New Orleans Six Flags Demolition Halted Indefinitely

The demolition of the long abandoned, Hurricane Katrina ravaged Six Flags in New Orleans, Louisiana has hit yet another roadblock.

This time, the snag has to do with licensing issues.

Six Flags New Orleans, Louisiana Demolition Halted

Originally opening in New Orleans in 2000 as Jazzland, a music-themed park designed to reflect New Orleans culture and Louisiana heritage, with attractions like a wooden roller coaster called Mega Zeph that mimicked old-style Louisiana wooden coasters.

The park featured a variety of rides, live shows, and entertainment suitable for families and thrill-seekers alike.

In 2002, Six Flags took over operations, rebranding the park as Six Flags New Orleans and adding new attractions, including some popular rides from other Six Flags parks.

The park was severely impacted by Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Floodwaters from the storm inundated the area, submerging most of the park under several feet of water for weeks.

The damage was extensive, affecting rides, buildings, and infrastructure, and Six Flags ultimately decided not to reopen or repair the park.

Since Hurricane Katrina in August of 2005, Six Flags in New Orleans has remained abandoned.

For over 20 years, the abandoned theme park has been an eyesore, as well as a painful daily reminder to the City of New Orleans of the tragedy of Hurricane Katrina.

In August of 2024, it was announced that Six Flags would finally be torn down to make way for a new redevelopment for hotels, sports fields, restaurants, a water park, and more.

The demo got underway at the beginning of this month (November 2024) but was quickly stopped November 7 due to a license issue with the contractor.

From WDSU.com -

"A stop work order was issued on Nov. 7 due to the contractor not having a proper license for dismantling and rigging.

It is unclear when work will pick back up.

Once the demolition resumes, it will be the start of a $3 million redevelopment project led by developer Troy Henry. The site, which has been closed since Hurricane Katrina nearly 20 years ago, will see all rides, buildings, and water spaces torn down and filled in."

You can read more at WDSU.com.