Six Flags has acquired the acclaimed ArieForce One roller coaster from Fun Spot America Atlanta following the Georgia park’s permanent closure last month. The announcement, which the company teased would “turn heads across the amusement industry,” confirms the ride will be relocated to a Six Flags park, though the specific destination remains undecided.
Six Flags Evaluating Portfolio for Optimal Fit
Speculation is rampant among enthusiasts about whether the coaster could land at flagship parks like Cedar Point in Ohio or Kings Island, or perhaps at Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina. However, Six Flags told 3News they are “actively considering multiple parks across our portfolio for this epic addition.” A final decision on the ride’s future home is expected by the end of the year.
“ArieForce One is a world-class coaster, and we want to ensure it lands in the park where it can deliver the best possible guest experience,” according to a spokesperson for Six Flags. “We’re carefully evaluating its fit across our portfolio before announcing its future home.”
Regardless of the chosen location, Six Flags confirmed that ArieForce One will retain its name and is targeting a return during the 2028-2029 operating season.
“Additional details regarding the attraction’s future location, construction timeline and reopening plans will be announced at a later date,” according to Six Flags. “Until then, the coaster community’s biggest mystery remains unsolved.”
A Short but Legendary History
Despite operating for only three years after its March 31, 2023 debut, ArieForce One quickly achieved legendary status. It ranked No. 7 on USA TODAY’s 10Best fan vote for best roller coasters earlier this year. The ride permanently closed on August 2, 2026, when Fun Spot America Atlanta shut down.
Built by Rocky Mountain Construction (RMC)—the firm behind Cedar Point’s Steel Vengeance—ArieForce One was named in honor of Fun Spot America founder John Arie Sr. Key stats include:
- Height: 154 feet (approx. 15 stories)
- Track Length: ~3,400 feet
- Duration: ~2 minutes
- Type: Steel roller coaster
- Notable Features: World’s largest zero-gravity stall, outward-banked airtime hill, multiple high-intensity negative-G moments
Industry Leaders React to Acquisition
Six Flags Chief Operating Officer Mark Pauls emphasized the ride’s unique cultural impact.
“From the moment ArieForce One closed, we knew how much this coaster meant to the enthusiast community and to guests who traveled from around the world to experience it,” said Mark Pauls, chief operating officer of Six Flags. “This is a ride that consistently generated excitement, acclaim and passionate fan support. We are thrilled to preserve its legacy, invest in its future and bring this extraordinary attraction to a new generation of guests. This acquisition represents our commitment to delivering world-class thrills and creating unforgettable experiences across the Six Flags portfolio.”
“Part of the excitement is that the story isn’t over,” Pauls said. “We know fans will immediately begin theorizing about which Six Flags park is the perfect fit. The passion surrounding ArieForce One is unlike anything we’ve seen in recent years, and when the time comes to reveal its new home, we believe that announcement will be just as exciting as the acquisition itself.”
Derek Perry, president-elect of American Coaster Enthusiasts (ACE), highlighted the community’s relief and anticipation.
The coaster enthusiast community has spent months wondering whether ArieForce One would be saved and where it might ultimately find a new home. Preservation is central to ACE’s mission, so enthusiasts everywhere were hopeful this remarkable coaster would have a future beyond its original park. Today’s announcement answers one question and opens the door to another. The speculation about which park will receive ArieForce One is going to be enormous. Its farewell brought enthusiasts together from across the globe to celebrate a ride they love, and now they’ll be watching every clue and announcement as Six Flags prepares for its next chapter.
Once reassembled and enhanced at its new Six Flags destination, the attraction is expected to become one of the premier thrill experiences in North America, drawing coaster enthusiasts, vacationers, and adrenaline seekers alike.
Founding Family Celebrates New Chapter
John Arie Jr., CEO of Fun Spot America, expressed deep personal satisfaction that the coaster bearing his father’s name will live on.
When we built ArieForce One, we wanted to create something truly special. Something that would put Fun Spot America on the map with coaster enthusiasts and families around the world and create memories that would last a lifetime. Seeing ArieForce One preserved and finding a new home with Six Flags means a great deal to me and my family. Its story isn’t ending, it’s beginning a new chapter, and we are excited that future generations will get to experience ArieForce One.
