Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, September 2010 update

Let’s welcome Six Flags Discovery Kingdom’s new Park President, Dale Kaetzel! Here is the official announcement:

SIX FLAGS DISCOVERY KINGDOM ANNOUNCES
APPOINTMENT OF NEW PARK PRESIDENT

Entertainment Veteran Dale Kaetzel returns to the Bay Area after 25 year absence

August 25, 2010 (Vallejo, CA) Six Flags Discovery Kingdom announced today the appointment of Dale Kaetzel as its new park president. Kaetzel, 51, had previously managed Paramount Parks properties and served as marketing director for the San Francisco Giants. Kaetzel will be responsible for all park operations, strategic direction and general management duties for the 135-acre combination wildlife, oceanarium and theme park.

“With his background in management, marketing and communications, Dale brings keen business acumen, as well as brand understanding, to Discovery Kingdom,” said Al Weber, Chief Operating Officer. “His experience in bringing unique and innovative approaches to his roles as a park general manager and marketing executive has lead to great results, and make him an excellent match for the Discovery Kingdom opportunity.”

During Kaetzel’s eight years as a senior executive in four of five Paramount Parks, he served as senior vice president and general manager of North America’s largest seasonal theme park, Canada’s Wonderland in Toronto. Prior to Paramount, Kaetzel served for 13 years as marketing and retail vice president for Centre Management/MCI Center in Washington, D.C., a preeminent sports and entertainment venue, now called the Verizon Center and home to major NBA, WNBA and NHL franchises and other live entertainment events.

As director of marketing for the San Francisco Giants in the mid 80s, Kaetzel was part of many memorable campaigns including the anti-mascot Crazy Crab, Croix de Candlestick, and the 1984 MLB All Star Game.

“I’m truly thrilled to be returning to the Bay Area to lead Northern California’s most unique family destination,” said Kaetzel. “I look forward to taking Six Flags Discovery Kingdom to a new level of family entertainment and providing guests with one-of-a-kind, memorable experiences.”

Kaetzel joins Discovery Kingdom as the park prepares for its 25th anniversary in Vallejo and as the Six Flags Entertainment Corporation celebrates its 50th year in 2011.

— end of announcement —

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is open weekends and Labor Day Monday in September. See the links below for more info.

Buy your 2011 Season Pass now and get the rest of 2010 included along with lots of other benefits. For details, see: http://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom/tickets/seasonpass.aspx

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
web site: http://www.sixflags.com/discoveryKingdom/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/discoverykingdom

— Thanks go to Nancy Chan for the Dale Kaetzel announcement.

photo: Steven Wilson