Six Flags to Move Headquarters Back to Texas

After relocating its headquarters to North Carolina, one of America’s favorite theme parks is heading back to Texas at last.

Six Flags Over Texas, which was the very first in a now-extensive collection of parks, opened its doors in Arlington on August 5, 1961. The Texas State Historical Association notes that the park welcomed over 8,000 visitors on its inaugural day, marking it as a tremendous hit. Six Flags has since grown into the largest regional theme park operator worldwide.

“Arlington is a lively entertainment hub where the Six Flags journey started more than sixty years ago,” noted a spokesperson.

The Six Flags Entertainment Corporation currently oversees 20 amusement parks, 14 water parks, and nine resort locations across North America, along with an amusement park situated in Saudi Arabia.

Despite its Texas roots, Six Flags made the decision to shift its headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2024 as part of a merger with Cedar Fair. The companies suggested that this merger would help them become less reliant on any specific park or region.

Recently, Six Flags revealed plans to move its corporate headquarters back to Arlington’s Choctaw Stadium, a facility that has served as an office since 2020. The stadium will now function as the main hub for the company’s leadership and business operations.

Six Flags President and CEO John Reilly articulated, “Returning the headquarters to Arlington aligns with our goals to streamline the organization and boost operational efficiency. After a thorough review, we found that concentrating our operations in Arlington, where many of our corporate employees work, is the best way to move forward.”

The relocation, expected to wrap up by March 2027, aims to enhance collaboration, nurture company culture, and improve coordination at the leadership level, according to Reilly.

Even though the company is moving its leadership back to Texas, it reassured North Carolinians that it will remain a key employer and contributor to the local economy through investments in Carowinds and Carolina Harbor.

Arlington Mayor Jim Ross expressed his enthusiasm for the move, saying, “This strategic decision brings the company closer to its five parks in Texas, enhancing collaboration and operational support. Arlington’s central location within the Dallas-Fort Worth area, along with its excellent transportation access and vibrant business atmosphere, makes it a perfect base for Six Flags’ leadership.”

He also highlighted the longstanding relationship between Arlington and Six Flags, emphasizing that the return of the corporate headquarters pays homage to this history and paves the way for future growth and success.

The office of Republican Governor Greg Abbott has not responded to requests for comments regarding the decision.

Meanwhile, Six Flags will keep a presence in Sandusky, Ohio, the location of Cedar Point and the original headquarters of Cedar Fair.