Six Flags’ $100M Loss, CEO Exit & the Season Pass Gamble

Six Flags posted a nearly $100 million loss in Q2—down from a $55 million profit a year ago—on 1.4 million fewer visitors, a smaller base of season passholders, and what it calls “adverse weather.” The company is looking to sell nonessential assets, while also running an aggressive August pass sale to bring in quick cash and rebuild its passholder base. Philip and Scott unpack why front-loading revenue can backfire if you can’t keep guests returning to spend in-park, and how Six Flags’ own investor day framed season passes as its growth engine. They also discuss CEO Richard Zimmerman’s decision to step down by the end of 2025 and what it signals for the post-merger strategy. Plus, why SeaWorld Orlando is riding Epic Universe’s wave to higher attendance—and what smaller operators can learn about “rising tide” tourism. Listen to weekly BONUS episodes on our Patreon.