Here are today’s 12 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: Alterface Celebrates 25 Years of Interactive Attractions at IAAPA Expo Europe
- Stadiums & Arenas: Senate Passes Protect College Sports Act, Sends Bill to House
- Live Music & Venues: Oak View Group and Prevent Advisors Launch First Secure Venues Summit in Seattle
Theme Parks & Roller Coasters
Alterface Celebrates 25 Years of Interactive Attractions at IAAPA Expo Europe
Interactive attraction developer Alterface marked its 25th anniversary during IAAPA Expo Europe in London, hosting a celebration for clients and partners at its booth, according to Blooloop. The company, which began as a Belgian university spin-off researching gesture recognition, says it has delivered more than 150 interactive attractions worldwide and won over 25 industry awards. CEO Stéphane Battaille said technology should “feel natural and intuitive, and ultimately disappear behind the experience.”
Six Flags Sued Over Alleged Brain Injuries on Magic Mountain’s X2 Coaster
Three lawsuits have been filed against Six Flags Magic Mountain alleging riders suffered traumatic brain injuries on the X2 roller coaster, and attorneys say more than 100 additional people intend to pursue similar claims, according to Blooloop. Plaintiffs Pamela Guillen and Naomi Greer-Wilkinson both lost consciousness and underwent emergency brain surgery after riding in July, while a third plaintiff reported brain bleeding after riding in February. The lawsuits follow a CNN investigation last month that documented more than a dozen serious injuries and two deaths linked to X2 over nearly two decades. For more on the ride’s place in the park’s lineup, see ThrillZing’s Six Flags Magic Mountain roller coaster history.
Bob Chapek Says Disney Tried to ‘Erase’ His Legacy in New Interview
Former Disney CEO Bob Chapek says the company has downplayed his tenure, telling Variety “I feel let down…they’ve attempted to erase me,” according to WDW News Today. The interview accompanies the September 29 release of his memoir, Behind the Castle Walls: My Thirty Years at the Happiest Place on Earth. Chapek said Disney removed a plaque crediting him as “Master Ship Builder” at Castaway Cay, though he confirmed he does not plan to pursue legal action against the company.
296 Dogs Set Guinness World Record at Las Vegas Water Park
Cowabunga Vegas hosted 296 dogs on Sunday for the Doodlepalooza event, setting a new Guinness World Records title for most dogs attending a dog pool party, according to Amusement Today. A Guinness adjudicator was on-site to verify the count, which surpassed the previous record of 276 dogs set in Coral Gables, Florida earlier this year. Presenting sponsor We Love Doodles was recognized as the official record holder.
Colts Partner With London Eye for NFL London Game Week
The Indianapolis Colts have teamed up with the London Eye to offer fans rides in a Colts-branded pod during NFL London Game Week, according to Amusement Today. The themed pod experience runs October 2-3, ahead of the Colts’ October 4 game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with select rides featuring appearances by Colts Legends, cheerleaders and mascot Blue.
Pete Joins Meet-and-Greet Lineup at Shanghai Disneyland, Halloween Costume Coming in October
Shanghai Disneyland is adding Pete to its meet-and-greet roster starting September 30 on Mickey Avenue, according to WDW News Today. Pete will appear in his regular attire through October 3, then switch to a Halloween costume from October 4 through November 1. Halloween-season additions like this are popping up across the industry, echoing family-friendly seasonal rides such as Kings Island’s Great Pumpkin Coaster.
Pokémon Cards Rumored to Return to McDonald’s Happy Meals This November
According to unconfirmed reports, McDonald’s may bring Pokémon Trading Card Game cards back to Happy Meals from November 5 through December 9 to mark the franchise’s 30th anniversary, according to Attractions Magazine. The reported promotion would include a 15-card collection with confetti holofoil cards and a choice of toy or book, but McDonald’s and The Pokémon Company have not officially confirmed the plan.
Stadiums & Arenas
Senate Passes Protect College Sports Act, Sends Bill to House
The U.S. Senate passed the Protect College Sports Act by a 77-22 vote, moving the bill to the House, according to Front Office Sports. The bill would double revenue-sharing caps, codify NIL rights, set new transfer and eligibility rules, and require health and safety standards for high-earning athletic programs. It must still clear the House, and any resulting Senate votes, before the new Congress convenes in January 2027.
Live Music & Venues
Oak View Group and Prevent Advisors Launch First Secure Venues Summit in Seattle
Venue operators gathered in Seattle for the inaugural Secure Venues Summit, hosted by Oak View Group and Prevent Advisors, according to Pollstar. Prevent Advisors’ David Born opened the event, telling attendees that “success for us is often going unnoticed” and encouraging venue leaders to share expertise across the industry.
Kentucky Governor Creates State Music Office to Support Venues and Artists
Gov. Andy Beshear announced the creation of the Kentucky Governor’s Music Office during an appearance at the Bourbon & Beyond festival last week, according to Pollstar. The office, created by executive order, is meant to support the state’s musicians, venues and festivals, and launched a new online directory connecting artists and industry contacts. The National Independent Venue Association’s Kentucky chapter welcomed the move as a boost for the state’s music ecosystem.
Slipknot Announce 2027 ‘(sic)est Stadium Tour’ With Bring Me the Horizon
Slipknot revealed a 2027 stadium tour opening at London’s Wembley Stadium on July 3, with Bring Me the Horizon supporting every North American date, according to Billboard. The North American leg runs from a July 16 show at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., through an August 18 date at Chase Field in Phoenix, before the tour continues to South America with Marilyn Manson and Hatebreed joining select shows. General ticket on-sale begins October 2.
Tones and I Adds Surprise Pop-Up Show After NRL Grand Final Booking Falls Through
After talks fell apart for Tones and I to headline the NRL Grand Final pre-show, the singer announced a pop-up acoustic show at the Echuca Hotel in Victoria on October 2, according to Billboard. Her team says she had a prior commitment with Macklemore in the U.S. and could not finalize the NRL date, though reports differ on whether a song-selection dispute also played a role. NRL officials have since said a surprise act will still perform before the October 4 Grand Final.
Explore more: Six Flags Magic Mountain roller coaster history, Great Pumpkin Coaster.
Get More from Theme Park News
Log the coasters, stadiums, and venues you’ve experienced, rate Theme Park News, and see what your friends thought. Get the ThrillZing app.
Want the day’s theme park news in your inbox? Subscribe to ThrillZing Daily — free.