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e_tapley0687 · Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 398 Location: Nashville, TN

Well the day is here, Hard Rock Park has closed for the rest of the season. All of the workers have been let go, but they did say that they will be back in 2009... Here's a link to Screamscape http://www.screamscape.com/html/hard_rock_park.htm

Links from the official HRP site with info on this problem.
http://www.hardrockpark.com/
http://www.hardrockpark.com/closinginformation.cfm

I do have to say that I'm surprised, but not to the point that I would've thought it was impossible. Sad to see this happen and hopefully they'll come back stronger than before.

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Lee5 · Joined: 06 May 2008 Posts: 70 Location: Miami, FL

Ouch man! I can't believe how quickly that happened. I really really wanted to go experience the park and now this happens. Quite sad.

So any reasons you guys think this happened? I have a feeling if this park was in Orlando or California it might have done much better and prospered tremendously.

A real shame, no doubt.

e_tapley0687 · Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 398 Location: Nashville, TN

^ Yea this was really quick. I think the main things were advertisement and the misconception of the park. When i first heard of the park, I was thinking of a themed out THRILL park... not an "entertainment" park.

Oh I can't forget how over priced it was!

I think if the park was built in Orlando or California it would've done way better! Especially in Orlando! I think Universal and Hard Rock would've had a great relationship lol no joke.
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Wylder · Joined: 07 Jun 2008 Posts: 169 Location: Riverview, Fl

Man, this stinks.
After reading that Maximum RPM was open again, I had planned a trip to Hard Rock Park in two weeks. I really wanted to see the park in its first year.
I don't expect to see anything new next season from them. I think we will be happy if they just open their gates again.
They could have done a much better job of marketing. I realize that I am 10 hours away, but none of my friends, except those I have mentioned it to, even realize there is a Hard Rock Park.
--hint to Hard Rock Park (Go on industry podcasts, The Season Pass is free and reaches many park fans)
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e_tapley0687 · Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 398 Location: Nashville, TN

dougscoastergirl · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 133

I think the reason is 2-fold......Firstly, horrible horrible marketing. I mean seriously, did any advertising -- real advertising -- make it past the Mississippi? How many people know about this park that don't listen to industry podcasts, etc. My parents, even though they live on literally the other side of the country would definitely be interested in this park and I can say with fair assuredness that they probably know absolutely nothing about this park.

In the day in age of Rock Band and Guitar Hero, there is no reason not to market the younger generation on channels like G4 regarding the park. They definitely did not advertise in hot theme park markets. I saw not 1 single ad here in California.

The second reason? The economy. A majority of folks who are going to be willing to take a transcontinental trip, heck even a local trip, are more willing to spend that $50 park fee on a place that they know is going to be worth their $$. I love DCA, but I wouldn't spend $50 for a day there NOW, and I know what it has and how far it's come. I would be opting for Disneyland, if I only had 1 day to spend there, etc. I would assume that most folks are opting for the Florida option for their trips because they are assured that there is going to be plenty of entertainment for their brood and their hard earned cash.

It's too new to be commanding a $50 entry fee. I understand that they have bills to pay, etc., but for their first season, with not a whole lot of attractions, that's a tall order for an average family of 4. That's $200 bucks alone just for admission, not even to count parking, at least 2 to 3 meals and maybe a snack (I like the fancy ice creams, what can I say).........your looking at a $400 day!

Hard Rock hasn't even given itself a chance to succeed. My hope is that they really put in a good effort for next year. Myrtle Beach is a HUGE destination and they are in some prime entertainment real estate, they should be able to draw a crowd, especially since they aren't in an obscure small town in middle America--no offense to any small towners in middle America!!! Very Happy

Kind of like that Bonfante Gardens they built here in California.....It's in Gilroy......the only thing that is in Gilroy is garlic, and the fact that it's the last city before you get to Monterey, which I would rather spend my time at than at a theme park in Gilroy that literally reeks of garlic. It's out of the way for main stream theme parkers and that place didn't really succeed as they wanted. Myrtle beach is not like that, Hard Rock should be able to get incidental vacation traffic and then become a destination after that.

e_tapley0687 · Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 398 Location: Nashville, TN

^ Exactly how I feel.

Marketing wise here in TN I haven't seen any type of advertisement for the park.

About the appeal to the new generation. I'm not absolutely sure, but who exactly was the crowd they were focusing on? Obviously rock fans but is it only the young adult and older crowd or in some way the new generation of kids....

I don't see a possibility of anything new coming this 2nd season... nothing but better pricing and marketing... and that's only from the outside looking in. Rolling Eyes

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e_tapley0687 · Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 398 Location: Nashville, TN

Update:

The park will not be opening in 2009 unless someone buys it...

Not surprised and still won't be surprised if no one buys it lol.
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wazomike · Joined: 21 Sep 2008 Posts: 144 Location: San Jose, CA

i have this feeling someone who's really cocky with a lot of money is gonna buy it and realize it's a lot harder to run a theme park than they thought and then sell it again lol
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e_tapley0687 · Joined: 01 May 2008 Posts: 398 Location: Nashville, TN

LOL, that would be a mess if that happened. Surely SF or CF aren't going to buy it.... or are they crazy enough to do so? hhhmmm??? Rolling Eyes

lol

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