Six Flags Darien LakeIndustry Veteran Mark Kane Assumes Role as Park Opens for the 2021 Season

Darien Center, N.Y. (April 30, 2021) — Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, today announced that Mark Kane has been named park president of the company’s Buffalo, New York-based, Six Flags Darien Lake. Kane succeeds Chris Thorpe who was promoted to a new role of regional vice president after more than 10 years at the helm. Kane most recently served as a park president in the company’s International Development Division.

“We are thrilled to have Mark guiding the Six Flags Darien Lake team as we prepare to re-open our doors in 2021. He brings a deep passion for the business, a proven track record of success, high-energy, and a hands-on leadership style that will serve him well as park president,” said Six Flags Regional Vice President of Park Operations Chris Thorpe. “I am confident he will make an immediate, positive impact on our team and the guest experience, added Thorpe.

Over his 35-plus year career, Kane has advanced his way through the company’s ranks serving as corporate director of In-Park Services, Games & Attractions Division, to park president at Six Flags New England and Six Flags Great Adventure respectively, and earning park president of the year honors at both properties. Kane also served in a leadership role with Landry’s, Inc., serving as vice president of Theme Park and Attractions Divisions. Kane holds a BA from Rowan University. 

“It is an honor to lead Six Flags Darien Lake into our next exciting chapter,” said Kane.  “I look forward to welcoming guests back to our incredible park and working with our team to continually enhance the guest experience and solidify our status as the Thrill Capital of New York.”

Six Flags Darien Lake will open for a special Members and Season Pass holder preview weekend event on May 15, 2021 and open for the regular season on May 21, 2021.

About Darien Lake

Darien Lake’s wide variety of entertainment and top-notch thrill rides has made it the Thrill Capital of New York since 1964. Located 45 minutes from Niagara Falls between Buffalo and Rochester, N.Y., today the park boasts more than 50 rides, including seven world-class roller coasters, dozens of family rides, the region’s largest water park and a 20,000-seat amphitheater operated by Live Nation.

The park welcomes overnight guests in a wide range of accommodations—from a full-service hotel and modern cabins to rental RVs, and RV and tent campsites.

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About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company with 27 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For nearly 60 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks, and unique attractions. Six Flags is committed to creating an inclusive environment that fully embraces the diversity of our team members and guests. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.