SeaWorld’s Attendance Tanks in Third Quarter 2015 Results
November 5, 2015 – SeaWorld released its financial results for the third quarter of 2015, falling short once again on attendance goals. According to their Third Quarter Results of 2015, the Corporation reported a decrease in attendance from the same time period in 2014 (3rd quarter attendance in 2015 was 8.371 million versus 8.405 million in 2014).
Information released by The City of San Diego’s Real Estate Assets Department indicate SeaWorld’s attendance issues may run deeper than what is being reported by the Corporation. As reported by The San Diego Union Tribute on November 5, 2015, “…visitation to SeaWorld San Diego is known because it’s reported as part of its lease with the city, which owns the Mission Bay land where the park sits. Attendance last year fell 17 percent to nearly 3.7 million, compared to 4.5 million visitors in 2013.”
SeaWorld cites “brand challenges” and a reduction in promotional offerings for drop in attendance at California and Texas locations.
We call it the ongoing and sustained “Blackfish effect,” the 2013 documentary of the same name which illustrates the tragic plight of captive orcas. Since the movie’s release, SeaWorld stock prices have dropped approximately 40 percent from $33.52 (April, 2013) to $18.30 (November 5, 2015).
Did you know
Even with SeaWorld’s latest promotion of $10.00 off per ticket, the sample ticket cost for a family of four, with two children under the age of 9 years for a one-day pass is $218.00.*
*Taxes, shipping and service fees not included
Harry Styles got it right: “Don’t go to SeaWorld!”
These 4 words caused more then a 400% increase in negative comments online about Seaworld.
Bringing “SEE World” into the 21st century
On November 9, CEO Joel Manby will release via webcast, SeaWorld’s strategic plan to increase shareholder value. Amidst an endless corporate spin, the answer is quite simple, really:
Take the “sea” out of SeaWorld and replace it with “seeing” dolphins in the wild. With emerging technologies such as Dolphin Project’s and Ryot’s Virtual Reality Wild Dolphin Immersive Experience, one can “virtually” swim with dolphins from the comfort of their own home.
You can also wear your support with one of our “Does Anybody Like Dolphins?” t-shirts. All proceeds help support Dolphin Project.
