Year round

[FParker185]

Well then why ask for proof if you got it already?

[Coaster Justin]

I looked it up after he posted that he couldn't find any info.

[superflybri]

I don't think I ever see the park doing this. Face it, I believe the costs would not support nor justify the attendance. Plus, lets face it, for me at least, Christmas has lost its meaning/value over the years. I just do not see this happening, ever.

If it does, it will most likely be short runned due to attendance and lack of profitability.

[NightRider785]

I wonder if there are pictures of the park the time it opened for winter.

[monsterfan99]

I wonder if there are pictures of the park the time it opened for winter.

With you on this one as well. One thing I miss about living near the park was driving up to see American Eagle after a snow. Just something great about seeing the coaster in a winter wonderland.

[RobSFGAm]

The Eagle, red side turn at the base of the hill looks the best after a snow, saw it today, but cannot get a good shot it.
Sometimes the park post pictures after a big snow, but Gurnee got about 6" so it is not that huge of a storm.

[RobSFGAm]

They did post some from a few days ago within the park.
http://on.fb.me/VN50p9

[Radical-Illusion]

You know, I was thinking after reading all these. They are starting to use the term "Membership" Instead of Season pass. That way the pass or membership lasts a full year instead of through the end of the season. What do you think the point of that was? I'm still trying to figure out why they would do that if most people already have their passes on opening day anyway.

So maybe if people do have the membership, that they could possibly be giving it a try??

Thoughts?

[Chitown]

If they are in fact doing that, I think it makes perfect sense. Not everyone gets a pass for opening day, so for the person that buys one lets say in July/August, and pay the same price, they get a full year which would include visits to other parks that are open when SFGAm isn't. Even for the people that buy one for opening day, they can also take advantage of other SF parks during the off-season.

[Chitown]

Forgot to mention that the person that buys one later in the season, now can use it the next year for 2 to 3 months. Basically works like getting a membership at Busch Gardens Tampa.

[PfightingPolish]

Even for the people that buy one for opening day, they can also take advantage of other SF parks during the off-season.

I think that plays a big part.

Used to be, Six Flags knew it was only really going to get to market the closest park to you regionally via TV, radio and soda cans, so the implications of being able to use a pass anywhere probably seemed less enticing. But, with social media being what it is now, if someone simply likes the overarching Six Flags Facebook page, they get to see pictures of coasters from around North America with ease. As such, I think it's a bigger deal now to be able to say, "Your 'membership' can take you any of these places we're showing you online, so get one."

It's yet another reason why I'm glad the parks are getting to be a little more autonomous and present a unique experience rather than the rubber-stamp Six Flags the company was starting to become, save maybe the SkyScreamers — because someone isn't going to travel to St. Louis or Magic Mountain to see the exact same park and rides that are at Great America, but they will if they feel like it's a different experience, and it's an even bigger encouragement if they know they'll get in free. This was a large impetus for my girlfriend and I spending a spectacular weekend in St. Louis two years ago.

That is more of a "membership" model, like The Y (where you can go to any of them in your region), than a pass like a season ticket to go see a sports team. And that's a good way of marketing it: To promote the idea that one pass gets you coasters around the nation. Because, realistically, if you're within driving distance from one park (save maybe SFOG), you're probably within a doable drive of at least one or two more as well. And if the parks have their act reasonably together ... it's worth it.

[JimPanky]

I would love for Great America to go year round I cant stand the wait but unfortunately I dont think it would be successful with Great America.