Kentucky Kingdom May Reopen

Kentucky Kingdom amusement park, closed since early last year, could reopen by May in a public-private partnership that is a “No. 1 priority” of the fair board and the state’s agriculture committee.

Fair officials, led by president/CEO Harold Workman, told legislators Aug. 25 that they are also renewing efforts to build a nearly $50 million amphitheatre on the site of the former Cardinal Stadium in order to present summer concerts at the fairground, according to Louisville’s Courier-Journal.

Investor Ed Hart has been granted rights to negotiate a contract to manage Kentucky Kingdom, and Al J. Schneider Cos. has offered to guarantee up to $20 million of any debt financing obtained by Hart to reopen the park.

It would take about $20 million to get the park reopened on at least a limited basis, the paper reported. A second phase, costing up to $30 million, is proposed for completion by 2013.

Kentucky Kingdom was previously known as Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom and includes 27 rides and a water park. Concerts there in recent years have included Colbie Caillat, Jars of Clay, and The Academy Is….