Prince George’s Co. Faces Dual Loss: Six Flags, Commanders

Prince George’s County, Maryland, a major jurisdiction in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, is currently navigating a period of significant transition. Within the span of a single week, the county received announcements indicating the departure of two long-standing entities: the Six Flags amusement park and the potential relocation of the Washington Commanders NFL team.

These developments present immediate challenges but are also being framed by county leaders and experts as opportunities for future growth and redevelopment.

 

Introduction to Prince George’s County

Located just east of Washington, D.C., Prince George’s County is Maryland’s second-most populous county. It is a diverse area with residential communities, commercial centers, and large tracts of land, including the sites currently occupied by the Six Flags amusement park and the Washington Commanders stadium. For decades, these major attractions have been notable landmarks and contributors to the local economy and identity.

 

Dual Departures Impact Prince George’s County

The simultaneous announcements that Six Flags America intends to leave and the Washington Commanders are exploring new stadium locations mark a pivotal moment for the county. Six Flags America has been a recreational staple in the county for many years, drawing visitors regionally. Its announced departure is a definitive decision.

 

The Washington Commanders’ situation is slightly different; while they have indicated an intention to seek a new stadium, their final destination is not yet decided, with sites in Washington, D.C., Virginia, and potentially a redeveloped site in Prince George’s County itself reportedly under consideration. However, the possibility of losing the NFL team, coupled with the confirmed loss of the amusement park, represents a dual blow to the county’s profile.

 

Immediate Economic Concerns

The most tangible immediate impact of these departures is the loss of tax revenue. County leaders estimate that both Six Flags and the Commanders collectively contribute approximately $12 million in tax revenue annually. While this figure is not insignificant for local finances, it represents a relatively small portion – a “sliver” – of the county’s substantial $5 billion annual budget. This perspective is why some members of the county council, while not welcoming the losses, are approaching the situation with a degree of measured response rather than overreacting.

 

Beyond direct tax revenue, the departures pose other near-term economic concerns. The closure of Six Flags will result in the loss of jobs, including a significant number of seasonal positions that have historically provided employment opportunities for thousands of young people in the county each year.

 

Acting County Executive Tara Jackson highlighted this impact, noting Six Flags had been “great partners” in hiring local youth. The timeline of Six Flags remaining open for the current season provides some buffer for planning regarding this workforce impact. Additionally, businesses located near the Six Flags park and the Commanders stadium (FedExField) could see reduced activity from visitors on non-event days.

 

Opportunity for Redevelopment

Despite the immediate challenges, a prevailing sentiment among Prince George’s County leaders and external experts is that these departures represent a significant opportunity for future growth. County Council member Wala Blegay acknowledged that the news could make people feel “hopeless,” but countered firmly, “there is no hopelessness here. This is opportunity.” Council Chair Ed Burroughs echoed this view, suggesting the county has “a lot of opportunity to replace these existing institutions with things that uplift and improve our county overall.”

 

David Kass, a clinical professor of finance at the University of Maryland, provided an independent assessment aligning with the county’s perspective. He described the situation as a “natural cycle of capitalism” and believes it is “not a complete loss by any means.”

 

Kass sees “strong potential for these moves to pay off for the county,” predicting that both areas have the potential to be “revitalized over time.” While acknowledging there will be an “initial setback” in the short run, he expressed optimism that things could be “very vibrant in those two areas” within a five to ten-year timeframe.

 

Focus on the Six Flags Site

The land currently occupied by Six Flags America is particularly generating interest. Council member Wala Blegay reported an astonishing level of interest from potential developers, stating that “Literally every hour, someone has been calling trying to see what they can do to develop the land there.” This intense developer interest is seen as a strong positive sign, meaning the valuable land “is not going to go for scraps” and will not be left vacant like a stadium on an off-day.

 

Crucially, Blegay was adamant that the current zoning for the Six Flags site, which permits a theme park or other entertainment venue, will remain in place. She specifically pushed back against social media rumors suggesting the land would be used for a massive townhome community, confirming that will “not be the case.” She indicated the county is open to creative proposals for the site, suggesting potential future uses could include another amusement park, big sports facilities, or other types of entertainment destinations.

 

The Washington Commanders’ Stadium Site

Should the Washington Commanders ultimately decide to build a new stadium outside of Prince George’s County, the site of their current stadium, FedExField, would present a separate, though related, redevelopment opportunity. The future use of this distinct parcel of land would also require careful planning and consideration, independent of the Six Flags site, contributing to the overall potential for transformation within the county.

 

The Redevelopment Process and Community Input

County leaders have pledged a transparent and inclusive process for determining the future of the Six Flags site. Wala Blegay promised that community meetings would be held, providing ample time for residents to offer their ideas and visions for the land.

 

She emphasized that while the county needs time to consolidate its own thoughts and plans, community input will be a crucial part of deciding what new entity or development will eventually replace the longtime theme park. This collaborative approach aims to ensure that the redevelopment aligns with the community’s desires and contributes positively to the local area.

 

Looking Ahead

The confirmed departure of Six Flags and the potential relocation of the Washington Commanders represent a significant juncture for Prince George’s County. While the near-term economic impact presents challenges, particularly concerning job losses and direct revenue, county officials and financial experts are united in viewing this moment as a catalyst for positive, long-term change.

 

The focus is now firmly on the opportunity to strategically redevelop these valuable land parcels, attracting new investment and creating vibrant new destinations that can contribute more significantly to the economic and social well-being of Prince George’s County in the years to come.