What's on the horizon for Carowinds? GM talks past successes, future possibilities

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Five years ago, as Carowinds executives sought $1 million in incentives from local government in return for a $50 million investment, the goal was to bring 2.5 million visitors to the amusement park each year. The execs also promised to add 15 full-time jobs and 270 seasonal workers.

That was in 2013. A general manager at Carowinds at the time talked about creating a regional destination for vacationers.

Now, as the theme park embarks on another round of investment, General Manager Pat Jones says that attendance goal has been met. And like the previous GM, she is also talking about boosting the regional draw of the park that straddles the Carolinas’ border along Interstate 77, just south of Charlotte.

“We want to be the ultimate entertainment location on the East Coast,” Jones said during a recent interview.

[GALLERY: Carowinds announces first-ever double launch roller coaster in the Carolinas]

Read the rest of that interview here.

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