Six Flags Stock Fell to 2009 Lows

Shares have plummeted as high debt and reduced attendance impact the company.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Theme Parks

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a stylized roller coaster track silhouette, evoking the financial instability of a major amusement company.
Six Flags shares fell to their lowest level since 2009, following a $203 million second-quarter loss and declining park attendance. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Six Flags stock has dropped to its lowest value since 2009, with over 80% of the company's value evaporating since the 2024 merger with Cedar Fair. The company reported a $203 million net loss for the second quarter of 2026.

Why it matters

The company faces significant financial strain due to high debt levels from its merger and declining theme park attendance driven by inflation. These factors have forced the company to sell assets and close various park attractions.

Six Flags shares currently trade at approximately $10 each, a level not seen in 17 years. The company recently generated $331 million by selling seven parks to EPR Properties to address $102 million in quarterly debt payments.

The players

Travis Kelce

He is a professional athlete and brand ambassador who acquired a 9% stake in the company in October 2025.

EPR Properties

This real estate investment trust acquired seven parks from the company for $331 million.

Cedar Fair

This amusement park operator entered an $8 billion merger with the company in 2024.

The details

Following the $8 billion merger with Cedar Fair, Six Flags has struggled with a 15% year-over-year decline in foot traffic and mounting debt. The company has taken drastic measures, including closing a Maryland amusement park and shuttering the X2 roller coaster in Valencia following investigations into safety incidents.

Timeline

  1. Six Flags stock value reached its previous low in 2009.

  2. The company completed a merger with Cedar Fair in summer 2024.

  3. Six Flags closed a Maryland park and waterpark at the end of the 2025 season.

  4. Travis Kelce purchased a 9% stake in Six Flags in October 2025.

  5. Six Flags is expected to report its summer earnings in early November 2026.

Travel Outlook

The company's recent performance reflects the broader instability facing major theme park operators in the wake of high-profile industry mergers. This trend highlights how aggressive expansion strategies can falter when faced with shifting consumer spending and high borrowing costs.

Visitors to Six Flags parks should verify the operational status of specific roller coasters and attractions before booking, as recent closures have impacted popular rides. Those holding annual passes or loyalty memberships may see changes in park availability or service offerings as the company streamlines its portfolio.

The takeaway

The company's financial struggles serve as a warning about the volatility inherent in large-scale corporate mergers within the leisure sector. Investors and park-goers alike should monitor future earnings reports to see if cost-cutting measures effectively restore profitability.

What happens next

Six Flags is scheduled to report its summer earnings in early November 2026.

Further reading

For more context on the current industry climate, visit the Theme Parks section.