- "It's playtime!"
- ―Slogan (2003-2005)[src]
Six Flags New Orleans was a short-lived Six Flags theme park located in New Orleans, Louisiana. It originally opened as "Jazzland" in 2000, and was open for three seasons before being acquired by Six Flags in 2003, who re-opened the park as Six Flags New Orleans that year.
Due to extensive damage caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and the park's faulty drainage system, Six Flags New Orleans never re-opened after being closed for the storm, and the park is still abandoned to this day, now owned by the City of New Orleans. In 2009, Six Flags lost the lease to the abandoned property as part of their Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, ending hope for the park's re-opening.
The 227-acre site had long been the subject of redevelopment plans by various companies. In August 2023, the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority approved a plan by Bayou Phoenix to transform the location into a new multi-use business and sports complex.[1] Demolition of the remains of the site began by November 2024.[2]
History[]
Jazzland (2000-2002)[]
Six Flags New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.
Construction of the park began in early 1999, and on May 20, 2000, the park opened under the name "JazzLand". The original themed areas were Jazz Plaza, Cajun Country, Pontchartrain Beach (a tribute to the original park in New Orleans), Mardi Gras, Kids' Carnival, and the Goodtime Gardens. The park featured four rollercoasters, a wooden roller coaster called the Mega Zeph (the highlight attraction of Jazzland), a wildmouse rollercoaster called Muskrat Scrambler , a Vekoma Boomerang coaster called Zydeco Scream, and a Vekoma junior family coaster known as Rex's Rail Runner.
Six Flags New Orleans (2003-2005)[]
After just two seasons of operation, the owners of Jazzland went bankrupt.[3] To save the park, Six Flags came in and acquired the lease. According to Gary Story, then President of Six Flags Inc., the company initially was planning on slowly rebranding the park through 2005, but due to the company's growing commitment to the New Orleans region, they decided to accelerate their schedule and the rate of capital improvements and officially add Jazzland to the Six Flags brand in 2003.
On November 14, 2002, Six Flags formally announced that Jazzland would be rebranded Six Flags New Orleans in 2003, and that the company would spend over $20 million on new capital for the park, including two new roller coasters, as well as other new rides and theming. One of the new coasters would be Batman: The Ride, an inverted roller coaster like the ones at several other Six Flags theme parks. It would be the centerpiece of an all new land themed to DC Comics, which would include new retail and dining options as well. Adding to the new DC offerings, it was announced that 2003's entertainment would be headlined by a new Batman stunt show. And for children, the new Looney Tunes Land area (later renamed Looney Tunes Adventures) would be added, replacing Kids' Carnival. Along with Kid's Carnival being renamed Looney Tunes Adventures, the junior coaster in that area, Rex's Railrunner, being renamed the Roadrunner's Express.[4]
Jazzland officially reopened as Six Flags New Orleans on April 12, 2003. During the 2003 season, season pass prices were $34.99.
Expansion plans[]
In August 2005, there were preliminary plans for a waterpark that was to be announced at the end of the month for the 2006 season, but that would never come to pass. In hindsight, Jazzland should have never been built at that location in the first place.
Hurricane Katrina[]
August 21, 2005, would be the last day that Six Flags New Orleans to be opened to the public. They expected to reopen on August 27th or 28th, but with news of Hurricane Katrina coming their way, the park closed back down in order to prepare for the storm and evacuate New Orleans. Then-mayor Ray Nagin issued the first mandatory evacuation. The words "closed for storm" appeared on the sign outside the park, which would remain frozen in time after that.
Because of the park being located right next to Lake Pontchartrain, drainage pipes were installed to protect it from flooding. Then on August 29, 2005, Katrina made her landfall and caused massive damage along the Southern coast, with New Orleans suffering the greatest damage and devastating the lives of many to this day. The water from Pontchartrain overflowed to the park, causing dark black brackish saltwater to flood the entire park after the parks drainage pumps failed to keep up. After the Hurricane passed, the park sat flooded under 8 feet of water for over a month. When the water was drained, what was left was a shocking scene: they water eaten up most of the buildings, metal was rusted, electronics were corroded, and the park was in no condition to reopen.
On July 1, 2006, the park was reported as an effective "total loss". The only major attraction that was salvageable was Batman: The Ride, due to its elevated platform structure keeping the majority of the machinery out of corrosive seawater. Since it survived the storm largely unscathed, it was relocated to Six Flags Fiesta Texas in 2008, and repainted under the new name Goliath. They also removed ride parts, shade coverings, lights, security cameras, etc. Also, Bayou Blaster & Sonic Slam were relocated to the Great Escape as Sasquatch. Roadrunner Express was taken to Six Flags Magic Mountain, where it re-opened under the same name. When Six Flags New Orleans succeeded in exiting their 75-year lease, they were no longer permitted to remove any more rides or parts until further notice. Finally, Six Flags removed their giant neon lighted sign at the entrance, leaving the remaining assets of the park to be abandoned.
Abandoned[]
Through 2024, Six Flags New Orleans was left to rot, with trees and grass growing their way up the site, slowly decaying coasters, considerable vandalism, and urban explorers documenting what remains. Lurking alligators, dozens of large cottonmouth snakes, dozens of large snapping turtles, and large wild pig boars joined forces and took over the lake in the center of the park.
Despite Hurricane Ida striking New Orleans on August 29, 2021, which was on the same day Katrina struck the area 16 years earlier, the abandoned park reportedly did not suffer additional damage.
Redevelopment proposals and uses[]
Southern Star Amusement (2008-2010)[]
The first attempt to revive the park was by Southern Star Amusement, who planned to expand the park into 60+ rides, as well as adding in a waterpark & RV lot, but this never commenced.
Nickelodeon Universe proposal (2009-2010)[]
In 2009, there were plans to redevelop the site into a Nickelodeon Universe branded park, these plans never lasted long after bonds failed to come through.
Filming location (2010-2014)[]
The 2011 film Killer Joe was shot in the park and featured Mega Zeph. The 2012 Nicholas Cage film Stolen was also filmed at the park. During the summer of 2012, the movie Percy Jackson: Sea of Monsters was filmed in the park, which showed Mega Zeph, Ozarka Splash, and Big Easy. That next summer, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes was filmed at the park. And in 2014, Jurassic World was filmed in the park's parking lot.
Jazzland Outlet Mall (2011-2014)[]
In 2011, the City of New Orleans had called a proposal for the site, creating a powerplant, a baseball site, or even a shopping retail center called "Jazzland Outlet Mall", but would reuse some of the rides. On March 6, 2012, the City gave the green light to build the mall, which would have been 400,000 square feet (37,000 m). But in 2013-14, the project was suddenly called off, as the nearby Riverwalk Marketplace had planned an expansion which would make the new mall unprofitable.
Padia Company (2011-2018)[]
In August 2011, a small Baton Rouge-based company called the Padia Company submitted a proposal to the park. This company planned to reopen the park as Jazzland, restore it to its original Louisiana theme, and restore rides like Mega Zeph and Jester. In 2018, the new and current New Orleans mayor LaToya Cantrell made an cooperative agreement, though it did not proceed.
Bayou Phoenix (2023-present)[]
In August 2023, the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority approved a master plan by Bayou Phoenix to transform the site into a new complex with youth sports fields, hotels, shops, a movie studio, and a waterpark.[1] Smoot Construction began demolition of the remains of Six Flags New Orleans by November 2024.[2] However, the demolition was halted with a stop work order on November 7 due to the contractor lacking proper certification for "dismantling and rigging".[5] On the following December 9th, demolition resumed with Christian Korver, previously a subcontractor of Smoot, being found to have the proper credentials and taking over as the primary contractor for the dismantling process.[6]
Location[]
Areas and attractions[]
Main Street Square[]
- Main article: Main Street Square
Main Street Square was the hub area of Six Flags New Orleans. It contained the "front mall" area which included the Orpheum Theatre. The area was originally known as Jazz Plaza prior to 2003.
Attractions[]
Cajun Country[]
- Main article: Cajun Country
Cajun Country was a themed area based on the rural parts of New Orleans.
Attractions[]
- Muskrat Scrambler (2000–2005)
- Lafitte's Pirate Ship (2000–2005)
- Ozarka Splash (2000–2005)
- Gator Bait (2000–2005)
- SpongeBob SquarePants: The Ride (2004–2005)
DC Comics Super Heroes Adventures[]
- Main article: DC Comics Super Heroes Adventures
DC Comics Super Heroes Adventures entrance.
DC Comics Super Heroes Adventures, opened in 2003, was the first and only new land added to the park. It contained four DC Comics themed attractions as well as the Gotham City Hall, the entertainment venue that was home to the Batman stunt show.
Attractions[]
- Batman: The Ride (2003–2005)
- Catwoman's Whip (2003–2005)
- Joker's Jukebox (2003–2005)
- Lex Luthor's Invertatron (2003–2005)
Pontchartrain Beach[]
- Main article: Pontchartrain Beach
Pontchartrain Beach was based on the amusement park of the same name that operated from 1928 to 1983.
Attractions[]
- Zydeco Scream (2000–2005)
- The Big Easy (2000–2005)
- Beach Bang-Up
- Dizzy Lizzy
- Pontchartrain Flyer
Mardi Gras[]
- Main article: Mardi Gras (Six Flags New Orleans)
Mardi Gras was an area themed after the festivities of Mardi Gras. It was the biggest area of Six Flags New Orleans, and contained the most attractions.
Attractions[]
- The Jester (2003–2005)
- Mega Zeph (2000–2005)
- Krazy Krewe (2000–2005)
- Mad Rex (2000–2005)
- Jocco's Mardi Gras Madness (2000–2005)
- Bayou Blaster and Sonic Slam (2000–2005)
- Spillway Splashout (2000–2005)
- Skycoaster (2000–2005)
- Mardi Gras Menagerie (2000–2005)
- King Chaos (2000–2005)
- Voodoo Volcano (2000–2005)
Looney Tunes Adventures[]
- Main article: Looney Tunes Adventures
Looney Tunes Adventures was a children's area based on the Looney Tunes franchise. It opened in 2003, replacing the former Kids' Carnival area.
Attractions[]
- Road Runner Express (formerly Rex's Rail Runner)
- Pepe Le Pew & The Swings de Paris
- Daffy Duck and the Backlot Tour Bus
- Tazmanian Devil Rumble in the Jungle
- Yosemite Sam and the Wild West Wheel
- Tweety's Tweehouse
- Technocolor Tweety Balloons
- Bugs Bunny Barnstormers
References[]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Six Flags' demolition expected to start in September by Carlie Kollath Wells, Axios. 2024-08-29.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Demolition begins at old Six Flags site in New Orleans by Carlie Kollath Wells, Axios. 2024-11-04.
- ↑ Associated Press (July 8, 2019). New Orleans amusement park, reminder of Hurricane Katrina, may soon come down. USA Today.
- ↑ Six Flags To Fly Over The Crescent City In 2003 (Press release). Ultimate Rollercoaster (November 14, 2002). Archived from the original on August 5, 2016.
- ↑ Demolition of New Orleans' old Six Flags Park delayed due to contractor issue by Nigell Moses, WWL Louisiana. 2024-11-14.
- ↑ Demolition to resume on New Orleans Six Flags site after scrap metal issue. by Ben Myers, The Times-Picayune. 2024-12-09.
See also[]
- Orleans Place and Mardi Gras, two New Orleans-themed areas at Six Flags Great America.
- Mardi Gras, a themed area at Six Flags America that celebrates the spirit of the holiday and of New Orleans.
External links[]
- Six Flags New Orleans at Six Flags (archived 2005-08-13, 2003-04-01)
- Jazzland official website (archived 2001-06-06, 2000-10-17)
- Jazzland at Abandoned Southeast (2018-10-11)
- Illegal Tour of Abandoned Six Flags New Orleans at Love These Pics (2011-05-19)
- Six Flags New Orleans at Coaster-Count
Six Flags New Orleans at Coasterpedia- Six Flags New Orleans (closed) at Google Street View (2013-10)
- Six Flags New Orleans at the Jazzland Wiki
- Six Flags New Orleans at Logopedia
- Six Flags New Orleans at the Looney Tunes Wiki
- Six Flags New Orleans at the Roller Coaster DataBase
- Six Flags New Orleans at the Roller Coaster Wiki
- Six Flags New Orleans at Wikipedia
