One $13m Roller Coaster Later and Fun Spot Atlanta is Closing

FAYETTEVILLE, GA – After decades in Metro Atlanta, Fun Spot America is closing its theme park. This comes three years after Fun Spot Atlanta invested $13 million into an award winning coaster called Arie Force One (apparently named after the founder of the brand, John Arie Sr., who has since passed the reins to John Arie Jr.).

"This was an extremely difficult decision,” said John Arie Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Fun Spot America. "Our Atlanta team has poured their hearts into serving our guests and creating a place where families could have fun together. We are deeply grateful for their dedication and for the support we have received from the Fayetteville community."

The park will close permanently on August 2nd.

Rumors began circulating that the theme park would close, according to Theme Park Tribune. The rumors were fueled by a document apparently showing that the park was restructuring a $25 million loan.

Aire Force One

In the announcement shared on Instagram, fans of the ambitious roller coaster are flooding the comments with love.

"Thanks for taking a risk and building one of the best rides ever at a park run by people who so clearly care about giving guests a great experience without excessive cost." - @park_paradise.

We’re really sorry to hear this news as we know it’s hard

However is coaster enthusiasts are right, Arieforce One must live on! Relocate it!!! - @headauxmusic

This is brutal, I had hopes for this park and it’s regrettable it never found its footing — hope ArieForce gets saved, it’s a masterpiece - @aaronbellunofficial

There are over 600 more comments (within 5 hours of posting), nearly every one of them mentioning the award winning roller coaster. Despite the financial difficulties surrounding it's construction, the overall sentiment of the Aire Force One is one of respect and appreciation.