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Six Flags AstroWorld

{{Short description|Defunct theme park in Houston, Texas, U.S.}}

{{good article}}

{{use mdy dates|date=July 2021}}

{{Infobox amusement park

| name = Six Flags AstroWorld

| logo = Six Flags AstroWorld transparent logo.png

| logo_size =

| alt =

| logo_caption =

| image = Six Flags Astroworld entrance gate.jpg

| image_size =

| caption = Entrance gate, 2004, one year before demolition

| slogan =

| resort =

| location = Houston, Texas, U.S.

| location2 =

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| coordinates = {{Coord|29.6755|-95.4074|type:landmark_region:US-TX|display=title,inline}}

| pushpin_map = Texas

| theme =

| owner = {{plainlist|

  • Hofheinz family (1968–1975)
  • Six Flags (1975–2005)

}}

| operator =

| general_manager =

| status = Removed

| opening_date = {{Start date and age|1968|6|1}}

| closing_date = {{End date and age|2005|10|30}}

| previous_names = AstroWorld (1968-1975)

| season =

| visitors =

| area_acre =

| rides =

| coasters =

| water_rides =

| other_rides =

| shows =

| homepage =

| footnotes =

}}

Six Flags AstroWorld, also known simply as AstroWorld, was a seasonally operated amusement park in Houston, Texas. Owned and operated by Six Flags, the park was situated between Kirby Drive and Fannin Street, directly south of I-610. The park opened on June 1, 1968, and was developed originally and constructed as part of the Astrodomain, the brainchild of local philanthropist and former Houston mayor Roy Hofheinz, who intended it to complement the Astrodome. The Hofheinz family sold AstroWorld to Six Flags in 1978.

Notable rides featured at the park included the Texas Cyclone, a wooden roller coaster built in 1976 that was modeled after the well-known Coney Island Cyclone, and Thunder River, considered the world's first successful river rapids ride when it opened in 1980. WaterWorld, an adjacent water park, was acquired and added to AstroWorld in 2002. Following declining revenue, rising property value, and other issues facing Six Flags, the company closed AstroWorld permanently after its final day of operations on October 30, 2005, the final night of Fright Fest. Many rides were sold at auction or relocated to other Six Flags' properties, and demolition of the remaining structures was completed by mid-2006.

History

=Planning and construction=

Judge Roy Hofheinz, who was one of the original owners of the Houston Astros baseball team and spearheaded the lobbying effort that resulted in Harris County financing the construction of the Astrodome, founded the "Astrodomain" holding company after the Astrodome's opening in 1965. It owned {{Convert|116|acres}} in south Houston surrounding the Astrodome. Hofheinz continued to develop the Astrodomain, creating AstroWorld (1968), the Astrohall convention center (which hosted twice-daily stagings of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus in 1969;{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12031557/astro-world/ |title=Astroworld Is Ideal For Family Vacation Fun |author=Diehl, Henry |newspaper=Longview News |date=July 6, 1969 |access-date=19 July 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719152419/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12031557/astro-world/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12031500/circus-houston-69/ |title=World's Largest Circus To Summer Near Astrodome |date=May 21, 1969 |newspaper=Galveston Daily News |access-date=19 July 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719152420/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12031500/circus-houston-69/ |url-status=live }} Hofheinz had acquired the circus in December 1967),{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12030985/circus-bought-houston/ |title=Greatest Show on Earth Bought |date=December 21, 1967 |newspaper=Brookshire Times |access-date=19 July 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719152419/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/12030985/circus-bought-houston/ |url-status=live }} and four hotels with a capacity of 5,600 guests to serve visitors: the Astroworld Motor Hotel (with a private suite for Hofheinz on the ninth floor),{{cite web |url=https://www.papercitymag.com/real-estate/roy-hofheinz-private-penthouse-celestial-suite-astrodome-hotel-peek-inside/ |title=Inside Roy Hofheinz's Lavish Private Penthouse Suite |author=Anspon, Catherine D. |website=PaperCity |date=November 19, 2017 |access-date=20 July 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720151245/https://www.papercitymag.com/real-estate/roy-hofheinz-private-penthouse-celestial-suite-astrodome-hotel-peek-inside/ |url-status=live }} Holiday Inn-Astroworld, Howard Johnson Motor Lodge-Astroworld, and Sheraton Inn-Astroworld.{{cite web|last=Seeber|first=Jill S.|date=June 15, 2010|title=Hofheinz, Roy Mark (1912–1982)|url=http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fho87|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426172608/http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fho87|archive-date=April 26, 2012|access-date=August 31, 2020|publisher=Texas State Historical Association}}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/18911253/ |title=Texans Claim Astroworld Largest Fun Park |date=June 29, 1968 |newspaper=Tucson Daily Citizen |access-date=19 July 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719152421/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/18911253/ |url-status=live }}

In 1967, Hofheinz initially denied that preliminary work for an amusement park had been underway,{{cite news |url=https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1567 |title=Evans Wrote It Last January |date=September 17, 1967 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |access-date=14 July 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714155109/https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1567 |url-status=live }} but later announced on September 16 that approximately half of the remaining land, {{cvt|57|acre|adj=on}}, was being developed for a park to be named "Astroworld".{{cite news |url=https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1609 |title=Hofheinz, Astrodome Operator, Maps $25-Mil Amusement Park Next Door |date=September 27, 1967 |publisher=Astrodome Memories |access-date=14 July 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714155110/https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1609 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43733046/astroworld-announced/ |title=Astroworld Will Be Amusement |date=October 22, 1967 |newspaper=The Corpus Christi Caller-Times |access-date=14 July 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714155111/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43733046/astroworld-announced/ |url-status=live }} Hofheinz showed an architectural model of the park and announced that Randall Duell and Associates had designed it; Duell, a Hollywood set designer and architect, had previously designed Six Flags Over Texas.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4071409/astroworld-sept-1967/ |title=Multimillion Dollar Amusement Center Is Under Construction Near Astrodome |date=September 17, 1967 |agency=AP |newspaper=Corpus Christi Caller-Times |access-date=15 July 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715174027/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4071409/astroworld-sept-1967/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news|date=December 4, 1992|title=Randall Duell Is Dead; Park Designer Was 89|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/04/obituaries/randall-duell-is-dead-park-designer-was-89.html|url-status=live|access-date=August 27, 2020|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402043455/https://www.nytimes.com/1992/12/04/obituaries/randall-duell-is-dead-park-designer-was-89.html}} An initial $25 million investment paid for extensive landscaping and a long pedestrian viaduct spanning the I-610 freeway,{{cite journal | first=Delicia | last=Daniels | title=Astroworld | journal=Handbook of Texas | access-date=August 26, 2020 | url=https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/astroworld | publisher=Texas State Historical Association | archive-date=August 28, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828145618/https://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/entries/astroworld | url-status=live }} the first privately owned, publicly accessible span over a federal highway.{{cite news |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/The-story-of-the-AstroWorld-bridge-over-the-South-12965418.php |title=The story of how the president of the United States made the AstroWorld bridge possible |author=Hlavaty, Craig |date=June 4, 2018 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |access-date=14 July 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714151239/https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/The-story-of-the-AstroWorld-bridge-over-the-South-12965418.php |url-status=live }} Lloyd, Morgan & Jones designed the bridge.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43733137/astroworld-announced-info/ |title=Astroworld--Truly A Family Affair |date=September 24, 1967 |newspaper=The Baytown Sun |access-date=19 July 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719152422/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/43733137/astroworld-announced-info/ |url-status=live }}

Additional design work for the park was performed by I. A. Naman & Associates (air conditioning); Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam (electrical); Walter P Moore (structural); Turner, Collie & Braden (civil engineering); and Linesch & Reynolds (landscape architects). {{cvt|500000|yd3}} of fill was required for the site, because of its low elevation and drainage issues. Dozier Specialty, who had previously worked on Colt Stadium, was the general contractor. The name AstroWorld was selected following Houston's designation as the home of the Johnson Space Center in 1965, paying homage to the nation's crewed space programs.

Executives commissioned Ed Henderson, a Disney animator, to build a scale replica of the park and design maps for park guests.{{cite news |last1=McGuinness |first1=Dylan |title=Ed Henderson, Disney animator behind Astrodome scoreboard cartoons, dies at 95 |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Ed-Henderson-Disney-animator-behind-Astrodome-15022812.php |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2020 |work=Houston Chronicle |date=February 2, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310235003/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Ed-Henderson-Disney-animator-behind-Astrodome-15022812.php |archive-date=March 10, 2020}} Henderson's model of AstroWorld, measuring {{convert|8|×|10|ft|m}}, was built as a publicity preview of the park in 1967. Architecture students at Rice University and the University of Houston sculpted many of the buildings. It was displayed in the window of Foley's, a downtown department store,{{cite web |url=https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1572 |title=Re: Astroworld Model |author=Chandler, Wayne |date=May 8, 1968 |publisher=Astrodome Memories |access-date=14 July 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714155748/https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1572 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://swamplot.com/now-on-craigslist-original-astroworld-model/2011-06-29/ |title=Now on Craigslist: Original AstroWorld Model |date=June 29, 2011 |website=Swamplot |access-date=13 July 2021 |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713173337/http://swamplot.com/now-on-craigslist-original-astroworld-model/2011-06-29/ |url-status=live }} then moved to Hofheinz's Astrodome suite once the park opened; as an Easter egg, a model of Hofheinz's black Cadillac is parked in a private lot in the northwest corner of the park's model. After the park closed in 2005, the model was discovered, sawed into six pieces in a warehouse, then returned to Henderson. He stored it in his garage before it was displayed in fall 2010 at the Optical Project gallery, operated by artists Bill Davenport and Francesca Fuchs.{{cite web |url=http://swamplot.com/for-sale-early-model-astroworld/2010-10-29/ |title=For sale: early model AstroWorld |date=October 29, 2010 |website=Swamplot |access-date=13 July 2021 |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713173338/http://swamplot.com/for-sale-early-model-astroworld/2010-10-29/ |url-status=live }} In 2011, it was sold to I. A. Naman and Associates, the same firm that had designed the park's outdoor air conditioning; they donated the model to the Houston Public Library.

=Hofheinz family=

{{multiple image

|direction=vertical

|title=AstroWorld early ephemera

|align=right

|image1=aw bumpstick.jpg

|caption1=Original logo, from bumper sticker

|image2=1969 Astroworld Tickets Houston Texas.JPG

|alt=Refer to caption

|caption2=V.I.P. admission tickets, 1969}}

The Hofheinz family, Roy and his three children (Roy Jr., Fred, and Dene), shared ownership of the park. Hofheinz hosted a press preview in May 1968; Leonard Traube wrote the park "has a beautifully realized continuity and layout calculated to move traffic in such a way as to make practical the policy of a single gate admission for virtually everything on the grounds",{{cite news |url=https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1409 |title=Astroworld Shapes as Hofheinz's Third Whammo Entry in Houston |author=Traube, Leonard |date=May 28, 1968 |publisher=Astrodome Memories |access-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714155108/https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1409 |url-status=live }} referring to the Duell loop that routes visitors through each part of the park.{{rp|83}}

AstroWorld opened on June 1, 1968, just south of the Astrodome, creating a multi-facility entertainment complex; 50,000 guests visited the park during the first weekend. Hofheinz enlisted two of his grandchildren to launch the amusement park with the release of 2,000 balloons. An initial workforce of 1,200 collected tickets at a price of $4.50 for adults and $3.50 for children. Stan McIlvaine, who had formerly operated Six Flags Over Texas, was the first general manager of AstroWorld.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4071595/astroworld-june-1968/ |title=June Opening Is Scheduled For Astroworld |date=May 12, 1968 |newspaper=Corpus Christi Caller-Times |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715174027/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/4071595/astroworld-june-1968/ |url-status=live }} Two of the park's sixteen attractions were not operational on opening day.{{Cite news|date=June 2, 1968|title=Astroworld Reaction: 'It's A Fun Place'|url=https://www.chron.com/local/history/culture-scene/article/Astroworld-Reaction-It-s-A-Fun-Place-10820539.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412004331/https://www.chron.com/local/history/culture-scene/article/Astroworld-Reaction-It-s-A-Fun-Place-10820539.php|archive-date=April 12, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2020|work=Houston Chronicle|publisher=Hearst Communications}}

Marvel McFey, the park's official mascot (branded the "Ambassador of Happiness"), was introduced in 1972. He was accompanied by a menagerie of "animal gypsies": Winston Wolf (the sheriff of AstroWorld); Pigs One, Two, and Three (mischievous tricksters named Quiz, Chiquito, and Harpo);{{cite web |url=https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1589 |title=Photograph, Astroworld Mascots |website=Astrodome Memories |access-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719154801/https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1589 |url-status=live }} Percy Penguin; Pierre Le Rat (the resident artist); Flopper Rabbit (a country bumpkin); Beethoven Bear (a checkers champion); Samantha Skunk ("a bright purple and pink flower child"); Frieda Frog (McFey's secretary); and Lester Lion (a frustrated baseball player).{{cite news |url=https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth342258/m1/12/ |title=Animals Invade The Astroworld |date=May 24, 1973 |newspaper=The Wylie News |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715143856/https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth342258/m1/12/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/48824889/ |title=Meet 'Enchanted Animals' at the Mall |date=March 20, 1975 |newspaper=San Antonio Express |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715174028/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/48824889/ |url-status=live }} In addition to their in-park greeting and show duties, Marvel and his caravan of Enchanted Animals represented AstroWorld at many civic functions. Rolly Crump designed and built the character costumes.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/446063599/ |title=Astroworld Featured |date=June 4, 1973 |newspaper=Abbeville Meridional |access-date=15 July 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715180115/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/446063599/ |url-status=live }}

In 1970, just two years after the opening of Astroworld, Hofheinz survived a stroke that left him in a wheelchair. The enterprise announced a $38 million long-range financing program in 1972, with notes held by General Electric Credit Corp., Ford Motor Credit Co., and HNC Realty.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55186562/obituary-for-roy-mark-hofheinz-aged-70/ |title=Astrodome builder dies at age 70 |agency=AP |date=November 22, 1982 |newspaper=The Courier |access-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719152419/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55186562/obituary-for-roy-mark-hofheinz-aged-70/ |url-status=live }} Those creditors assumed control of the Astrodomain in 1974. Astrodomain sold the hotels to Servico Inc. in May 1976. Hofheinz liquidated his interest in the company a short time later.

=Six Flags=

Six Flags purchased a 20-year operating lease for AstroWorld in mid-1975.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25536740/victoria-advocate/ |title=Astrodomain Confirms Sales Talks |agency=AP |date=August 14, 1976 |newspaper=Victoria Advocate |access-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719152422/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/25536740/victoria-advocate/ |url-status=live }} The following year, Six Flags AstroWorld introduced a new, high-speed roller coaster, the Texas Cyclone. A new playground named "The Magical World of Marvel McFey" was added to Children's World for the 1977 season.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/452225607/ |title=Astroworld entertainment: Shows rated for families |date=March 13, 1977 |newspaper=The Daily Oklahoman |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715174027/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/452225607/ |url-status=live }} That same year, Robert Cartmell named the Texas Cyclone the best roller coaster in the world.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62970925/texas-cyclone-new-morgan-trains/ |title=The Texas Cyclone at AstroWorld rated the world's best roller coaster |author=Griffin, Bob |date=July 3, 1987 |newspaper=Shreveport Journal |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715174030/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/62970925/texas-cyclone-new-morgan-trains/ |url-status=live }} The formal purchase of AstroWorld by Six Flags concluded in 1978. In 1978, the new attraction was Greezed Lightnin', a high-acceleration loop roller coaster.

McFey's tenure as the park's mascot ended in 1984 as Bugs Bunny and other Looney Tunes characters moved into the Enchanted Kingdom for the 1985 season;{{cite news |url=https://newspaperarchive.com/waco-citizen-may-07-1985-p-5/ |title=AstroWorld Coloring Contest: Bugs Bunny Finds A New Home |date=May 7, 1985 |newspaper=Waco Citizen |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715174028/https://newspaperarchive.com/waco-citizen-may-07-1985-p-5/ |url-status=live }} AstroWorld's parent corporation, Six Flags, had acquired the license to use the Looney Tunes characters in 1984 for its theme parks from Marriott along with the Great America in Gurnee theme park;{{cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-six-flags-great-america-40-years-met-20160527-story.html |title=40 years later, Six Flags Great America still thrilling crowds |author=McCoppin, Robert |date=May 28, 2016 |newspaper=Chicago Tribune |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715174027/https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/ct-six-flags-great-america-40-years-met-20160527-story.html |url-status=live }} Marriott had held the license since 1976 for its twin Great America parks.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/44593285/ |title=Great America: A Midwest version of Disneyland set in Gurnee, Ill. |date=April 24, 1976 |newspaper=The Daily Herald |access-date=31 July 2021 |archive-date=July 31, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210731184339/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/44593285/ |url-status=live }}

Six Flags continued to change ownership, being purchased by Bally Manufacturing in 1982, then by a private equity firm, Wesray Corporation, in 1987. Time Warner acquired a minority stake in 1990 and owned the company outright by September 1993. During Astroworld's first twenty years, it entertained more than thirty million visitors. The amusement park persisted while new competitors in Houston emerged and failed, including Busch Gardens, Hanna–Barbera Land, and SeaArama Marineworld. Attendance increased during these earlier years.{{cite web | title=Closed, But Never Forgotten: AstroWorld Turns 50 | work=Houstonia | date=May 29, 2018 | access-date=August 30, 2020 | last=Wray | first=Diana | url=https://www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-city-life/2018/05/astroworld | archive-date=August 28, 2020 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828145619/https://www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-city-life/2018/05/astroworld | url-status=live }} In the early 1990s, the Six Flags parks gained access to DC Comics characters through its corporate owner, Time Warner;{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-08-23-fi-7444-story.html |title=More Studios Open Theme Park Attrractions That Tie Into Their Movies: Entertainment: MCA, Paramount, Walt Disney and Time Warner now control 13 of the top 20 most popular parks in the U.S. and Canada. |author=Woodyard, Chris |date=August 23, 1992 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |access-date=July 15, 2021 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715174028/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-08-23-fi-7444-story.html |url-status=live }} Batman: The Escape was installed at AstroWorld for the 1993 season.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54115683/amusement-parks-are-going-hollywood/ |title=Amusement parks are going Hollywood |author=Sloan, Gene |agency=Gannett News Service |date=April 25, 1993 |newspaper=Green Bay Press-Gazette |access-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715174029/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/54115683/amusement-parks-are-going-hollywood/ |url-status=live }} In February 1998, Premier Parks, led by CEO Kieran Burke, acquired Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/21/business/the-new-monster-of-the-midway-premier-parks-thrives-by-not-being-disney.html |title=The New Monster Of The Midway; Premier Parks Thrives by Not Being Disney |author=McDowell, Edwin |date=June 21, 1998 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720170029/https://www.nytimes.com/1998/06/21/business/the-new-monster-of-the-midway-premier-parks-thrives-by-not-being-disney.html |url-status=live }} In 1984, Premier, originally Tierco, a property management group, hired Gary Story to rehabilitate one of its properties, an older park named Frontier City in Oklahoma City; Story's successful turnaround of that park started the company's theme park acquisition program.{{cite news |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/article/1897849/amusing-storybrtheme-park-thrills-illustrate-career-of-former-six-flags-exec |title=Amusing Story: Theme park thrills illustrate career of former Six Flags exec |author=Monies, Paul |date=April 11, 2004 |newspaper=The Oklahoman |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720181942/https://www.oklahoman.com/article/1897849/amusing-storybrtheme-park-thrills-illustrate-career-of-former-six-flags-exec |url-status=live }}

=Closure and demolition=

The Six Flags acquisition was part of an ambitious Premier Parks purchasing program, which bought 31 amusement parks in four years, including the 12 Six Flags parks.{{cite news |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB926461661745486847 |title=Acquisition-Minded Premier Parks Intends to Grow by Thinking Small |author=Welsh, Jonathan |date=May 12, 1999 |newspaper=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=July 20, 2021 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720181036/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB926461661745486847 |url-status=live }} Burke received a $2 million bonus for completing the Six Flags acquisition.{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-may-13-fi-36773-story.html |title=Premier Parks Boosted by Six Flags Chain |author=Reckard, E. Scott |date=May 13, 1999 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url-access=subscription |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720181036/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-may-13-fi-36773-story.html |url-status=live }} However, Six Flags failed to turn a profit for five straight years after the 1998 acquisition, announcing a $122 million loss for the first half of 2003;{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-aug-23-fi-sixflags23-story.html |title=Dizzying Drops for Six Flags |author=Peltz, James F. |date=August 23, 2003 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url-access=subscription |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720181037/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-aug-23-fi-sixflags23-story.html |url-status=live }} capital expenditures began to be scaled back because of its debt load.{{cite news |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/news/response.cfm?ID=573 |title=Six Flags Looks to Scale Back Expansion |author=Niles, Robert |date=June 30, 2002 |work=Theme Park Insider |access-date=21 July 2021 |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721150642/https://www.themeparkinsider.com/news/response.cfm?ID=573 |url-status=live }} In August 2005, Six Flags announced it was selling its chain of parks.{{cite news |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/columns/robert/271.cfm |title=Six Flags' New Owners Face a Capital Challenge |author=Niles, Robert |date=September 9, 2005 |work=Theme Park Insider |access-date=21 July 2021 |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721150641/https://www.themeparkinsider.com/columns/robert/271.cfm |url-status=live }} One month later, on September 12, Burke announced AstroWorld would be closed and demolished at the end of the 2005 season.{{cite news|date=September 13, 2005|title=Time's up for AstroWorld|work=The Atlanta Constitution|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution-times-up-for-a/119579464/|access-date=August 9, 2023 |via=Newspapers.com}}{{cite news |url=https://www.chron.com/business/article/Last-ride-AstroWorld-to-close-site-to-be-sold-1946917.php |title=Last ride: AstroWorld to close, site to be sold |date=September 12, 2005 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |access-date=21 July 2021 |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721150639/https://www.chron.com/business/article/Last-ride-AstroWorld-to-close-site-to-be-sold-1946917.php |url-status=live }} The company cited issues such as dwindling attendance, rising property value, and conflicts involving off-site parking at Reliant Stadium, which houses the Houston Texans football team and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR).{{cite web |title=A look back at Houston's Six Flags AstroWorld |url=https://abc13.com/community-events/a-look-back-at-houstons-six-flags-astroworld/1051306/ |publisher=KTRK-TV |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200426192047/https://abc13.com/community-events/a-look-back-at-houstons-six-flags-astroworld/1051306/ |archive-date=April 26, 2020 |date=August 16, 2019 |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2005/09/12/Six-Flags-to-close-AstroWorld/85951126576712/ |title=Six Flags to close AstroWorld |date=September 12, 2005 |work=UPI Archives |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720181037/https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2005/09/12/Six-Flags-to-close-AstroWorld/85951126576712/ |url-status=live }}{{cite journal|date=September 12, 2005|title=Houston's AstroWorld theme park to close|journal=Houston Business Journal|publisher=American City Business Journals|url=http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2005/09/12/daily10.html|url-status=live|access-date=August 27, 2020|archive-date=March 22, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322233611/http://houston.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2005/09/12/daily10.html}} In 1997, the combined attendance of AstroWorld and Water World was 2.27 million visitors; AstroWorld alone was ranked as the 28th most attended theme park in the United States with 1.99 million guests.{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/701374/0001047469-98-018920.txt |title=Form S-4/A, Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 |author=Premier Parks Inc. |publisher=United States Securities and Exchange Commission |access-date=21 July 2021 |archive-date=July 5, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705234616/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/701374/0001047469-98-018920.txt |url-status=live }} AstroWorld attendance ranked 35th overall among all theme parks in 2000,{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/701374/000100547701002422/0001005477-01-002422-0001.txt |title=Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 |author=Six Flags, Inc. |publisher=United States Securities and Exchange Commission |access-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-date=September 30, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120930023109/http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/701374/000100547701002422/0001005477-01-002422-0001.txt |url-status=live }} 37th overall in 2002,{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/701374/000104746903010157/a2106294z10-k.htm |title=Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2002 |author=Six Flags, Inc. |publisher=United States Securities and Exchange Commission |access-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721150639/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/701374/000104746903010157/a2106294z10-k.htm |url-status=live }} 36th overall in 2003,{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/701374/000110465904007213/a04-3302_110k.htm |title=Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2003 |author=Six Flags, Inc. |publisher=United States Securities and Exchange Commission |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720181038/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/701374/000110465904007213/a04-3302_110k.htm |url-status=live }} and 39th overall in 2004, which was eighth among all Six Flags parks in 2004. A contractual agreement that allowed Six Flags patrons to park at Reliant Stadium expired in August 2005, and attempts to extend it failed. CFO Jim Dannhauser cited the expired parking arrangement as a "contributing factor" in the decision to close.{{cite news |last1=Kaplan |first1=David |title=For AstroWorld, the ride is over |url=https://www.chron.com/business/article/For-AstroWorld-the-ride-is-over-1936503.php |access-date=August 29, 2020 |work=Houston Chronicle |date=September 13, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517035807/https://www.chron.com/business/article/For-AstroWorld-the-ride-is-over-1936503.php |archive-date=May 17, 2013 |url-status=live}} Burke later explained in 2014 the decision was based on "[AstroWorld's] condition and location and the costs to modernize ... we had big offers pouring in for the land at the time and it just made more sense to close it."{{cite news |url=https://houston.culturemap.com/news/city-life/01-18-14-houstons-theme-park-wars-heat-up-new-competition-spurs-an-old-standby-to-up-its-game/ |title=Houston's theme park wars heat up: New competition spurs an old standby to up its game |author=Rudick, Tyler |date=January 18, 2014 |work=culturemap: Houston |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720181038/https://houston.culturemap.com/news/city-life/01-18-14-houstons-theme-park-wars-heat-up-new-competition-spurs-an-old-standby-to-up-its-game/ |url-status=live }} The final date of park operation was October 30, 2005.{{cite news |last1=Tommaney |first1=Susie |title=AstroWorld's 50th Anniversary: A "Magical Time" for the Park's Employees |url=https://www.houstonpress.com/arts/its-been-50-years-since-astroworld-opened-its-doors-in-houston-10495775 |url-status=live |access-date=August 29, 2020 |work=Houston Press |date=May 29, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705185347/https://www.houstonpress.com/arts/its-been-50-years-since-astroworld-opened-its-doors-in-houston-10495775 |archive-date=July 5, 2018}} Following the closure, most of the park's assets, including rides and equipment, were sold during a three-day public auction held January 6–8, 2006.{{cite news |url=https://www.chron.com/business/article/Astroworld-memorabilia-to-go-on-the-auction-block-1886497.php |title=Astroworld memorabilia to go on the auction block |author=Sixel, L. M. |date=January 3, 2006 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |access-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-date=February 14, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214173839/http://www.chron.com/business/article/Astroworld-memorabilia-to-go-on-the-auction-block-1886497.php |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.astroworldauction.com/ |title=Public Auction |archive-date=January 11, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060111152732/http://www.astroworldauction.com/ |url-status=dead |publisher=Kenneth Dixon |access-date=July 13, 2021 }}

File:Six Flags Astroworld demolition 1.jpg

Company executives expected to sell the land for as much as $150 million, but ultimately received less than half that amount. After spending $20 million to demolish the park and clear the land, Six Flags sold the cleared property for $77 million in 2006 to Angel/McIver Interests, a land development firm based in Conroe, Texas.{{cite journal|last=Dawson|first=Jennifer|date=May 11, 2006|title=Local developer to acquire former Astroworld site|journal=Houston Business Journal|url=http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2006/05/08/daily27.html?from_rss=1|url-status=live|access-date=August 27, 2020|archive-date=August 28, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160828130643/http://www.bizjournals.com/houston/stories/2006/05/08/daily27.html?from_rss=1}}{{cite news |url=https://www.chron.com/business/article/Conroe-based-firm-to-buy-AstroWorld-site-1882111.php |title=Conroe-based firm to buy AstroWorld site |author=sarnoff, Nancy |date=May 11, 2006 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |access-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721150639/https://www.chron.com/business/article/Conroe-based-firm-to-buy-AstroWorld-site-1882111.php |url-status=live }} By that time, Burke had been removed as CEO.{{cite news |url=https://www.oklahoman.com/article/5595671/six-flags-discloses-price-tag-for-amusement-park-leases |title=Six Flags discoloses price tag for amusement park leases |author=Mecoy, Don |date=May 24, 2018 |newspaper=The Oklahoman |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720181036/https://www.oklahoman.com/article/5595671/six-flags-discloses-price-tag-for-amusement-park-leases |url-status=live }} In 2009, the former Astroworld site was still vacant. The land tract was reported as taking up {{convert|104|acres}}. The land owners hired real estate consultants, Croswell Torian Commercial Properties, to subdivide and market the property to other developers under the "SouthPoint" brand, though no development had yet occurred.{{Cite web|date=December 14, 2009|title=What's Next for Astroworld Lot?|url=http://www.click2houston.com/newsarchive/21962931/detail.html#story|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100721052727/http://www.click2houston.com/newsarchive/21962931/detail.html#story|archive-date=July 21, 2010|access-date=August 27, 2020|publisher=KPRC-TV}} The original {{cvt|110|acre|adj=on}} tract purchased by Hofheinz was reduced by {{convert|8|acre}}: {{convert|5|acres}} were acquired by Harris County Metro and another piece of the tract on the northwest corner sold to a car dealership.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo (HLSR) are the owners of a record-holding {{cvt|102|acre}} of cleared land bounded by West Bellfort Drive, Fannin Street, Kirby Drive, and I-610. The original amusement park site occupied {{cvt|57|acre}} of that. Parts of the tract were developed, and other parts were undeveloped; the HLSR was using some of that property for overflow parking and conveying those visitors over the long pedestrian viaduct, the last remnant of the former amusement park.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/AstroWorld-land-13151949.php|title=Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo says AstroWorld land could eventually be redeveloped|last=Hlavaty|first=Craig|date=August 13, 2018|work=Houston Chronicle|access-date=March 30, 2019|archive-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330212113/https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/AstroWorld-land-13151949.php|url-status=live}} Though the site includes a great field of grass, the land is stabilized and partly paved with asphalt, so it can be used for parking.{{cite news | first=Craig | last=Hlavaty | title=See what the Astroworld site looks like 50 years after the park opened | url=https://www.timesunion.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/See-what-the-Astroworld-site-looks-like-50-years-12954611.php | date=June 4, 2018 | work=San Antonio Times Union | access-date=August 31, 2020 | archive-date=July 19, 2018 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719013812/https://www.timesunion.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/See-what-the-Astroworld-site-looks-like-50-years-12954611.php | url-status=live }}

Areas and attractions

{{OSM Location map

| coord={{coord|29.6751|-95.4066}} | zoom=16

| width=320 | height=320

|alt=See caption

| caption=Themed areas and key locations within AstroWorld

| label1 =Entry Plaza

| mark-coord1 ={{coord|29.67669|-95.40759}}

| label-pos1 =top

| label2 =Americana Square

| mark-coord2 ={{coord|29.67530|-95.40762}}

| label-pos2 =right

| label3 =Nottingham

| labela3 =Village

| mark-coord3 ={{coord|29.67634|-95.40686}}

| label-pos3 =left

| label4 =Oriental Village

| mark-coord4 ={{coord|29.67617|-95.40630}}

| label-pos4 =right

| label5 =Mexicana

| mark-coord5 ={{coord|29.67449|-95.40672}}

| label-pos5 =right

| label6 =Southern Star Amphitheatre

| mark-coord6 ={{coord|29.67357|-95.40592}}

| label-pos6 =bottom

| label7 =WaterWorld

| mark-coord7 ={{coord|29.67505|-95.40411}}

| label-pos7 =top

| label8 =Western

| labela8 =Junction

| mark-coord8 ={{coord|29.67391|-95.40750}}

| label-pos8 =left

| label9 =European Village

| mark-coord9 ={{coord|29.67441|-95.40837}}

| label-pos9 =top

| label10=USA

| mark-coord10={{coord|29.67628|-95.40900}}

| label-pos10=left

| label11=Imagination Zone

| mark-coord11={{coord|33.127241|-117.310869}}

| label-pos11=top

| label12=Ninjago World

| mark-coord12={{coord|33.126842|-117.310785}}

| label-pos12=bottom

| label13=Legoland Hotel

| mark-coord13={{coord|33.126132|-117.310391}}

| label-pos13=bottom

}}

File:Astroworld alpinevalley.jpg

There were ten themed areas by the early 1980s. WaterWorld, an adjacent water park built in 1983, became part of AstroWorld in 2002.{{Cite news|last=Guillen|first=Darla|date=December 12, 2017|title=Vintage photos: Remembering Houston's Six Flags AstroWorld on National Roller Coaster Day|url=https://www.chron.com/life/article/Houston-Six-Flags-AstroWorld-roller-coaster-day-11822843.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200412004323/https://www.chron.com/life/article/Houston-Six-Flags-AstroWorld-roller-coaster-day-11822843.php|archive-date=April 12, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2020|work=Houston Chronicle}} The park's outdoor concert venue, the Southern Star Amphitheatre, opened in 1980. Well-known musicians and bands performed at the amphitheater over the years, including The Beach Boys, the Grateful Dead, and Bob Dylan.

At the time the park closed, the themed areas were:

  • WaterWorld
  • Oriental Village (originally Oriental Corner)
  • Mexicana (originally Plaza de Fiesta; included Children's World, which was removed to install XLR-8 in 1984)
  • Nottingham Village (1972 expansion initially named Country Fair; renamed in 1981)
  • Western Junction
  • Americana Square
  • European Village (originally included Alpine Valley){{Cite news|last=Tommaney|first=Susie|date=May 29, 2018|title=AstroWorld's 50th Anniversary: A "Magical Time" for the Park's Employees|url=https://www.houstonpress.com/arts/its-been-50-years-since-astroworld-opened-its-doors-in-houston-10495775|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705185347/http://www.houstonpress.com/arts/its-been-50-years-since-astroworld-opened-its-doors-in-houston-10495775|archive-date=July 5, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2020|website=Houston Press|publisher=Voice Media Group}}
  • USA (originally Mod Ville; Coney Island expansion (featuring Texas Cyclone) added in 1976; later renamed International Plaza in 1977){{cite web |url=https://www.ebay.com/itm/265223961536 |title=*RARE* VTG Original 1968 Opening Yr. Astroworld Theme Park Map Houston Six Flags |website=eBay |access-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709154927/https://www.ebay.com/itm/265223961536 |url-status=live }}

=Ride history=

The Alpine Sleigh Ride, Astrowheel, and Mill Pond were among the park's original sixteen rides. The Alpine Sleigh Ride "[took] passengers in roller coasters fashion over a mountain and through snow storms and waterfalls". Its opening was delayed by three weeks after the park's opening day.{{cite web |url=http://www.dafe.org/articles/darkrides/alpineSleighs.html |title=The Alpine Sleighs |website=Dark Attraction & Funhouse Enthusiasts |author= |date= |access-date=August 12, 2021 |archive-date=July 28, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728063643/http://www.dafe.org/articles/darkrides/alpineSleighs.html |url-status=live }} The water skimmer ride Mill Pond was not operational on opening day for mechanical reasons as well as the late arrival of two "water bug" cars. The Black Dragon debuted within the first year.{{Cite news|last=Taylor|first=Carrie|date=October 29, 2013|title=Early days of AstroWorld|url=https://www.chron.com/entertainment/slideshow/Early-days-of-AstroWorld-72994.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151012224742/http://www.chron.com/entertainment/slideshow/Early-days-of-AstroWorld-72994.php|archive-date=October 12, 2015|access-date=August 27, 2020|work=Houston Chronicle|language=en-US}}

To compensate for the humidity in Houston, the park included more than 2,400 tons of cooling with vents in the shaded areas of the park, which AstroWorld called "the largest outdoor air conditioning system in the world" at its opening. Additional air conditioning systems were fitted to the Alpine Sleighs, blowing gusts of refrigerated air over guests at {{cvt|10|F}}.

The "610 Limited" was the park's perimeter railroad, originally operating two steam locomotives, each {{frac|5|8}}-scale 4-4-0, which were built by Guiberson-Harpur Corp., a company owned by famed live steam builder and Walt Disney imagineer Bob Harpur.{{cite web |url=https://www.ccrrf.com/2012/PCRR-Brochure.pdf |title=Pacific Coast Railroad Company (brochure) |publisher=Pacific Coast Railroad Company |access-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712142232/https://www.ccrrf.com/2012/PCRR-Brochure.pdf |url-status=live }} Each original train had an engine, tender, and four cars for a capacity of 250 passengers, carrying them at speeds up to {{cvt|10|mph}} over {{cvt|5002|ft}} of track. The No. 2 train was sold for scrap to Gary Norton in 1986 and served at Silverwood Theme Park briefly{{cite web |url=https://www.steamlocomotive.info/F22004.cfm |title=Amusement Park Steam, Part Two |author=Terry, Jeff |date=2004 |work=Lineside Legacy |access-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712145952/https://www.steamlocomotive.info/F22004.cfm |url-status=live }} before the engine was sold to private owners and restored in Georgetown, California; the coaches remain in service at Silverwood. No. 1 remained in limited operation after diesel locomotives were relocated from Six Flags Magic Mountain; after AstroWorld closed, No. 1 was sold in January 2006, restored, and returned to service on the Pacific Coast Railroad at Santa Margarita Ranch in April as Caroline.{{cite news |url=https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/article39497922.html |title=Workin' on the railroad: Team preps steam engine for Savor the Central Coast |date=September 26, 2014 |newspaper=San Luis Obispo Tribune |access-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-date=July 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210712142234/https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/article39497922.html |url-status=live }} In addition, Harper Goff designed a custom railcar for Judge Hofheinz, named the Astrodoma, designed to run on the same tracks;{{cite news |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Judge-Roy-Hofheinz-s-custom-railroad-car-surfaces-12802711.php |title=Judge Roy Hofheinz's custom railroad car surfaces in a Houston warehouse |author=Hlavaty, Craig |date=April 4, 2018 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |access-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713173336/https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Judge-Roy-Hofheinz-s-custom-railroad-car-surfaces-12802711.php |url-status=live }} it was stored alongside its locomotive in 1976 after the park was sold to Six Flags, and remained undisturbed before it was sold in 2018.{{cite news |url=https://www.click2houston.com/news/2018/04/10/the-history-behind-judge-hofheinzs-astrodome-astroworld-railroad-car/ |title=The history behind Judge Hofheinz's Astrodome-AstroWorld railroad car |author1=McCord, Cory |author2=Korsgar, Ryan |date=April 10, 2018 |work=Click 2 Houston |access-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-date=July 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210713173338/https://www.click2houston.com/news/2018/04/10/the-history-behind-judge-hofheinzs-astrodome-astroworld-railroad-car/ |url-status=live }}

{{clear}}

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="font-size:90%;"

|+Original rides and attractions (1968){{cite web |url=https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/639 |title=AstroWorld Brochure |date=1968 |publisher=AstroWorld |website=Astrodome Memories |access-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190156/https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/639 |url-status=live }}

scope="col" | Name

! scope="col" | Closed

! scope="col" | Manufacturer

! scope="col" | Type

! scope="col" | Location

! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes

data-sort-value="Happening" | The Happening

| 2005

| Eli Bridge || Scrambler

| Mod Ville

| Initially announced as Scrambler. Enclosed in a dome for the 1971 season and renamed Orbiter in 1972. Later relocated to Oriental Corner and renamed Runaway Rickshaws, then moved to Nottingham Village in 1989 and renamed JoustaBout; returned to Oriental Village by the park's final season.{{cite web |url=https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1599 |title=SixFlags AstroWorld Houston 2005 Park Map & Guide |publisher=Astrodome Memories |access-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714032230/https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1599 |url-status=live }} After the park's closure, transferred to Six Flags Over Texas as Sidewinder.{{cite web |url=https://www.sfotsource.com/rides/sidewinder |title=Sidewinder |website=SFOT Source |access-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714163709/https://www.sfotsource.com/rides/sidewinder |url-status=live }}

Astrowheel

| 1979

| Astron Intl || Double Ferris wheel

| Mod Ville

| First of its kind, with two arms allowing one side to be loaded at a time. Each arm had eight spokes; each spoke carried an eight-passenger cabin. Closed in 1979 and replaced by Warp 10 in 1981.{{cite journal |url=https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1922&context=ethj |title=Judge Roy's Playground: A History of Astroworld |author=Guenther, Karen |date=October 1998 |volume=36 |issue=2 |journal=East Texas Historical Journal |access-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190507/https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1922&context=ethj |url-status=live }}

Astro Go-Go

| {{Unknown}}

| {{N/a}} || Live performance venue

| Mod Ville

| Renamed from original as Music Pavilion for the 1969 season and 300 seats added.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/9600703/ |title=New features at Astroworld |date=April 3, 1969 |newspaper=Seguin Gazette-Enterprise |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720165252/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/9600703/ |url-status=live }}

Spin Out

| 2005

| Arrow Development{{cite web |url=https://themeparkreview.com/forum/topic/20310-shanes-amusement-attic/page/15/?tab=comments#comment-490792 |title=Arrow Development marketing materials |date=1977 |access-date=July 16, 2021 |archive-date=July 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210717023724/https://themeparkreview.com/forum/topic/20310-shanes-amusement-attic/page/15/?tab=comments#comment-490792 |url-status=live }} || Driving simulator

| Mod Ville

| Similar to Le Taxi, but featuring sports cars; designed by Randall Duell & Associates. 46 cars on a {{cvt|1458|ft}} track.{{cite press release |url=https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1617 |title=Spin-Out |publisher=AstroWorld: The Wonderful World of Fun |date=1968 |access-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714032234/https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1617 |url-status=live }} Later renamed Antique Taxis. Open for the park's final season in 2005.

Astroway

| 2005

| Von Roll || Gondola lift

| Alpine Valley, Oriental Corner

| Initially announced as Skyway. Two-station gondola lift; stations were {{cvt|1080|ft}} apart. 34 cars.

Alpine Sleighs

| 1983

| Arrow Development || Aero Glide / Dark ride

| Alpine Valley

| Guests ride sleighs down the {{cvt|65|ft|adj=on}} tall "Der Hofheinzberg"{{cite magazine |url=https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,900135,00.html |title=The City: The Disneyland Effect |date=June 14, 1968 |magazine=Time |access-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-date=October 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003080423/http://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,900135,00.html |url-status=live }}{{cite book |title=Imagineering an American Dreamscape: Genesis, Evolution, and Redemption of the Regional Theme Park |author=Hill, Barry R. |date=2020 |publisher=Rivershore Press |isbn=978-1-7321210-6-5}}{{rp|82}} over a {{cvt|1250|ft|adj=on}} track and encounter the Abominable Snowman; 16 sleighs with four passengers each. Replaced with Enchanted Kingdom in 1984. The artificial mountain later was repurposed as the Batcave for Batman: The Escape in 1993.

Le Taxi

| 1983

| Arrow Development || Driving simulator

| European Village

| Similar to Spin Out, but featuring "vintage" French taxis; also designed by Duell. 35 vehicles, track was {{cvt|2901|ft}} long.{{cite press release |url=https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1616 |title=Le Taxi |publisher=AstroWorld: The Wonderful World of Fun |date=1968 |access-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714032235/https://astrodomememories.org/items/show/1616 |url-status=live }} Initially announced as French Taxi. Replaced with Enchanted Kingdom in 1984. Taxi vehicles were moved to Spin Out and that ride was renamed Antique Taxis.

Wagon Wheel

| 2005

| Chance Rides || Trabant

| Western Junction

| Shaped like a wheel from a Conestoga wagon. 20 seats with two passengers each. Open for the park's final season in 2005.

"610 Limited" Train

| 2005

| Guiberson-Harpur Corp. || 3 ft gauge railways narrow gauge miniature railroad

| Western Junction, Oriental Corner

| Two-station perimeter railroad; 10-minute ride on a {{cvt|1|mi}} track. Open for the park's final season in 2005.

Crystal Palace

| {{Unknown}}

| {{N/a}} || Live performance venue

| Western Junction

| 800-seat theater, 10 live shows per day until 1982, when performers were replaced by mechanical livestock for the "Great Texas Longhorn Revue" and the venue was renamed the Cow Palace.

Shooting Gallery

| {{Unknown}}

| {{N/a}} || Shooting gallery

| Western Junction

| Electronic shooting gallery, first of its kind. Originally branded as "Shoot 'em Up" and "Fast Draw Saloon".

Astroneedle

| 1999

| Willy Bühler Space Towers Company || Gyro tower

| (Skyrama Plaza) European Village

| {{cvt|340|ft|adj=on}} tall observation tower, which opened as Skyrama and was renamed Astroneedle.{{rp|82}} Featured a double-decker cabin with 32 passengers each level — original cabin supplied by Von Roll; retrofitted with Intamin cabin in 1979.{{cite journal|title=Tower Power: Landmark Attractions in Parks Worldwide|last=Slade|first=Gary|journal=Inside Track|date=May 1994|issue=89|pages=8–13|location=Newark, DE}} Dismantled in February 2000, with the intent to ship it to Six Flags Mexico.{{cite web |url=https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/february00/stories/020700_05.shtml |title=Six Flags Astroworld Bids Farewell To Astroneedle |website=Ultimate Rollercoaster |access-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714150334/https://www.ultimaterollercoaster.com/news/archives/february00/stories/020700_05.shtml |url-status=live }}

Mill Pond

| 1975

| Arrow Development || Aquatic bumper car

| European Village

| Initially announced as Water Bug. 40 boats, two passengers each; half were deployed on the course while the other half loaded visitors. Replaced by Gunslinger, a yo-yo ride.

Maypole

| 1977

| Arrow Development || Teacup ride

| Children's World

| Replaced by Aquarena Theatre.

Rub-A-Dub

| 1976

| Arrow Development || Channel boat ride

| Children's World

| Initially announced as Storybook. Floating tubs in a {{cvt|400|ft|adj=on}} long trough themed as a storybook.{{Cite web|last=Kerr|first=Bryan|date=January 12, 2016|title=1974: Woman injured on ride, sues Astroworld|url=https://www.chron.com/this-forgotten-day-in-houston/article/1974-Woman-injured-on-ride-sues-Astroworld-6753722.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828145619/https://www.chron.com/this-forgotten-day-in-houston/article/1974-Woman-injured-on-ride-sues-Astroworld-6753722.php|archive-date=August 28, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2020|website=Houston Chronicle}} Ride removed and the area was used for the Season Pass processing booth, added in 1979.{{cite news |url=https://www.houstonpress.com/arts/its-been-50-years-since-astroworld-opened-its-doors-in-houston-10495775 |title=AstroWorld's 50th Anniversary: A 'Magical Time' for the Park's Employees |author=Tommaney, Susie |date=May 29, 2018 |work=HoustonPress |access-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-date=July 5, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705185347/http://www.houstonpress.com/arts/its-been-50-years-since-astroworld-opened-its-doors-in-houston-10495775 |url-status=live }}

Barnyard

| 1984

| {{N/a}} || Petting zoo

| Children's World

| Removed to make room for XLR-8.{{cite web |url=http://www.sixflagshouston.com/media/?mediaid=13&ref=/maps/ |title=1984 AstroWorld Park Map |website=SixFlagsHouston |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061031021306/http://www.sixflagshouston.com/media/?mediaid=13&ref=%2Fmaps%2F |archive-date=October 31, 2006 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 12, 2021 }}

Boot Slide

| 1984

| || Slide

| Children's World

| Enclosed slide {{cvt|10|ft}} high and {{cvt|22|ft}} long in a giant boot; Featured in a modeling shoot for Life magazine, 1969.{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a08EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA68 |title=Houston: Fashion savvy of a rich city hitched to the new |author=Conant, Howell (photographer) |pages=62–69 |author-link=Howell Conant |date=May 30, 1969 |magazine=Life |access-date=21 September 2021}} Removed to make room for XLR-8.

Lost World Adventure

| 1988

| || River boat

| Lost World

| Set on the "Rio Mysterio"; tells the story of Prof. A. Tiddle Gooley in nine scenes, culminating in an ancient temple ruin. Rethemed as River of No Return in 1976,{{cite web |url=http://www.sixflagshouston.com/media/?mediaid=5&ref=/maps/ |title=1976 Astroworld Park Map |website=SixFlagsHouston |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061031020943/http://www.sixflagshouston.com/media/?mediaid=5&ref=%2Fmaps%2F |archive-date=October 31, 2006 |url-status=dead |access-date=September 12, 2021 }} then The Wetlands in 1985. Replaced by Tidal Wave in 1988.{{cite web |url=http://coasterphotos.com/SFAW/sfawhistory.htm |title=Astroworld History |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/19991009130513/http://coasterphotos.com/SFAW/sfawhistory.htm |archive-date=October 9, 1999 |publisher=Coaster Photos |url-status=dead}}

data-sort-value="Black Dragon" | The Black Dragon

| 1977

| Eyerly || Monster

| Oriental Corner

| Six arms, 48 passenger capacity. Relocated to Coney Island and renamed Razz Ma Tazz in 1976.

File:AstroWorld Astroway.jpg skyride (2004)]]

Bamboo Shoot (a log flume later named Ozarka Splash){{Cite news|last=Sixel|first=L. M.|date=January 3, 2006|title=Astroworld memorabilia to go on the auction block|url=https://www.chron.com/business/article/Astroworld-memorabilia-to-go-on-the-auction-block-1886497.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140214173839/http://www.chron.com/business/article/Astroworld-memorabilia-to-go-on-the-auction-block-1886497.php|archive-date=February 14, 2014|access-date=August 27, 2020|work=Houston Chronicle}} and the Serpent junior coaster were installed in 1969. Bamboo Shoot took riders on a {{cvt|1500|ft}} course at speeds up to {{cvt|30|mph}}; each of the 25 boats carried four adults or six children. Serpent carried 24 passengers on a {{cvt|722|ft}} track in six cars. The Alpine Carousel (also known as the Dentzel Carousel, after its manufacturer) in Alpine Village{{cite magazine |url=https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/carousel/ |title=Carousel |author=Chernikowski, Stephanie |date=April 1975 |magazine=Texas Monthly |access-date=July 14, 2021 |url-access=limited |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714143357/https://www.texasmonthly.com/arts-entertainment/carousel/ |url-status=live }} also was added for the 1969 season.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53994170/astroworld-1969/ |title=Astroworld opens colorful new season |date=April 12, 1969 |newspaper=Hattiesburg American |access-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714155109/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/53994170/astroworld-1969/ |url-status=live }} It was originally built in 1895 and operated from 1907 to 1967 in Forest Park (formerly Eichelberger Park) in Hanover, Pennsylvania. After Forest Park was sold to make way for a shopping center, AstroWorld purchased the carousel and moved it to Houston.{{cite web |url=https://www.hpsd.k12.pa.us/archives/chronister/forest_park/forest_park.htm |title=Eichelberger Park - Forest Park |author=Chronister, Barbara |website=Chronister Collection |access-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714143406/https://www.hpsd.k12.pa.us/archives/chronister/forest_park/forest_park.htm |url-status=live }} It retained its original pipe organ and drums, and the menagerie of animals included lions, ostriches, pigs, camels, horses, rabbits, giraffes, and tigers. Some animals on the outside ring were swapped from a D. C. Muller and Bros. carousel that had previously operated at Pen Mar Park between 1907 and 1943;{{cite news |url=https://carouselhistory.com/1905-pen-mar-muller-carousel/ |title=History of the Magnificent Ca. 1905 D. C. Muller and Brother Co. Pen Mar Park Carousel |author=Stevens, Marianne |date=September 1992 |work=Carousel News & Trader |access-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714143358/https://carouselhistory.com/1905-pen-mar-muller-carousel/ |url-status=live }} August Karst operated both the Pen Mar and Forest parks.{{cite web |url=https://www.hpsd.k12.pa.us/archives/chronister/chronister6.htm |title=Dentzel Carousel located at Forest Park is now located at AstroWorld in Texas |author=Chronister, Barbara |website=Chronister Collection |access-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714143406/https://www.hpsd.k12.pa.us/archives/chronister/chronister6.htm |url-status=live }} The Brass Ring Carousel Company of Sun Valley, California, purchased the carousel before the 2006 auction of AstroWorld assets, and restored it for a private museum.{{cite news |url=http://brassringcarousel.com/restoration-of-the1895-astroworld-dentzel-muller-menagerie-restoration/ |title=Houston's Astroworld Carousel Saved Intact! |date=February 2006 |work=Carousel News & Trader |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160309163106/http://brassringcarousel.com/restoration-of-the1895-astroworld-dentzel-muller-menagerie-restoration/ |archive-date=March 9, 2016 |url-status=dead}}

The Swamp Buggy (a dark ride with a {{cvt|55|ft|adj=on}} drop over a spiral track "wrapped around a huge tree"), Magnetic House (a fun house) and a wooden bridge were added for the 1970 season to an island (themed "Fun Island") in the lagoon between the Astroneedle and Plaza de Fiesta. The first major park expansion opened in 1972 with a new area themed Country Fair between Americana Square and Oriental Corner. Country Fair included typical midway attractions and the first major roller coaster in the park, the Dexter Frebish Electric Roller Ride (renamed "Excalibur" in 1981 with the retheming of the expansion to Nottingham Village). The park added a second antique carousel at this time in Country Fair, originally built in 1907 by Borelli.{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qywEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA95 |title=Carousel |date=April 1975 |magazine=Texas Monthly |author=Chernikowski, Stephanie |pages=92–95 |issn=0148-7736 |volume=3 |issue=4 |publisher=Mediatex Communications Corporation |location=Austin, Texas}}{{rp|95}} Installed in 1976 as part of the {{cvt|7|acre|adj=on}} "Coney Island" expansion, Texas Cyclone was among the largest wooden roller coasters in the U.S. and featured a {{cvt|92|ft|adj=on}} drop at 53 degrees, achieving a speed of {{cvt|65|mph}}.{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/13/travel/correspondent-s-choices-coasting-sliding-12-america-s-amusement-parks-west.html |title=Correspondent's Choices: coasting and sliding at 12 of America's amusement parks; the west: Astroworld - Houston, Texas |author=Belkin, Lisa |date=August 13, 1989 |newspaper=The New York Times |access-date=July 19, 2021 |url-access=subscription |archive-date=July 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210719152420/https://www.nytimes.com/1989/08/13/travel/correspondent-s-choices-coasting-sliding-12-america-s-amusement-parks-west.html |url-status=live }} During construction, a tropical storm damaged a portion of the ride, delaying its opening. After the park closed, the coaster's trains were relocated to La Ronde.{{Cite news|last=Callahan|first=Michael|date=March 6, 2016|title=Astroworld's Texas Cyclone Demolished|url=https://blog.chron.com/bayoucityhistory/2016/03/astroworlds-texas-cyclone-demolished/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703080009/https://blog.chron.com/bayoucityhistory/2016/03/astroworlds-texas-cyclone-demolished/|archive-date=July 3, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2020|work=Houston Chronicle|language=en-US}} Greezed Lightnin', installed in 1978, could accelerate from 0 to {{convert|60|mph}} in four seconds. Joe Bob Briggs (writing under his given name, John Bloom) covered the looping coaster in Texas Monthly that year, noting the ride only lasts 28 seconds, adding the second half of the ride is carried out in reverse: "If there is anything more frightening than entering a 360-degree loop in a coaster car, it is entering a 360-degree loop backwards in a coaster car".{{cite magazine |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=MiwEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA76 |title=Texana: Roll Me Over in the Coaster |date=July 1978 |magazine=Texas Monthly |author=Bloom, John |author-link=Joe Bob Briggs |pages=76;78;80 |issn=0148-7736 |volume=6 |issue=7 |publisher=Mediatex Communications Corporation |location=Austin, Texas}}

File:Tidal Wave (Six Flags Astroworld) 1.jpg, 2004]]

Thunder River, installed in 1980,{{Cite web|last=Hennes|first=Rebecca|date=June 11, 2020|title=Looking back at AstroWorld, 52 years after the Houston theme park's opening|url=https://www.chron.com/houston/slideshow/Looking-back-at-AstroWorld-52-years-after-the-203630.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200823041052/https://www.chron.com/houston/slideshow/Looking-back-at-AstroWorld-52-years-after-the-203630.php|archive-date=August 23, 2020|access-date=August 28, 2020|website=Houston Chronicle|language=en-US}} has been described as the "first commercially successful river-rapids ride".{{Cite journal|last=Wray|first=Dianna|date=May 29, 2018|title=Closed, But Never Forgotten: AstroWorld Turns 50|url=https://www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-city-life/2018/05/astroworld|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828145619/https://www.houstoniamag.com/news-and-city-life/2018/05/astroworld|archive-date=August 28, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2020|website=Houstonia|language=en-US}} Warp 10 took over the former site of the Astrowheel in 1981; it was later moved to Plaza de Fiesta in 1987 and renamed Warp 2000. Warp 2000 was operating as Crazy Legs at Six Flags Over Texas in Arlington, as of 2016. The ten-story Sky Screamer debuted in 1983. Louis B. Parks of the Houston Chronicle said of the ride at the time: "After being shot to the top of the tower in a super fast elevator ride, you are now about to free fall back to the bottom. As you reach the base of the tower, several weeks ahead of your stomach, you will be swooshed along a curving track, changing your horizon and your bearings, and braked to a quick stop while lying on your back." In 2013, the newspaper's J. R. Gonzalez recalled, this "crash course in physics ... wasn't as scary as the Texas Cyclone, nor as drenching as Thunder River, but it did make for a quick thrill". AstroWorld removed the ride during the 1990s.{{Cite news|last=Gonzales|first=J. R.|date=May 11, 2013|title=30 years later: Did you fall for Sky Screamer at AstroWorld?|url=https://blog.chron.com/bayoucityhistory/2013/05/30-years-later-did-you-fall-for-sky-screamer-at-astroworld/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191114231448/https://blog.chron.com/bayoucityhistory/2013/05/30-years-later-did-you-fall-for-sky-screamer-at-astroworld/|archive-date=November 14, 2019|access-date=August 27, 2020|work=Houston Chronicle|language=en-US}} XLR-8 was installed in 1984. Looping Starship was installed in 1986.{{Cite web|last=Gonzales|first=J. R.|date=June 3, 2019|title=Memories of AstroWorld stronger than ever 51 years after park's opening|url=https://www.chron.com/local/bayou-city-history/article/Memories-of-AstroWorld-stronger-than-ever-51-13923987.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728002352/https://www.chron.com/local/bayou-city-history/article/Memories-of-AstroWorld-stronger-than-ever-51-13923987.php|archive-date=July 28, 2019|access-date=August 27, 2020|website=Houston Chronicle}} Arrow-Huss originally manufactured Tidal Wave as "Shoot the Chute" for the 1984 World's Fair in New Orleans. Six Flags purchased the ride after the fair's bankruptcy and installed it at AstroWorld in 1988, replacing the Lost World riverboat ride.{{cite web |url=https://parkvault.net/2015/03/02/the-second-portion-of-our-look-at-the-shoot-the-chute-water-ride/ |title=The Second portion of our look at the Shoot the Chute water ride. |date=March 2, 2015 |website=ParkVault |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720145005/https://parkvault.net/2015/03/02/the-second-portion-of-our-look-at-the-shoot-the-chute-water-ride/ |url-status=live }} It was described as "a flume designed to plunge passengers down a series of slides in a small boat" and "dependent upon a stream of pumped water".

Ultra Twister was installed in 1990.{{Cite web|last=Jordan|first=Jay R.|date=February 4, 2019|title=New AstroWorld auction is your chance to own vintage entrance sign, Bugs Bunny and more|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/AstroWorld-auction-How-to-get-your-hands-on-13587496.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190204230052/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/AstroWorld-auction-How-to-get-your-hands-on-13587496.php|archive-date=February 4, 2019|access-date=August 27, 2020|website=Houston Chronicle|language=en-US}} The ride stood nine stories tall and had a vertical drop followed by a series of barrel rolls.{{Cite news|last=Harkinson|first=Josh|date=June 3, 2004|title=Thrilled to Death|url=https://www.houstonpress.com/news/thrilled-to-death-6586723|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190826230032/https://www.houstonpress.com/news/thrilled-to-death-6586723|archive-date=August 26, 2019|access-date=August 27, 2020|work=Houston Press}} Mayan Mindbender was installed originally as Nightmare at Boblo Island in 1995, becoming the park's first indoor roller coaster. The {{convert|1,148|ft|adj=on}} coaster was housed inside a Mayan pyramid. The ride's trains had twelve cars made by the Dutch company Vekoma, with T-bars used as restraints. In 2004, Josh Harkinson of the Houston Press wrote, "the coaster resembles Indiana Jones skiing Space Mountain: It caroms in total darkness inside a faux Mayan temple. Teens are delightfully horrified." In 2019, the newspaper's Jef Rouner opined, "The line setting was fantastic, too. It wound through a jungle past skeletons in crashed jeeps and was probably the best themed wait outside of Batman: The Escape."{{Cite news|last=Rouner|first=Jef|date=August 22, 2019|title=Miss the Mayan Mindbender? Ride Revenge of the Mummy|url=https://www.houstonpress.com/arts/remembering-the-mayan-mindbender-at-astroworld-11342006|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190914084935/https://www.houstonpress.com/arts/remembering-the-mayan-mindbender-at-astroworld-11342006|archive-date=September 14, 2019|access-date=August 27, 2020|work=Houston Press}} The ride later operated as The Hornet at Amarillo's Wonderland Park. In 1997, AstroWorld added Dungeon Drop, an Intamin drop tower, to Nottingham Village;{{cite web |url=https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201403/3943/ |title=Theme Park History: The demise of Six Flags AstroWorld |author=Sundstrom, Jacob |date=March 27, 2014 |website=Theme Park Insider |access-date=20 July 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720145005/https://www.themeparkinsider.com/flume/201403/3943/ |url-status=live }} that ride let passengers fall, reaching approximately {{cvt|60|mph}} in three seconds, before slowing the descent via large magnets. The ride's entry was based on a medieval torture chamber. It was repainted and operated as Superman: Tower of Power at Six Flags St. Louis. It closed at the end of the 2020 season and was demolished during the 2021 season. Serial Thriller originally operated at AstroWorld starting in 1999. The ride was placed into storage in 2005 and began operating as Ednör at La Ronde in 2010.{{Cite web|last=Marceau|first=Caitlin|date=May 12, 2015|title=10 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Montreal's La Ronde|url=https://www.mtlblog.com/lifestyle/10-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-montreals-la-ronde|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828145619/https://www.mtlblog.com/lifestyle/10-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-montreals-la-ronde|archive-date=August 28, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2020|website=MTL Blog|publisher=Narcity Media|language=en-CA}}

SWAT opened in 2003 in Plaza de Fiesta, along with Diablo Falls, a spinning rapids ride;{{cite web |url=https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/vprr/0305/03056699.pdf#page=18 |title=2002 Annual Report |page=16 |publisher=Six Flags |access-date=21 July 2021 |quote=In 2003, [Six Flags AstroWorld] will introduce two new theme park rides. SWAT is a spinning, head-over-heels thriller; and Diablo Falls is the world's tallest spinning rapids ride. |archive-date=July 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721152001/https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/vprr/0305/03056699.pdf#page=18 |url-status=live }} after the closure of AstroWorld, both rides were relocated to Six Flags New England as Catapult and Splash Water Falls, respectively.{{cite press release |url=https://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/sixflags/23669/ |title=Doubling the Fun AGAIN in 2006 With TWO New Rides! |date=April 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060424160928/https://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/sixflags/23669/ |archive-date=April 24, 2006 |publisher=Six Flags New England |access-date=21 July 2021}} S&S Worldwide manufactured SWAT, and only two rides of this type were built; the other was installed at Thorpe Park in England.{{cite web |url=https://www.sfneonline.org/2013/12/05/six-flags-catapult-removed/ |title=Catapult to be removed from Six Flags New England |author=Josh |date=December 5, 2013 |website=SFNE Online |access-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-date=July 20, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210720145006/https://www.sfneonline.org/2013/12/05/six-flags-catapult-removed/ |url-status=usurped }}

=List of roller coasters=

class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" style="font-size:90%;"
scope="col" | Name

! scope="col" | Image

! scope="col" | Opened

! scope="col" | Closed

! scope="col" | Manufacturer

! scope="col" | Type

! scope="col" | Location{{Cite web|title=Your Guide to Fun at Six Flags AstroWorld!|url=http://www.sixflags.com/parks/astroworld/pdf/map.pdf|url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20051109151635/http://www.sixflags.com/parks/astroworld/pdf/map.pdf|archive-date=November 9, 2005|access-date=August 27, 2020|publisher=Six Flags AstroWorld}}

! scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes

scope="row" | Batman The Escape

|File:Batman the Escape.jpg

| style="text-align:center;" |1993

| style="text-align:center;" |2005

|Intamin

|Stand-up roller coaster

| style="text-align:center;" |European Village

|The Batman-themed roller coaster was being stored at Six Flags Darien Lake in Darien, New York, as of 2016, and was eventually scrapped.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Batman The Escape|location=AstroWorld|rcdb_number=53|accessdate=August 27, 2020}}

scope="row" | Excalibur

|{{center|—}}

| style="text-align:center;" |1972

| style="text-align:center;" |1998

|Arrow Development

|Mine train roller coaster

| style="text-align:center;" |Nottingham Village

|Formerly known as Dexter Frebish's Electric Roller Ride, the roller coaster was stored at Frontier City in Oklahoma City, and was eventually scrapped.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Excalibur|location=AstroWorld|rcdb_number=133|accessdate=August 27, 2020}}

scope="row" | Greezed Lightnin'

|File:GreezedLightnin054.JPG

| style="text-align:center;" |1978

| style="text-align:center;" |2005

|Schwarzkopf

|Shuttle Loop

| style="text-align:center;" |Western Junction

|The roller coaster was relocated to Joyland Amusement Park in Lubbock, Texas, and remains in storage in nearby Mackenzie Park.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Greezed Lightnin'|location=AstroWorld|rcdb_number=55|accessdate=August 27, 2020}} Ownership was transferred to Cliff's Amusement Park in Albuquerque.{{cite journal|journal=Amusement Today|url=http://amusementtoday.com/2012/05/historic-greezed-lightnin-moving-to-cliffs-amusement-park/|title=Historic Greezed Lightnin' moving to Cliff's Amusement Park|date=May 4, 2012|access-date=August 27, 2020|archive-date=August 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180825120103/http://amusementtoday.com/2012/05/historic-greezed-lightnin-moving-to-cliffs-amusement-park/|url-status=live}}

scope="row" | Mayan Mindbender

|File:Astroworld Ozarka Splash.jpg

| style="text-align:center;" |1995

| style="text-align:center;" |2005

|Vekoma

|Custom MK-700

| style="text-align:center;" |Oriental Corner

|The roller coaster was relocated to Wonderland Park in Amarillo, Texas, as Hornet.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Mayan Mindbender|location=AstroWorld|rcdb_number=48|accessdate=August 27, 2020}}

scope="row" | Serial Thriller

|File:Serial Thriller.jpg

| style="text-align:center;" |1999

| style="text-align:center;" |2005

|Vekoma

|Suspended Looping Coaster (689m)

| style="text-align:center;" |Nottingham Village

|The roller coaster was relocated to Montreal's La Ronde amusement park as Ednör – L'Attaque.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Serial Thriller|location=AstroWorld|rcdb_number=551|accessdate=August 27, 2020}}

scope="row" | Serpent

|File:Serpent rollercoaster (Six Flags Astroworld, 2004).jpg

| style="text-align:center;" |1969

| style="text-align:center;" |2005

|Arrow Development

|Mini-mine train roller coaster

| style="text-align:center;" |Oriental Corner

|Serpent was the park's first roller coaster and the last junior mine train made by Arrow Development. It was demolished following the park's permanent closure.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Serpent|location=AstroWorld|rcdb_number=135|accessdate=August 27, 2020}}

scope="row" | Swamp Buggy Ride

|File:Treetrunk.jpg

| style="text-align:center;" |1970

| style="text-align:center;" |{{Circa|1972}}

|Chance Rides

|Toboggan

| style="text-align:center;" |Fun Island

|The ride carried guests "55 feet up above the center of a giant swamp tree and then slide dizzily down a spiraled track wrapped around a huge tree".{{cite news |work=New York Daily News |date=May 10, 1970 |title=Summer Is Coming – Here's Our Preview |first=John |last=Hughes |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/58256818/details-of-lesser-known-six-flags/ |via=Newspapers.com |access-date=August 29, 2020 |archive-date=October 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201009153015/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/58256818/details-of-lesser-known-six-flags/ |url-status=live }}{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Swamp Buggy|location=AstroWorld|rcdb_number=745|accessdate=August 27, 2020}}

scope="row" | Texas Cyclone

|File:Texas Cyclone2.jpg

| style="text-align:center;" |1976

| style="text-align:center;" |2005

|William Cobb

|Wooden roller coaster

| style="text-align:center;" |USA

|Modeled after the Coney Island Cyclone, the coaster was demolished, with trains relocated to Montreal's La Ronde amusement park.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Texas Cyclone|location=AstroWorld|rcdb_number=54|accessdate=August 27, 2020}}

scope="row" | Texas Tornado

|File:Montaña Rusa Tsunami.png

| style="text-align:center;" |1998

| style="text-align:center;" |2002

|Schwarzkopf

|Sit down roller coaster

| style="text-align:center;" |Plaza de Fiesta

|The roller coaster did not operate during 2001–2002, and was later relocated to Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California, as Zonga.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Texas Tornado|location=AstroWorld|rcdb_number=492|accessdate=August 27, 2020}}

scope="row" | Ultra Twister

|File:Ultra Twister.jpg

| style="text-align:center;" |1990

| style="text-align:center;" |2005

|TOGO

|Pipeline roller coaster

| style="text-align:center;" |European Village

|The roller coaster was relocated to Six Flags America in Woodmore, Maryland, and eventually scrapped.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=UltraTwister|location=AstroWorld|rcdb_number=4537|accessdate=August 27, 2020}}

scope="row" | Viper

|File:Viper (Six Flags Astroworld) sections.jpg

| style="text-align:center;" |1989

| style="text-align:center;" |2005

|Schwarzkopf

|Looping Star

| style="text-align:center;" |Oriental Corner

|The roller coaster operated as Jet Scream at Six Flags Over Mid-America in Eureka, Missouri, from 1981 to 1988.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=Viper|location=AstroWorld|rcdb_number=50|accessdate=August 28, 2020}}

scope="row" | XLR-8

|File:XLR-8.jpg

| style="text-align:center;" |1984

| style="text-align:center;" |2005

|Arrow Dynamics

|Suspended roller coaster

| style="text-align:center;" |Plaza de Fiesta

|The roller coaster was demolished, with trains relocated to Six Flags Magic Mountain in Santa Clarita, California.{{Cite RCDB|coaster_name=XLR-8|location=AstroWorld|rcdb_number=134|accessdate=August 27, 2020}}

WaterWorld

WaterWorld, Houston's first water park, opened in June 1983.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/53312005/ |title=AstroWorld Offers Family Entertainment |date=May 9, 1985 |newspaper=The Cameron Herald |access-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709185616/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/53312005/ |url-status=live }} Although it shared an entrance with AstroWorld, a separate $8.95 admission charge was required for entry; by comparison, the one-day ticket price for AstroWorld at the time was $12.50.{{cite web |url=https://blog.chron.com/bayoucityhistory/2011/06/waterworld-in-photos-and-words/ |title=WaterWorld in photos and words |author=Gonzales, J. R. |date=June 15, 2011 |website=Bayou City History [blog] |publisher=Houston Chronicle |access-date=9 July 2021 |archive-date=December 15, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201215173527/https://blog.chron.com/bayoucityhistory/2011/06/waterworld-in-photos-and-words/ |url-status=live }}

The {{cvt|10|acre|adj=on}} 1.9 million-gallon water park featured a {{cvt|200|ft|m|adj=mid|-long}} wave pool called Breaker Beach. According to the Houston Chronicle, other attractions included the Lagoon, "a lush swimming area with waterfalls and diving platforms". Water slides included Wipe-Out, Typhoon, Tidal Wave, and Hurricane, which offered twisting and turning rides as long as {{cvt|400|ft}} while patrons slid back down to earth. Wipe-Out, in particular, had a vertical drop of {{cvt|60|ft}} over a straight {{cvt|300|ft|adj=on}} length and claimed to accelerate riders to {{cvt|40|mph}}.{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/53336301/ |title=WIPEOUT aptly describes the 60-foot high slide at Water World |newspaper=The Cameron Herald |access-date=9 July 2021 |archive-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190925/https://www.newspapers.com/newspage/53336301/ |url-status=live }} "Squirt's Splash was strictly for the kids and parents with water pistols and mazes. Runaway River was an attraction that saw riders float through a series of pools and thrilling drops that eventually lead back to the Lagoon."{{cite news |url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Remembering-WaterWorld-Houston-s-chlorinated-12915629.php |author=Hlavaty, Craig |title=Remembering WaterWorld, Houston's chlorinated oasis next to AstroWorld |date=May 15, 2018 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |access-date=July 9, 2021 |archive-date=November 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109011407/https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Remembering-WaterWorld-Houston-s-chlorinated-12915629.php |url-status=live }} Two rides were added to the park in 1999, including Big Kahuna.

Peak attendance reached approximately 20,000 people on Saturdays. AstroWorld and WaterWorld merged in 2002.

Events

The park's Southern Star Amphitheater opened in 1980 and hosted a variety of performers, including The Beach Boys, The Cure, Destiny's Child, Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, Heart (1985), Billy Idol, The Monkees, and Selena. The music video for the Debbie Gibson song "Staying Together" was filmed at the concert venue in 1987.{{Cite news|last=Guerra|first=Joey|date=June 18, 2019|title=AstroWorld took Houston on the ride of a lifetime|url=https://www.chron.com/local/history/culture-scene/article/AstroWorld-took-Houston-on-the-ride-of-a-lifetime-8310350.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200806164310/https://www.chron.com/local/history/culture-scene/article/AstroWorld-took-Houston-on-the-ride-of-a-lifetime-8310350.php|archive-date=August 6, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2020|work=Houston Chronicle}} The venue hosted music festivals such as Joyfest, featuring Christian groups Jars of Clay and Point of Grace (1990s).{{cite news |last1=Lynn |first1=Christina |title=The 10 Greatest Summer Concerts I Never Saw |url=https://www.houstonpress.com/music/the-10-greatest-summer-concerts-i-never-saw-6765843 |access-date=August 29, 2020 |work=Houston Press |date=July 3, 2012 |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912145655/https://www.houstonpress.com/music/the-10-greatest-summer-concerts-i-never-saw-6765843 |url-status=live }}

Six Flags AstroWorld originated the "Fright Nights" special event for the Halloween season in 1986, designed to help drive attendance during the otherwise light fall season.{{Cite news|last=Hlavaty|first=Craig|date=October 27, 2017|title=Remembering AstroWorld's annual Halloween party|url=https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/Remembering-AstroWorld-s-annual-Halloween-party-12312604.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028013005/https://www.beaumontenterprise.com/news/article/Remembering-AstroWorld-s-annual-Halloween-party-12312604.php|archive-date=October 28, 2017|access-date=August 27, 2020|website=Beaumont Enterprise|publisher=Hearst Communications}} The event was renamed "Fright Fest" in 1993, and continued until the park closed in 2005.{{Cite news|last=Hlavaty|first=Craig|date=October 4, 2018|title=Boo! AstroWorld Fright Fest scared Houston for a generation|url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Fright-Fest-AstroWorld-Halloween-9871660.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828145638/https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Fright-Fest-AstroWorld-Halloween-9871660.php|archive-date=August 28, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2020|website=San Antonio Express-News|publisher=Hearst Communications}} Holiday in the Park was held around Christmas.{{Cite news|last=Hlavaty|first=Craig|date=October 30, 2010|title=This week in 2005 Houston's playground AstroWorld closed its gates for good|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/This-week-in-2005-AstroWorld-closed-its-gates-10307466.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828145643/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/This-week-in-2005-AstroWorld-closed-its-gates-10307466.php|archive-date=August 28, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2020|work=Houston Chronicle|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|last=Hlavaty|first=Craig|date=July 11, 2017|title=WaterWorld, Astroworld's splashy sibling, opened 34 years ago this summer|url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/WaterWorld-AstroWorld-Photos-Houston-Memories-11280285.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191117084806/https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/WaterWorld-AstroWorld-Photos-Houston-Memories-11280285.php|archive-date=November 17, 2019|access-date=August 27, 2020|work=Houston Chronicle}} The park had other seasonal attractions, like Alice Cooper's Brutal Planet.{{Cite news|last=Landau|first=Seth|date=October 21, 1999|title=Bogey Nights|url=https://www.houstonpress.com/arts/bogey-nights-6566472|access-date=August 27, 2020|work=Houston Press|archive-date=September 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912145629/https://www.houstonpress.com/arts/bogey-nights-6566472|url-status=live}} The singer also performed at AstroWorld.

Personnel

Dan Dunn and Jeff Martin worked as a caricaturists at the park. Daniel Johnston operated River of No Return.{{Cite news|last=Dansby|first=Andrew|date=September 11, 2019|title=Beloved cult Texas singer-songwriter Daniel Johnston dies|url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/music/article/Beloved-cult-Texas-singer-songwriter-Daniel-14432534.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190912220039/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/music/article/Beloved-cult-Texas-singer-songwriter-Daniel-14432534.php|archive-date=September 12, 2019|access-date=August 27, 2020|work=Houston Chronicle|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|last=Curtin|first=Kevin|date=September 13, 2019|title=Daniel Johnston's Death Begins Its Reverberations Around the Globe|url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/music/2019-09-13/daniel-johnstons-death-begins-its-reverberations-around-the-globe/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828145643/https://www.austinchronicle.com/music/2019-09-13/daniel-johnstons-death-begins-its-reverberations-around-the-globe/|archive-date=August 28, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2020|work=The Austin Chronicle|publisher=Austin Chronicle Corp.|language=en-US}}

In 2018, former employees organized the AstroWorld 50th Anniversary Employee Reunion.

Media and legacy

On December 28, 1968, ABC aired the children's television special The Pied Piper of Astroworld, starring Soupy Sales, Lesley Gore, and Kenny Rogers and The First Edition, featuring Patrick Swayze in a bear costume and The Muppets.{{cite news |last1=Burke |first1=Dana |title=ABC made a 1968 holiday special about Astroworld, featuring Patrick Swayze |url=https://www.timesunion.com/life/article/ABC-made-a-1968-holiday-special-about-Astroworld-5104248.php |access-date=August 29, 2020 |work=Houston Chronicle |date=January 2, 2014 |via=Times Union |archive-date=September 12, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210912145628/https://www.timesunion.com/life/article/ABC-made-a-1968-holiday-special-about-Astroworld-5104248.php |url-status=live }} Robert Altman directed Bud Cort as a reclusive inventor living in the Astrodome for the cult classic film Brewster McCloud, released in 1970, with scenes from AstroWorld including the Lost World Adventure riverboat ride.{{cite news |url=https://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/movies_tv/article/Brewster-McCloud-brought-70s-era-Houston-13646281.php |title='Brewster McCloud' brought '70s-era Houston to the big screen |author=Gray, Chris |date=February 28, 2019 |newspaper=Houston Chronicle |access-date=July 29, 2021 |archive-date=July 29, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729181348/https://www.houstonchronicle.com/entertainment/movies_tv/article/Brewster-McCloud-brought-70s-era-Houston-13646281.php |url-status=live }}

The model of AstroWorld built by Ed Henderson in 1967 was displayed publicly again at the Houston Public Library Central Library's Julia Ideson Building starting in 2011.{{Cite news|last=Turner|first=Allan|date=July 7, 2011|title=Retouched Astroworld model getting a home at library|url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Retouched-Astroworld-model-getting-a-home-at-2079255.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180705233322/https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/article/Retouched-Astroworld-model-getting-a-home-at-2079255.php|archive-date=July 5, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2020|website=Houston Chronicle}} In 2016, the library announced the model would be exhibited there permanently.{{cite news |url=https://thebuzzmagazines.com/calendar-events/original-astroworld-model-be-displayed-houston-public-library |title=The Original 'AstroWorld' Model to be Displayed at the Houston Public Library |date=2016 |work=The Buzz Magazines |access-date=14 July 2021 |archive-date=July 14, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210714155119/https://thebuzzmagazines.com/calendar-events/original-astroworld-model-be-displayed-houston-public-library |url-status=live }}

In 2015, the bar Moving Sidewalk launched an AstroWorld-themed cocktail menu.{{Cite journal|last=Shilcutt|first=Katharine|date=October 5, 2015|title=Moving Sidewalk Debuts an Astroworld-Themed Cocktail Menu|url=https://www.houstoniamag.com/eat-and-drink/2015/10/moving-sidewalk-debuts-an-astroworld-themed-cocktail-menu|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200828145643/https://www.houstoniamag.com/eat-and-drink/2015/10/moving-sidewalk-debuts-an-astroworld-themed-cocktail-menu|archive-date=August 28, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2020|website=Houstonia|language=en-US}}

American rapper and singer Travis Scott, born and raised in Houston, called his third studio album Astroworld (2018) to commemorate his hometown.{{cite web|title=Travis Scott Announces Third Album 'Astroworld'|url=http://www.rap-up.com/2016/05/17/travis-scott-announces-third-album-astroworld/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180721024750/http://www.rap-up.com/2016/05/17/travis-scott-announces-third-album-astroworld/|archive-date=July 21, 2018|access-date=August 27, 2020|website=Rap-Up}} In an XXL interview, he said of the park's closure and demolition, "They took AstroWorld away from us in Houston."{{cite journal|last=Iandoli|first=Kathy|date=January 9, 2017|title=Travis Scott Searches for Happiness While Creating His 'AstroWorld' Album|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/01/travis-scott-astroworld-album/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127195535/https://www.xxlmag.com/news/2017/01/travis-scott-astroworld-album/|archive-date=January 27, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2020|website=XXL|publisher=Townsquare Media}} Scott announced a festival taking Astroworld's name for 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/12/travis-scott-astroworld-drop-in-2017/|title=Travis Scott Says 'Astroworld' LP Will Drop in 2017|work=XXL|date=December 31, 2016|access-date=July 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180731062124/http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2016/12/travis-scott-astroworld-drop-in-2017/|archive-date=July 31, 2018|url-status=live}} Scott mentioned one of the motivations of the festival was to "bring back the beloved spirit and nostalgia of AstroWorld, making a childhood dream of Travis' come true".{{cite web|url=https://www.fox26houston.com/news/travis-scott-announces-astroworld-festival-2018-in-houston|title=Travis Scott announces Astroworld Festival 2018 in Houston|work=FOX 26|date=August 10, 2018|access-date=May 4, 2021|archive-date=May 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210515203339/https://www.fox26houston.com/news/travis-scott-announces-astroworld-festival-2018-in-houston|url-status=live}}

In 2019, Craig Hlavaty of the Houston Chronicle called the Astroneedle a Houston landmark.{{Cite news|last=Hlavaty|first=Craig|date=May 2, 2018|title=Houston's most famous signs, marquees and billboards|url=https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Houston-s-most-famous-signs-marquees-and-12882417.php|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200320112000/https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Houston-s-most-famous-signs-marquees-and-12882417.php|archive-date=March 20, 2020|access-date=August 27, 2020|work=Houston Chronicle}}

See also

{{Portal|Texas}}

References

{{Reflist}}

External links

{{Commons category|Six Flags Astroworld}}

  • {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20051029035922/http://www.sixflags.com/parks/astroworld/index.asp Six Flags AstroWorld (Internet Archive Waybackmachine capture)]}}
  • {{RCDB|4537}}
  • {{cite web |url=https://texasarchive.org/2018_00425 |author=KPRC-TV |title=AstroWorld Opening Day |date=1968 |publisher=Texas Archive of the Moving Image}}
  • {{cite web |url=http://www.sixflagshouston.com/ |title=Six Flags Houston, an AstroWorld tribute site |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060610200357/http://www.sixflagshouston.com/ |archive-date=June 10, 2006 |url-status=dead}}
  • {{cite web |url=http://www.carbon-izer.com/features/astro/astro.html |title=Where in the world but AstroWorld (visitor's guide) |date=1999 |website=Carbon-izer}}

{{SFAW Coasters}}

{{Six Flags}}

Category:1968 establishments in Texas

Category:2005 disestablishments in Texas

Category:Amusement parks opened in 1968

Category:Amusement parks closed in 2005

Category:Buildings and structures in Houston

Category:Defunct amusement parks in Texas

Astroworld

Category:History of Houston