CA's Great America in Santa Clara announces when it will close after 50 years: 'The farewell season'

The park reopens for its last season in March. It first opened in 1976.

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (KGO) -- California's Great America in Santa Clara announced when it will close forever. And it's sooner than some people hoped.

The theme park announced online on Friday, its last day in business will be on Labor Day in 2027.

"For more than five decades, this Santa Clara theme park has brought people together, created family traditions and served as the backdrop for unforgettable memories," said Dave Vosejpka, park manager of California's Great America in a press release. "The Farewell Season is an opportunity for generations of Bay Area guests to return, spend time with family and friends, and revisit the attractions and traditions that have made the park in Santa Clara, California such a meaningful part of the community."

RELATED: California's Great America set to close in 11 years, long goodbye planned after land sold

Six Flags could have extended its lease, but chose to let it expire, according to our media partner, The San Jose Mercury News.

Six Flags says Great America ranked among the least profitable of its theme parks.

MORE: With California's Great America closing, Bay Area theme parks become a thing of the past

The park reopens in March for its farewell season.

It opened in 1976.