Demolition of New Orleans Six Flags Delayed

The demolition of the long-abandoned Six Flags amusement park in New Orleans has been paused due to the contractor, Smoot Consulting, lacking the necessary certification for dismantling and rigging. The city issued a stop-work order on November 7, 2024, after it was determined that the contractor did not have the proper licensing. Developer Bayou Phoenix plans to transform the 227-acre site into a multi-purpose facility, including sports fields, hotels, and a water park, with a total project cost estimated at $3 million. The site has been closed since Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and plans for redevelopment were approved by the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority last year. The developer expects to resume demolition soon to meet the Super Bowl LIX timeline in 2025. Until the licensing issue is resolved, either by obtaining the required certification or hiring a new contractor, the demolition will remain on hold.