Here are today’s 9 verified theme park & live event stories, covering Theme Parks & Roller Coasters, Stadiums & Arenas and Live Music & Venues.
Every item below links to its original source.
The TLDR
- Theme Parks & Roller Coasters: Universal Studios Hollywood Opens Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift
- Stadiums & Arenas: LeBron James Signs Reported $15 Million-a-Year Polymarket Endorsement Deal
- Live Music & Venues: Leonid & Friends’ Agent Talks Sold-Out Fall Tour Momentum
Theme Parks & Roller Coasters
Universal Studios Hollywood Opens Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift
Universal Studios Hollywood opened its new launch coaster, Fast & Furious: Hollywood Drift, on the Upper Lot on September 16. The ride features four uniquely themed vehicles — styled after a Dodge Charger, Mazda RX-7, Nissan Skyline GT-R, and Toyota Supra — each delivering a different riding experience depending on seat placement, according to Coaster101, which attended the ride’s media preview. Coaster fans looking for more ride profiles can also revisit our look at Zach’s Zoomer at Michigan’s Adventure.
Fort Wayne Zoo Launches ‘Pick It Up for Penny’ Conservation Campaign
Fort Wayne Zoo introduced a new “Pick it up for Penny” campaign after an ostrich named Penny needed a partial wing amputation when a wind-blown plastic cup ended up in her enclosure, according to Amusement Today. The campaign, themed “Pick it up. Pitch it in. Protect Wildlife,” includes a guest mailbox, branded merchandise, and a Community Action Day cleanup at Franke Park on September 27.
Disney Debuts Refreshed Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs Resort
Disney shared a full tour of a newly refurbished Treehouse Villa at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort, showcasing updated furnishings and hidden character details, according to WDWNT. The phased renovation was confirmed back in March, with earlier looks at the furnishings and character touches shared throughout the summer before this latest completed-villa walkthrough.
Attraktion! Secures Two New Flying Theater Projects for 2027
Ride manufacturer Attraktion! has secured two new FlyXD flying theater installations, planned for Austria and Poland, both targeting summer 2027 openings, according to Park World. The company will also present its latest FlyXD unit, now featuring an LED-based media system, at IAAPA Expo Europe 2026 in London later this month.
Dollywood Sponsors ARCA East Season Finale Car and Driver Quinn Davis
Dollywood Parks & Resorts is serving as associate sponsor for driver Quinn Davis and City Garage Motorsports’ No. 85 car in the ARCA Menards Series East season finale at Bristol Motor Speedway, according to Amusement Today. The Dollywood branding has appeared at several racetracks this season as part of the team’s ARCA East schedule.
Regal Reveals ’31 Screams on Screen’ 2026 Halloween Lineup
Regal Cinemas announced its “31 Screams on Screen” lineup for October, featuring 33 horror and classic films with at least one title screening every day from October 1-31, according to Attractions Magazine. The lineup spans decades of horror, including titles like “The Shining” and “Trick ‘r Treat,” with tickets priced at $7.99 before fees.
Stadiums & Arenas
LeBron James Signs Reported $15 Million-a-Year Polymarket Endorsement Deal
LeBron James has signed an endorsement deal with prediction-market platform Polymarket reportedly worth $15 million a year, according to Front Office Sports. James is not an investor in the company, just a paid endorser, and the deal reportedly exceeds his annual salary with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Live Music & Venues
Leonid & Friends’ Agent Talks Sold-Out Fall Tour Momentum
Paladin Artists agent Gil Jacobs discussed the ongoing fall headline tour from Leonid & Friends, the 11-piece Moscow-based Chicago tribute band, in an interview published September 16. The tour began September 13 in Buffalo and includes stops at Dallas’ Majestic Theatre, Denver’s Paramount Theatre, and LA’s Wiltern, building on a spring run that sold out theatres and included an opening slot for Jerry Seinfeld at the Greek Theatre in May, according to Pollstar.
Historic Loew’s Jersey Theatre to Reopen in November After $130M Restoration
The nearly 100-year-old Loew’s Jersey Theatre in Jersey City will hold its grand reopening November 13-14 after a $130 million restoration, with Trey Anastasio Band performing opening night and The War on Drugs the following night, according to Billboard. The restored venue, one of five original 1920s Loew’s “Wonder Theatres,” retains its original pipe organ and balcony seating. Fans of historic performing arts venues can also check out our profile of Orlando’s Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
Explore more: Zach’s Zoomer, Olympic Stadium, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
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