture-scene/article/Astroworld-Reaction-It-s-A-Fun-Place-10820539.php|archive-date=April 12, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2020|work=[[Houston Chronicle]]|publisher=[[Hearst Communications]]}}</ref> Marvel McFey, the park's official mascot (branded the "Ambassador of Happiness"), was introduced in 1972. He was accompanied by a menagerie of "animal gypsies": Winston Wolf (the sheriff of AstroWorld); Pigs One, Two, and Three (mischievous tricksters named Quiz, Chiquito, and Harpo);<ref>{{cite web |url=https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1589 |title=Photograph, Astroworld Mascots |website=Astrodome Memories |access-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719154801/https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1589 |url-status=live }}</ref> Percy Penguin; Pierre Le Rat (the resident artist); Flopper Rabbit (a country bumpkin); Beethoven Bear (a checkers champion); Samantha Skunk ("a bright purple and pink flower child"); Frieda Frog (McFey's secretary); and Lester Lion (a frustrated baseball player).<ref>{{cite news |url=https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth342258/m1/12/ |title=Animals Invade The Astroworld |date=May 24, 1973 |newspaper=The Wylie News |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715143856/https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth342258/m1/12/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=SA-75>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/48824889/ |title=Meet 'Enchanted Animals' at the Mall |date=March 20, 1975 |newspaper=[[San Antonio Express]] |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715174028/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/48824889/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In addition to their in-park greeting and show duties, Marvel and his caravan of Enchanted Animals represented AstroWorld at many civic functions.<ref name=SA-75/> [[Rolly Crump]] designed and built the character costumes.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/446063599/ |title=Astroworld Featured |date=June 4, 1973 |newspaper=Abbeville Meridional |access-date=15 July 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715180115/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/446063599/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1970, just two years after the opening of Astroworld, Hofheinz survived a stroke that left him in a wheelchair.<ref name=Advocate-76/> The enterprise announced a $38 million long-range financing program in 1972, with notes held by General Electric Credit Corp., Ford Motor Credit Co., and HNC Realty.<ref name=AP-Hofheinz-82>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55186562/obituary-for-roy-mark-hofheinz-aged-70/ |title=Astrodome builder dies at age 70 |agency=AP |date=November 22, 1982 |newspaper=The Courier |access-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719152419/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55186562/obituary-for-roy-mark-hofheinz-aged-70/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Those creditors assumed control of the Astrodomain in 1974.<ref name=Advocate-76/> Astrodomain sold the hotels to Servico Inc. in May 1976.<ref name=Advocate-76/> Hofheinz liquidated his interest in the company a short time later.<ref name=hofheinz/><ref name=AP-Hofheinz-82/> ===Six Flags=== [[Six Flags (1961–2024)|Six Flags]] purchased a 20-year operating lease for AstroWorld in mid-1975.<ref name=Advocate-76>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25536740/victoria-advocate/ |title=Astrodomain Confirms Sales Talks |agency=AP |date=August 14, 1976 |newspaper=[[Victoria Advocate]] |access-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719152422/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25536740/victoria-advocate/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The following year, Six Flags AstroWorld introduced a new, high-speed roller coaster, the [[Texas Cyclone]].<ref name="HTO"/> A new playground named "The Magical World of Marvel McFey" was added to Children's World for the 1977 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/452225607/ |title=Astroworld entertainment: Shows rated for families |date=March 13, 1977 |newspaper=[[The Daily Oklahoman]] |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715174027/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/452225607/ |url-status=live }}</ref> That same year, Robert Cartmell named the Texas Cyclone the best [[roller coaster]] in the world.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62970925/texas-cyclone-new-morgan-trains/ |title=The Texas Cyclone at AstroWorld rated the world's best roller coaster |author=Griffin, Bob |date=July 3, 1987 |newspaper=Shreveport Journal |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715174030/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62970925/texas-cyclone-new-morgan-trains/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The formal purchase of AstroWorld by Six Flags concluded in 1978.<ref name=Guenther/> In 1978, the new attraction was [[Shuttle Loop|Greezed Lightnin']], a high-acceleration loop roller coaster.<ref name="HTO"/> McFey's tenure as the park's mascot ended in 1984 as [[Bugs Bunny]] and other ''[[Looney Tunes]]'' characters moved into the Enchanted Kingdom for the 1985 season;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/waco-citizen-may-07-1985-p-5/ |title=AstroWorld Coloring Contest: Bugs Bunny Finds A New Home |date=May 7, 1985 |newspaper=Waco Citizen |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715174028/https://newspaperarchive.com/waco-citizen-may-07-1985-p-5/ |url-status=live }}</ref> AstroWorld's parent corporation, Six Flags, had acquired the license to use the ''Looney Tunes'' characters in 1984 for its theme parks from [[Marriott Corporation|Marriott]] along with [[Six Flags Great America|the Great America in Gurnee]] theme park;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-six-flags-great-america-40-years-met-20160527-story.html |title=40 years later, Six Flags Great America still thrilling crowds |author=McCoppin, Robert |date=May 28, 2016 |newspaper=[[Chicago Tribune]] |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715174027/https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-six-flags-great-america-40-years-met-20160527-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Marriott had held the license since 1976 for its twin Great America parks.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/44593285/ |title=Great America: A Midwest version of Disneyland set in Gurnee, Ill. |date=April 24, 1976 |newspaper=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois)|The Daily Herald]] |access-date=31 July 2021 |archive-date=July 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731184339/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/44593285/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Six Flags continued to change ownership, being purchased by [[Bally Manufacturing]] in 1982, then by a private equity firm, [[Wesray Corporation]], in 1987. [[Time Warner]] acquired a minority stake in 1990 and owned the company outright by September 1993.<ref name=Guenther/> During Astroworld's first twenty years, it entertained more than thirty million visitors. The amusement park persisted while new competitors in Houston emerged and failed, including [[Busch Gardens]], [[Hanna–Barbera Land]], and SeaArama Marineworld. Attendance increased during these earlier years.<ref name=wray>{{cite web | title=Closed, But Never Forgotten: AstroWorld Turns 50 | work=[[Houstonia (magazine)|Houstonia]] | date=May 29, 2018 | access-date=August 30, 2020 | last=Wray | first=Diana | url=https://www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-city-life/2018/05/astroworld | archive-date=August 28, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828145619/https://www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-city-life/2018/05/astroworld | url-status=live }}</ref> In the early 1990s, the Six Flags parks gained access to [[DC Comics]] characters through its corporate owner, Time Warner;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-08-23-fi-7444-story.html |title=More Studios Open Theme Park Attrractions That Tie Into Their Movies: Entertainment: MCA, Paramount, Walt Disney and Time Warner now control 13 of the top 20 most popular parks in the U.S. and Canada. |author=Woodyard, Chris |date=August 23, 1992 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=July 15, 2021 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715174028/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-08-23-fi-7444-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> [[Batman: The Escape]] was installed at AstroWorld for the 1993 season.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54115683/amusement-parks-are-going-hollywood/ |title=Amusement parks are going Hollywood |author=Sloan, Gene |agency=Gannett News Service |date=April 25, 1993 |newspaper=[[Green Bay Press-Gazette]] |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715174029/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54115683/amusement-parks-are-going-hollywood/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In February 1998, Premier Parks, led by CEO Kieran Burke, acquired Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/21/business/the-new-monster-of-the-midway-premier-parks-thrives-by-not-being-disney.html |title=The New Monster Of The Midway; Premier Parks Thrives by Not Being Disney |author=McDowell, Edwin |date=June 21, 1998 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720170029/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/21/business/the-new-monster-of-the-midway-premier-parks-thrives-by-not-being-disney.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 1984, Premier, originally Tierco, a property management group, hired Gary Story to rehabilitate one of its properties, an older park named [[Frontier City]] in Oklahoma City; Story's successful turnaround of that park started the company's theme park acquisition program.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/article/1897849/amusing-storybrtheme-park-thrills-illustrate-career-of-former-six-flags-exec |title=Amusing Story: Theme park thrills illustrate career of former Six Flags exec |author=Monies, Paul |date=April 11, 2004 |newspaper=[[The Oklahoman]] |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720181942/https://www.oklahoman.com/article/1897849/amusing-storybrtheme-park-thrills-illustrate-career-of-former-six-flags-exec |url-status=live }}</ref> ===Closure and demolition=== The Six Flags acquisition was part of an ambitious Premier Parks purchasing program, which bought 31 amusement parks in four years, including the 12 Six Flags parks.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB926461661745486847 |title=Acquisition-Minded Premier Parks Intends to Grow by Thinking Small |author=Welsh, Jonathan |date=May 12, 1999 |newspaper=[[The Wall Street Journal]] |access-date=July 20, 2021 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720181036/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB926461661745486847 |url-status=live }}</ref> Burke received a $2 million bonus for completing the Six Flags acquisition.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-may-13-fi-36773-story.html |title=Premier Parks Boosted by Six Flags Chain |author=Reckard, E. Scott |date=May 13, 1999 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url-access=subscription |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720181036/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-may-13-fi-36773-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> However, Six Flags failed to turn a profit for five straight years after the 1998 acquisition, announcing a $122 million loss for the first half of 2003;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-aug-23-fi-sixflags23-story.html |title=Dizzying Drops for Six Flags |author=Peltz, James F. |date=August 23, 2003 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url-access=subscription |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720181037/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-aug-23-fi-sixflags23-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref> capital expenditures began to be scaled back because of its debt load.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/news/response.cfm?ID=573 |title=Six Flags Looks to Scale Back Expansion |author=Niles, Robert |date=June 30, 2002 |work=Theme Park Insider |access-date=21 July 2021 |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721150642/https://www.themeparkinsider.com/news/response.cfm?ID=573 |url-status=live }}</ref> In August 2005, Six Flags announced it was selling its chain of parks.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/columns/robert/271.cfm |title=Six Flags' New Owners Face a Capital Challenge |author=Niles, Robert |date=September 9, 2005 |work=Theme Park Insider |access-date=21 July 2021 |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721150641/https://www.themeparkinsider.com/columns/robert/271.cfm |url-status=live }}</ref> One month later, on September 12, Burke announced AstroWorld would be closed and demolished at the end of the 2005 season.<ref>{{cite news|date=September 13, 2005|title=Time's up for AstroWorld|work=The Atlanta Constitution|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution-times-up-for-a/119579464/|access-date=August 9, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chron.com/business/article/Last-ride-AstroWorld-to-close-site-to-be-sold-1946917.php |title=Last ride: AstroWorld to close, site to be sold |date=September 12, 2005 |newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]] |access-date=21 July 2021 |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721150639/https://www.chron.com/business/article/Last-ride-AstroWorld-to-close-site-to-be-sold-1946917.php |url-status=live }}</ref> The company cited issues such as dwindling attendance, rising property value, and conflicts involving off-site parking at [[NRG Stadium|Reliant Stadium]], which houses the [[Houston Texans]] football team and the [[Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo]] (HLSR).<ref name="Look Back-KTRK">{{cite web |title=A look back at Houston's Six Flags AstroWorld |url=https://abc13.com/community-events/a-look-back-at-houstons-six-flags-astroworld/1051306/ |publisher=KTRK-TV |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426192047/https://abc13.com/community-events/a-look-back-at-houstons-six-flags-astroworld/1051306/ |archive-date=April 26, 2020 |date=August 16, 2019 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2005/09/12/Six-Flags-to-close-AstroWorld/85951126576712/ |title=Six Flags to close AstroWorld |date=September 12, 2005 |work=UPI Archives |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720181037/https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2005/09/12/Six-Flags-to-close-AstroWorld/85951126576712/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|date=September 12, 2005|title=Houston's AstroWorld theme park to close|journal=[[Houston Business Journal]]|publisher=[[American City Business Journals]]|url=http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2005/09/12/daily10.html|url-status=live|access-date=August 27, 2020|archive-date=March 22, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322233611/http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2005/09/12/daily10.html}}</ref> In 1997, the combined attendance of AstroWorld and Water World was 2.27 million visitors; AstroWorld alone was ranked as the 28th most attended theme park in the United States with 1.99 million guests.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/701374/0001047469-98-018920.txt |title=Form S-4/A, Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 |author=Premier Parks Inc. |publisher=[[United States Securities and Exchange Commission]] |access-date=21 July 2021 |archive-date=July 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705234616/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/701374/0001047469-98-018920.txt |url-status=live }}</ref> AstroWorld attendance ranked 35th overall among all theme parks in 2000,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/701374/000100547701002422/0001005477-01-002422-0001.txt |title=Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 |author=Six Flags, Inc. |publisher=[[United States Securities and Exchange Commission]] |access-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-date=September 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930023109/http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/701374/000100547701002422/0001005477-01-002422-0001.txt |url-status=live }}</ref> 37th overall in 2002,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/701374/000104746903010157/a2106294z10-k.htm |title=Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 |author=Six Flags, Inc. |publisher=[[United States Securities and Exchange Commission]] |access-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721150639/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/701374/000104746903010157/a2106294z10-k.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> 36th overall in 2003,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/701374/000110465904007213/a04-3302_110k.htm |title=Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 |author=Six Flags, Inc. |publisher=[[United States Securities and Exchange Commission]] |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720181038/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/701374/000110465904007213/a04-3302_110k.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> and 39th overall in 2004, which was eighth among all Six Flags parks in 2004.<ref name=TPI-14/> A contractual agreement that allowed Six Flags patrons to park at Reliant Stadium expired in August 2005, and attempts to extend it failed.<ref name="Parking-HC" /> CFO Jim Dannhauser cited the expired parking arrangement as a "contributing factor" in the decision to close.<ref name="Parking-HC">{{cite news |last1=Kaplan |first1=David |title=For AstroWorld, the ride is over |url=https://www.chron.com/business/article/For-AstroWorld-the-ride-is-over-1936503.php |access-date=August 29, 2020 |work=Houston Chronicle |date=September 13, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517035807/https://www.chron.com/business/article/For-AstroWorld-the-ride-is-over-1936503.php |archive-date=May 17, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> Burke later explained in 2014 the decision was based on "[AstroWorld's] condition and location and the costs to modernize ... we had big offers pouring in for the land at the time and it just made more sense to close it."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://houston.culturemap.com/news/city-life/01-18-14-houstons-theme-park-wars-heat-up-new-competition-spurs-an-old-standby-to-up-its-game/ |title=Houston's theme park wars heat up: New competition spurs an old standby to up its game |author=Rudick, Tyler |date=January 18, 2014 |work=culturemap: Houston |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720181038/https://houston.culturemap.com/news/city-life/01-18-14-houstons-theme-park-wars-heat-up-new-competition-spurs-an-old-standby-to-up-its-game/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The final date of park operation was October 30, 2005.<ref name="50th Anniversary-HoustonPress">{{cite news |last1=Tommaney |first1=Susie |title=AstroWorld's 50th Anniversary: A "Magical Time" for the Park's Employees |url=https://www.houstonpress.com/arts/its-been-50-years-since-astroworld-opened-its-doors-in-houston-10495775 |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2020 |work=[[Houston Press]] |date=May 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705185347/https://www.houstonpress.com/arts/its-been-50-years-since-astroworld-opened-its-doors-in-houston-10495775 |archive-date=July 5, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Parking-HC" /> Following the closure, most of the park's assets, including rides and equipment, were sold during a three-day public auction held January 6–8, 2006.<ref name="Look Back-KTRK" /><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chron.com/business/article/Astroworld-memorabilia-to-go-on-the-auction-block-1886497.php |title=Astroworld memorabilia to go on the auction block |author=Sixel, L. M. |date=January 3, 2006 |newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]] |access-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-date=February 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214173839/http://www.chron.com/business/article/Astroworld-memorabilia-to-go-on-the-auction-block-1886497.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.astroworldauction.com/ |title=Public Auction |archive-date=January 11, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060111152732/http://www.astroworldauction.com/ |url-status=dead |publisher=Kenneth Dixon |access-date=July 13, 2021 }}</ref> [[File:Six Flags Astroworld demolition 1.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Photograph of the Demolition of Six Flags Astroworld in December 2005.|Demolition of Six Flags AstroWorld in December 2005]] Company executives expected to sell the land for as much as $150 million, but ultimately received less than half that amount. After spending $20 million to demolish the park and clear the land, Six Flags sold the cleared property for $77 million in 2006 to Angel/McIver Interests, a land development firm based in [[Conroe, Texas]].<ref>{{cite journal|last=Dawson|first=Jennifer|date=May 11, 2006|title=Local developer to acquire former Astroworld site|journal=Houston Business Journal|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2006/05/08/daily27.html?from_rss=1|url-status=live|access-date=August 27, 2020|archive-date=August 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828130643/http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2006/05/08/daily27.html?from_rss=1}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.chron.com/business/article/Conroe-based-firm-to-buy-AstroWorld-site-1882111.php |title=Conroe-based firm to buy AstroWorld site |author=sarnoff, Nancy |date=May 11, 2006 |newspaper=[[Houston Chronicle]] |access-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721150639/https://www.chron.com/business/article/Conroe-based-firm-to-buy-AstroWorld-site-1882111.php |url-status=live }}</ref> By that time, Burke had been removed as CEO.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/article/5595671/six-flags-discloses-price-tag-for-amusement-park-leases |title=Six Flags discoloses price tag for amusement park leases |author=Mecoy, Don |date=May 24, 2018 |newspaper=[[The Oklahoman]] |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720181036/https://www.oklahoman.com/article/5595671/six-flags-discloses-price-tag-for-amusement-park-leases |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2009, the former Astroworld site was still vacant. The land tract was reported as taking up {{convert|104|acres}}. The land owners hired real estate consultants, Croswell Torian Commercial Properties, to subdivide and market the property to other developers under the "SouthPoint" brand, though no development had yet occurred.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|date=December 14, 2009|title=What's Next for Astroworld Lot?|url=http://www.click2houston.com/newsarchive/21962931/detail.html#story|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100721052727/http://www.click2houston.com/newsarchive/21962931/detail.html#story|archive-date=July 21, 2010|access-date=August 27, 2020|publisher=[[KPRC-TV]]}}</ref> The original {{cvt|110|acre|adj=on}} tract purchased by Hofheinz was reduced by {{convert|8|acre}}: {{convert|5|acres}} were acquired by Harris County Metro and another piece of the tract on the northwest corner sold to a car dealership.<ref name=timesunion/> The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) are the owners of a record-holding {{cvt|102|acre}} of cleared land bounded by West Bellfort Drive, Fannin Street, Kirby Drive, and I-610. The original amusement park site occupied {{cvt|57|acre}} of that. Parts of the tract were developed, and other parts were undeveloped; the HLSR was using some of that property for overflow parking and conveying those visitors over the long pedestrian viaduct, the last remnant of the former amusement park.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/AstroWorld-land-13151949.php|title=Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo says AstroWorld land could eventually be redeveloped|last=Hlavaty|first=Craig|date=August 13, 2018|work=[[Houston Chronicle]]|access-date=March 30, 2019|archive-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330212113/https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/AstroWorld-land-13151949.php|url-status=live}}</ref> Though the site includes a great field of grass, the land is stabilized and partly paved with asphalt, so it can be used for parking.<ref name=timesunion>{{cite news | first=Craig | last=Hlavaty | title=See what the Astroworld site looks like 50 years after the park opened | url=https://www.timesunion.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/See-what-the-Astroworld-site-looks-like-50-years-12954611.php | date=June 4, 2018 | work=San Antonio Times Union | access-date=August 31, 2020 | archive-date=July 19, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719013812/https://www.timesunion.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/See-what-the-Astroworld-site-looks-like-50-years-12954611.php | url-status=live }}</ref>
Edit summary
(Briefly describe your changes)
By publishing changes, you agree to the
Terms of Use
, and you irrevocably agree to release your contribution under the
CC BY-SA 4.0 License
and the
GFDL
. You agree that a hyperlink or URL is sufficient attribution under the Creative Commons license.
Cancel
Editing help
(opens in new window)