SF Great America opens early, lowers prices

Six Flags Great America has announced an early opening this year, marking the park's longest season to date. The park will open to throngs of guests on Friday, April 13 this year, providing an additional 18 days in the operating season. Guests who dress like Mr. Six - see image below - will be rewarded with the chance to purchase a ticket for only $6.

Great America will also offer season passes to the park for only $69.99, or $15 over the regular price of admission. In addition to "unlimited visits" to any Six Flags theme park in the U.S., pass holders will be given five free tickets to give to friends and be granted direct access to rides at specific times.

Read the press release below for further detail:

Six Flags Great America, the premiere destination for affordable, close to home family entertainment in the Midwest, kicks off a new year of thrilling family fun on Friday, April 3. This year marks the longest season ever with 18 additional operating days, unprecedented pricing, a new interactive family water ride, an exciting concert lineup and the return of an old friend. Mr. Six - the ageless, dancing, rater-of-fun will be in park all season long showing off his signature dance moves, posing for pictures, and beckoning guests to have More Flags. More Fun. To kick off the 2009 season on April 3, guests who dress like Mr. Six - from his signature glasses and red bow tie to his bald head and black suit - will be able to purchase a ticket for just $6. Additionally, there will be a Mr. Six Look-A-Like and Dance Contest where Mr. Six himself will rate contestants and prizes will be awarded to guests who receive the ultimate "Six Flags" rating in each category.

As part of this incredible season long celebration, Six Flags Great America will offer a line-up of new shows and attractions that provide top-tier entertainment as well as guest benefits that ensure a value-packed experience for the entire family. Some of the major headlines this season include:

More Value!

• $69.99 for Season Passes - the lowest price in five years and only $15 more than a one-day ticket. Season Passes offer unlimited visits to any Six Flags theme park in the United States, five free tickets for friends and more than $500 in savings on in-park food and fun. In addition, Season Pass holders will enjoy exclusive ride times as well as a private Season Pass Holder Appreciation night on Sept. 18.

• Everyone Pays Kids' Price - Everyone can have big fun at a small price! This $20 daily ticket discount is available online until June 7.

More Flags! More Fun!

• Buccaneer Battle - a mutiny is brewing at Six Flags Great America as the park's new water adventure ride gets ready to set sail in mid-May. Ten ships, each with room for eight crew members, follow a 450-foot channel through waves of interactive fun for the entire family. As the ships navigate the waters, the battle begins for passengers armed with a powerful soaker gun as they take aim at each other and targets along the way. Some targets respond while others display a variety of special effects, creating surprises at every turn. Buccaneer Battle also engages landlubber park guests along the ride's banks as the freebooters on the ship supply random fire and observers shoot back in ship-to-shore fun.

• STARBURST(R) Summer Concert Series presented by T-Mobile(R) - Music takes a front seat this season as the park debuts a new concert series with some of the industry's hottest acts including Jesse McCartney, Raven Symone and Miranda Cosgrove. All concerts are free with park admission or a Season Pass.

• The Best of Dick Clark's Bloopers - this new interactive show features a live host who encourages audience members to create their own blunders while watching some of the all-time great missteps from Dick Clark's collection.

• Six Flags Cyber Cafe presented by Comcast - Guests can now stay connected while visiting the park and upload their Six Flags fun instantly with free access to the Internet. The cafe will feature a menu selection of specialty coffees, homemade doughnuts, pastries and crepes.

• Johnny Rockets Express - This all new restaurant features tasty favorites. World-famous Johnny Rockets shakes, fries, onion rings and chicken tenders are on the menu at this new express location of one of the park's most popular restaurants.

• M-porium - a chocolate lover's dream. This new retail shop features M&M and Mars candies of every variety along with unique souvenirs.

"Six Flags Great America has always been the area's premiere destination for affordable, close to home family fun, and it will continue to hold that title this year beginning April 3," said Park President Hank Salemi. "With seven months of on-going entertainment, we're offering our guests a summer of escape with value like never before."

Six Flags Great America is located less than a tank of gas away from Chicago and Milwaukee and offers fun for the entire family with 13 heart-pounding roller coasters including Raging Bull, a free 15-acre water park, spectacular shows and parades, four children's themed areas with over 35 kids rides including Wiggles World and meet and greets with Six Flags' world-famous cast of characters, including Mr. Six.

The Park will be open weekends in April with daily operations starting May 18. Visit sixflags.com for a complete list of operating hours and more information about Six Flags Great America tickets, shows, rides, attractions and events.