Theme park news today is topped by two tough headlines: Country Music Hall of Famer John Anderson has died, and Maryland has fired head football coach Mike Locksley.
Rounding out today’s theme park news: Gilroy Gardens welcomed two new volunteer board members, and Universal Orlando is selling Avengers: Doomsday merchandise thanks to its Marvel theme park rights deal.
The TLDR
- Theme Parks & Roller Coasters: Gilroy Gardens Names Two New Board Members
- Stadiums & Arenas: Maryland Fires Head Coach Mike Locksley, Owes Him Nearly $10 Million
- Live Music & Venues: Country Music Hall of Famer John Anderson Dies at 71
Theme Parks & Roller Coasters
Gilroy Gardens Names Two New Board Members
Gilroy Gardens, the Northern California nonprofit garden theme park, announced on October 21 that it has added Heather Crowley and Eric Wasinger to its volunteer Board of Directors. Crowley, a Gilroy resident since 2020, has a background in fundraising and community organizing, while Wasinger, a 34-year resident, brings experience in facilities and public administration. Both will support the nonprofit’s educational mission, according to Amusement Today.
Why Universal Orlando Is Selling Disney’s Avengers: Doomsday Merchandise
Fans spotted Avengers: Doomsday-branded merchandise, including Doctor Doom apparel, an electronic mask, and a Nerf blaster, for sale at the Marvel Alterniverse store in Islands of Adventure on October 21. The crossover is possible because Universal signed a theme park rights agreement with Marvel in 1994, before Disney acquired Marvel in 2009, granting Universal exclusive theme park rights to certain Marvel characters east of the Mississippi River, per Attractions Magazine.
Stadiums & Arenas
Maryland Fires Head Coach Mike Locksley, Owes Him Nearly $10 Million
Maryland fired head football coach Mike Locksley on October 21 after a 2-5 start to his eighth season, following back-to-back 4-8 campaigns in 2024 and 2025. The school owes Locksley nearly $10 million in buyout money, including a $4.9 million lump-sum payment due within 60 days, according to Front Office Sports. Defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim is serving as interim coach while the athletic department searches for a permanent replacement, a search that will shape whichever stadium hosts his introductory press conference, much like the storied programs at another college football stadium have seen with their own coaching changes.
Live Music & Venues
Country Music Hall of Famer John Anderson Dies at 71
Country singer John Anderson, known for hits including “Swingin'” and “Straight Tequila Night,” died this week at age 71, his family confirmed. Anderson was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2024 and had earned 20 top-10 country hits along with the CMA’s Horizon Award, according to Pollstar. A cause of death has not been shared.
Explore more: best rides for little kids at Six Flags parks, another college football stadium.
Theme Park News FAQs
How did John Anderson die?
Anderson’s family announced his passing this week at age 71 but did not share a cause of death.
Who is Maryland’s interim head football coach?
Defensive coordinator Aazaar Abdul-Rahim took over as interim head coach after Mike Locksley was fired on October 21, 2026, while the school searches for a permanent replacement.
Why is Universal Orlando selling Avengers merchandise owned by Disney?
Universal retains theme park rights to certain Marvel characters under a 1994 agreement signed before Disney acquired Marvel in 2009, which is why Avengers: Doomsday merchandise appeared at Islands of Adventure.
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Photo: Bobak Ha’Eri / CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons.