Fiesta Texas' Jeffrey Siebert honored with 2022 Leadership Award

Amusement Today | September 2022 Edition

Amusement Today opened up nominations in the spring and early summer for submissions of people, parks and companies that were inspiring and the finest examples of moving the industry forward. From those, industry professionals and journalists evaluated the encouraging and dedicated efforts of each nominee.

AT is honored to acknowledge Jeffrey Siebert, park president of Six Flags Fiesta Texas with the 2022 Golden Ticket Leadership Award.

“If you hear the name ‘Jeffery Siebert,’ it’s inevitably followed by a fond memory, funny story or industry best practice,” said Jeff Filicko, marketing manager, Six Flags Fiesta Texas. “Jeffrey is a tireless advocate for the park’s guests and, simply put, doing the right thing. From the push for ongoing park beautification with rejuvenated landscaping and infrastructure to painting major attractions and reimagining the storytelling experience of a queue line, Jeffrey’s vision and leadership are ultimately behind it all.”

Siebert is far from the mindset of running a park from behind a desk. Out on the frontlines, he is continuously seen throughout the park. Not only do the hundreds of employees know exactly who he is, so do many of the guests. Many of them look for him during their visits. His enthusiasm and positive energy are infectious, and team members not only feel empowered to do their best but are inspired to do exactly that.

His experience within the industry is vast, and his knowledge of the business is shared with his park leaders. Behind it all is a passion for theme parks that is unsurpassed. His years at Fiesta Texas have led the park to considerable growth.

Classic ride refresh brings Turnstile Award to Six Flags Fiesta Texas

Amusement Today | September 2022 Edition

Six Flags Fiesta Texas introduced 10 new attractions in 1999, catapulting an increase in attendance by one million people in a single season. Among those attractions, a Premier Rides launched coaster was brought online. For more than two decades, Poltergeist was a ride enjoyed by park guests as it delivered great thrills.

The park president envisioned more.

The coaster’s moniker gave seed to a much greater story, one that management felt could be fleshed out into a more immersive journey.

In the fall of 2021, a reimagined Poltergeist reopened, and the park saw full queues as this reintroduction brought new life. The structure was painted a ghostly green with new lighting accentuating it with an eerie glow. Replacing standard back-and-forth queue rails with a graveyard, landscaping, audio and scenic props, the park helped set the stage for the ride experience. What was an open-air station became an enclosed — and delightfully air-conditioned — themed Victorian environment. The park partnered with Magic In The Sky for scenery and effects. The exterior of the ride took on a dramatic new look, and ghoulish figures captured the attention of those passing by. It was a completely different experience, and visitors loved it. For the first time in decades, the guests were lining up like never before.

It was reinvigorating imagination at work.

This dedication spreads into other areas of the park. Creating its own sculptures for Halloween and Christmas, Fiesta Texas accents the holidays with eye-catching allure. The introduction of the Mardi Gras Festival grew the slower winter shoulder season to kick off each year with solid attendance. The park’s legacy of show quality continues to dazzle audiences. And the imagination of its latest creation, Dr. Diabolical’s Cliffhanger, elevates the dive coaster far beyond just the hardware.

For its efforts in bringing guests back again and again, Amusement Today is proud to honor Six Flags Fiesta Texas with the Publisher's Pick Turnstile Award.