Silver Dollar City further delays opening

Last edited 12:10 p.m., March 24, 2020

Silver Dollar City is pushing back its opening to at least May.

Park officials cited the coronavirus pandemic in a news release.

“The coronavirus crisis is unprecedented and based on ever-changing developments, we are constantly reevaluating our options and hoping to open in May,” Silver Dollar City Attractions President Brad Thomas said in the release. "We will continue to monitor this developing situation, consult with medical experts and follow official recommendations from public health officials to determine a reopening date."

Officials with the theme park earlier this month announced the delay of its March 17 opening to March 28. Officials have said season-ticket holders will receive an additional guest voucher to be used during the 2020 season.

The company also previously closed Showboat Branson Belle after March 21 "until further notice."

Silver Dollar City ended 2019 with record attendance of 2.22 million people, beating the previous record of 2.18 million guests set in 2018. The theme park also ended the decade with $100 million worth of investments into its operations.

This season, the park is scheduled to debut the $27 million Rivertown district, which is anchored by the $23 million Mystic River Falls that replaces Lost River of the Ozarks. The latter ride was demolished in December 2018 after operating for 34 years, according to past Springfield Business Journal reporting.