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Paramount's Kings Island


highschoolsportsfocus
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Ok, for people who don't like history, dont go on.

KI opend in 1971, and added the rides in 72.The park was operated by Taft Broadcasting.KECO (Kings Entertanment Company, former managers and officials of TB) bought 2/3 of Taft's stock,so KI was now run by KECO, who also ran all of the soon to become Paramounts Parks (Great America,Carowinds,Kings Dominion,and Canada's Wonderland) in 1993.

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actually, KI Opened In 72' after Coney Island's Intial Close in 71' had some of the rides moved up to KI (i.e Flying eagles, Carousel...ect.) and Paramount Bought the KCET chain....Hence Paramount parks was born.....plz correct me if im wrong

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Thank you BuddaH1994, yes I meant to say 1993.

Carowinds was not developed by Taft Boradcasting. Carowinds was developed by businessman E. Pat Hall. Carowinds would open in May of 1973. You can read more about the founding of Carowinds here.

Based on my researcch of things, here is how Taft went about acquiring parks and how KECO and Paramount Parks figure into the equation. Based on the success of Kings Island, Taft executives set out to duplicate the success in Virginia. Kings Dominion opened in 1975. In addition to Kings Dominion, Taft entered into a partnership with Top Value Enterprises, a subsidiary of the Kroger Co. in early 1975 to purchase Carowinds in Charlotte, North Carolina for $16 million. In 1980, the partnership dissolved and Taft became the sole owner of Carowinds. Additionally, Taft built Wonderland outside of Toronto in 1981. In late 1983, a group of general managers at the Taft parks as well as several vice presidents at Taft Broadcasting, purchased two thirds of the parks. They then formed their own company, the Kings Entertainment Company. KECO would later enter into a management deal with Great America in Santa Clara California. Great America in California, along with the Great America in Chicago were both built by Marriot. However, the California one was sold to KECO, now Paramount, while the Chicago one became a Six Flags park. In 1987, KECO was reorganized as Carl Lindner purchased the majority of the shares of Taft Broadcasting, and KECO now owned 100 percent of the parks, except for Great America. Carl Lindner continued to let KECO operate the parks. However, the parks were rapidly loosing steam and money under Lindner`s direction. So, on July 30, 1992 Paramount Communications purchased KECO as well as Great America. In 1993, all five parks were rebranded as Paramount Parks, and now sported the Paramount moniker in front of their names.

I`m fairly certain most of the above facts are correct, but some may be wrong, if anybody knows for sure (like Shaggy) let me know. I hope this clears some things up.

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Yes sir BUT did you know that in the early concept stages Kings Island was to be themed to Hanna-Barbera entirely! that means the whole park was to be themed to Hanna-Barbera Cartoons like The Flintstones,Scooby Doo,Top Cat,Yogi Bear,HuckleBerry Hound etc.

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