Theme parks set to reopen with reduced capacity, reservation system

TAMPA — Seaworld Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), the Orlando-based parent company of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island, plans to reopen the Tampa theme parks on Thursday.

According to a press release, the attractions will reopen with enhanced health and safety protocols for cleaning and sanitizing, physical distancing, face covering requirements and temperature screening. To manage capacity in accordance with state regulations, online reservations will be required. 

"Over the past two months, we have worked with state and local health officials, third-party medical and epidemiology experts and attraction industry leaders to enhance our strict health, safety and cleanliness standards,” SeaWorld Entertainment interim CEO Marc Swanson states in the release. “We are committed to the health and safety of our guests, employees and animals in our care, and will continue to follow the guidance from health officials as conditions evolve."

The online reservation systems can be accessed at  buschgardens.com/tampa/reservation and adventureisland.com/reservation. 

"We have been eagerly awaiting the day to announce the reopening of Busch Gardens and Adventure Island, and we're so glad that day is here," states Stewart Clark, president of Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Adventure Island, in the release. "The health and safety of our guests has always been our top priority and we're looking forward to delivering memorable experiences at our parks while addressing the important health and safety needs of our guests during this time."