Busch Gardens Tampa Bay nowadays introduced the appointment of Jon Vigue because the park’s new President, ushering in a brand new generation of expansion and innovation at certainly one of The united states’s maximum iconic theme parks in the course of a greater than $100 million funding in new sights and park improvements.
A revered sights trade chief with just about 30 years of revel in, Vigue joins Busch Gardens Tampa Bay following his long-term tenure at Wild Adventures Theme Park in Georgia, the place he led transformational operational methods and building projects designed to carry the visitor revel in and place the park for sustained expansion.
His appointment comes at a thrilling time for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay because it continues to make vital investments in new sights, immersive animal stories, and the visitor revel in, together with meals and beverage and leisure choices, all designed to beef up each and every consult with from day to nighttime. Fresh main new additions come with Wild Oasis, the immersive new circle of relatives journey house that debuted in 2025. Opening this 12 months, the all-new Lion and Hyena Ridge represents the park’s biggest and maximum immersive animal habitat in additional than a decade. The dynamic new realm options 5 younger male lions and a couple of hyenas surrounded through expansive 270-degree viewing spaces, water options and increased rocky overlooks that convey visitors nearer than ever earlier than.
“We’re strategically occupied with bettering each and every facet of the visitor revel in at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Jon’s intensive trade revel in makes him the best chief to lend a hand information that imaginative and prescient ahead,” mentioned Kyle Miller, Co-Leader Parks Operations Officer at United Parks & Motels, Busch Gardens’ mother or father corporate. “As we proceed making significant investments around the park, we’re assured Jon’s management, operational excellence and keenness for innovation will lend a hand force our subsequent bankruptcy of expansion.”
During his occupation, Vigue has constructed a robust recognition for operational management, crew building and developing memorable visitor stories. Previous to Wild Adventures, he spent just about twenty years at Lake Compounce Theme Park, the place he performed a key function within the assets’s revitalization and long-term good fortune. Past park operations, Vigue has been actively concerned with the Global Affiliation of Amusement Parks and Sights (IAAPA) since 2007, maximum just lately serving as Chair of the Meals & Beverage Committee for North The united states.
“I’m extremely commemorated to enroll in the proficient crew at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and lend a hand lead one of the crucial iconic theme parks within the nation,” mentioned Vigue. “The park has an peculiar legacy of mixing world-class thrills, inspiring animal stories and immersive leisure not like any place else. I look ahead to running along our passionate ambassadors as we proceed construction on that legacy, making an investment sooner or later and developing unforgettable stories for visitors and households throughout Tampa Bay and past.”
The park’s momentum continues this summer season with vital new additions and expanded choices. Visitors can revel in the go back of the park’s well-liked Summer time Nights tournament, going down via Aug. 9, that includes all-new leisure, prolonged night time hours and impressive middle of the night productions. Highlights come with the debut of the brand new Seaside Bash display that includes retro-inspired tune and high-energy performances, the go back of fan-favorite Growth Field Dance Birthday celebration and complimentary beer choices for visitors 21 and older. Indoor leisure choices together with presentations: Cirque Electrical, Animal Stories, Icons and Rhythm of Nature, supply visitors further techniques to stick cool whilst being entertained.
As evening falls, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay’s skyline transforms with the go back of Wild Skies: Drone Display & Fireworks Impressive. On make a selection nights, visitors can revel in two all-new middle of the night spectaculars that includes 400 synchronized drones, breathtaking fireworks and immersive tune. The season starts with a patriotic manufacturing honoring The united states’s 250th Birthday, adopted through a brand new Busch Gardens-exclusive drone impressive debuting July 10.
“I’m delighted to be right here and very fascinated with the way forward for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay,” added Vigue. “I look ahead to assembly our valued visitors and annual passholders.”
