CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Get ready thrill-seekers, there is fun to be had starting this spring in the Chicagoland area!
Six Flags Great America announced Thursday that it will open for the 2021 season on April 24.
The amusement park said Governor Pritzker’s announcement Thursday confirmed that the park will open right on time for its 45th year.
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In accordance with state reopening guidelines for theme parks, Six Flags Great America will operate at reduced attendance levels utilizing a reservation system. The park is also implementing extensive safety measures including several advanced technology systems to protect guests and employees.
“Six Flags Great America is a beloved summer tradition for many, and we are excited to open our park and get our world-class collection of thrills running again," said Six Flags Great America Park President Hank Salemi. “Our team is eager to welcome back our guests in a safe environment, providing the much-needed fun we have all missed this past year.”
The park’s reopening plan, which the company developed in consultation with epidemiologists, includes:
• Park Reservations System to Manage Attendance Levels - The park will employ an online reservation system to manage attendance, schedule guests for entry by day, and to stagger arrival times to allow for social distancing. All Members, Season Pass holders and all guests with a single-day or group ticket will need to make a reservation at www.sixflags.com/reserve.
• Health Screenings for Guests and Team Members - Contactless IR thermal imaging will be used to screen temperatures of guests and employees will be screened utilizing touchless systems.
Following CDC guidelines, all guests over the age of two and all team members will be required to wear face masks covering the nose and mouth throughout their visit/work day. Masks will be required while experiencing a ride or attraction.
• Strictly Enforced Social Distancing - Easy to identify distance markers will be added to all park entry, ride, restroom, retail locations, and dining queue lines.
Dining areas will be adjusted to allow ample space between seated parties.
Capacity at indoor venues and on some attractions will be reduced to meet social distancing requirements; and guests viewing outdoor entertainment will be separated by at least six feet.
• Extensive Sanitization and Disinfecting Protocols - Trained and dedicated cleaning teams have been put in place. Rides, restraints, and handrails will be cleaned throughout the day in accordance with state guidelines.Team members will frequently sanitize and disinfect high-touch points. Restroom staff will be stationed to disinfect each stall and sink area on a frequent basis. Multiple hand-washing and alcohol-based hand-sanitizer stations will be located throughout the parks; and all team member work areas will be regularly sanitized and disinfected.
• Sanitized Food Preparation and Service - Modified menus and implementation of mobile food ordering will help facilitate touchless transactions. Self-service buffets and salad bars will be reconfigured to eliminate guest contact with food. Condiments, self-serve cutlery, and napkins will be provided to guests with their meals as required; and beverages will be served by attendants; any drink bottle refills will be served in a paper cup each time guests refill.
• Commercial-Grade Cleaning Equipment and Supplies - All employees will be issued Team Member Action Packs which will include the following items: a safety face mask, safety glasses, and disposable gloves.
Low pressure backpack sprayers will be utilized for disinfecting large areas. Abundant supplies of sanitizers and disinfectants will also be available.