Six Flags is back for what could be a make-or-break season.
Theme park attendance is down nationwide, and Six Flags Over Texas' parent company is close to $2 billion in debt.
The Arlington park will open Saturday, and workers are feverishly putting finishing touches on games, rides and restaurants.
But in a recession, will guests come?
"We are very conscious of the state of many of our regular guests that come through our gates," said Sharon Parker, a Six Flags spokeswoman.
She said the park is keeping prices down this year. The children's price of $31 will apply to all online ticket sales.
"We're going to have the 'everyone pays kids prices' offer," Parker said. "It was a hit last year, and we anticipate it's going to be a hit this season."
Six Flags hopes North Texans will see the park as a "staycation."
The park will open a second Johnny Rockets this year and has a nighttime parade set for spring. Six Flags is also counting on its concert series to bring in guests.
"We're going to have Vanessa Hudgens, Jesse McCartney (and) Raven-Symone, who came last season and packed the house," Parker said. "We anticipate much of the same again."
But don't expect beer at Six Flags on Saturday. While a state administrative judge approved a mixed-beverage permit for the park, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has not made a final decision.
