Andretti Thrill Park in Palm Bay will close July 31 after more than a decade of operation, according to a statement from Andretti Development. The park’s owner, Andretti Development, announced plans to redevelop the 300-acre site into a residential and commercial complex. The company said it will begin demolishing rides and structures in early August.
The park, which opened in 2013, hosted over 2 million visitors annually at its peak. Its closure comes as Andretti Development seeks to shift focus to housing demand in Brevard County. The new project will include 600 apartments, retail space, and a hotel, with construction expected to start in 2026.
Palm Bay Mayor Lisa P. Bower said the city is reviewing the proposal but emphasized the need for affordable housing. “This is a chance to address a critical need,” she said. Local officials have not yet approved the plan, which requires rezoning the land from industrial to mixed-use.
Andretti Development CEO John Andretti said the park’s closure is “bittersweet.” He cited declining attendance and rising maintenance costs as factors. The company has not yet released details about job impacts or timelines for the new development.
Residents have mixed reactions. Some see the project as a boost for economic growth, while others worry about losing a local attraction. The park’s website will remain online until the site is fully decommissioned.