News Summary
Carowinds amusement park in Charlotte, North Carolina, is scaling back its operating hours as schools in York County start earlier than usual. The park, which employs around 2,500 seasonal workers, will open at 10 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. weekdays, facing expected declines in attendance and revenue. The early school start has significant implications for teenage employment, affecting staffing at the amusement park. Carowinds continues to invest in new attractions as it navigates these changes in operational dynamics and local economic factors.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Carowinds amusement park has announced a reduction in its operating hours due to the earlier school start dates established by districts in South Carolina. As schools in York County returned to classes on August 4, 2025, the amusement park is preparing for a decrease in attendance and changes in staffing needs as a direct result of these shifts in the academic calendar.
Carowinds typically hires around 2,500 seasonal employees each summer, with approximately 26% of those workers being high school students. The park’s operational schedule is closely tied to the availability of its employees, which is heavily influenced by when schools resume classes. This year, York County schools began their sessions three weeks earlier than Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, marking a significant change from previous years when they started just one week ahead.
As a consequence of the earlier start to the school year, Carowinds has initiated adjustments that include a new operating schedule. For instance, the park will now open at 10 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. from Monday through Thursday next week, reverting to weekend-only operations shortly thereafter. This change in schedule is expected to impact potential revenue during the critical summer season, with projections indicating that park attendance will likely decline once schools are back in session.
Carowinds is a prominent tourism destination, drawing visitors to York County for over 50 years. It is the largest amusement park in the Carolinas, encompassing 400 acres of attractions and entertainment. Historically, around 45% of tourists visiting York County were there for Carowinds prior to the pandemic, showcasing the park’s vital role in the local economy. The previous season’s closure due to COVID-19 significantly affected surrounding hotels and restaurants, further underscoring the importance of the amusement park to the regional tourism sector.
In line with its continued growth and competitiveness, Carowinds has added new attractions this season, including a family launch roller coaster and a swim-up bar in its water park. These developments are part of a broader $1 billion investment initiative across all Six Flags parks, with a record-breaking water ride scheduled for introduction next year. However, the park’s revenue will face challenges as local school districts implement calendars aimed at creating a more balanced semester structure.
Historically, South Carolina mandated that the school year could not start before the third Monday in August. However, recent modifications have allowed districts to begin school earlier, leading to workforce implications, particularly affecting teen employment rates. South Carolina ranks higher than the national average for teen employment, with many of these jobs concentrated in the amusement and recreation sectors. As schools return, many teens are expected to cut back their working hours, which will directly affect operation levels at Carowinds.
The shift in school calendars has revealed ongoing tensions between educational institutions and tourism-dependent businesses. Local districts are now exploring modified academic calendars that would allow for earlier starts while integrating breaks throughout the year, balancing educational goals with economic needs. As these changes settle in, the long-term impacts on Carowinds and surrounding businesses remain to be seen, with the roller coaster of fluctuations in the tourism industry continuing in the backdrop of educational reforms.
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Additional Resources
- Herald Online: Carowinds Operating Hours Change
- WBTV: Victim Identified in Deadly Shooting
- QC News: One Killed in Shooting near Carowinds
- Wikipedia: General Knowledge
- Encyclopedia Britannica: General Knowledge
Author: STAFF HERE ROCK HILL
The ROCK HILL STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERockHill.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Rock Hill, York County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Come-See-Me Festival, Rock Hill Arts Festival, and motorsport events at the Rock Hill Velodrome. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Rock Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Culture & Heritage Museums, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and technology that power the local economy such as 3D Systems and Comporium. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
