Busch Gardens Tampa Bay at this time introduced the appointment of Jon Vigue because the park’s new president, ushering in a brand new period of progress and innovation at one in all America’s most iconic theme parks, amid an funding of greater than $100 million in new points of interest and park enhancements.
A revered chief within the points of interest business with almost 30 years of expertise, Vigue joins Busch Gardens Tampa Bay following his lengthy tenure at Wild Adventures Theme Park in Georgia, the place he led transformational operational methods and improvement initiatives designed to boost the visitor expertise and place the park for sustainable progress.
His appointment comes at an thrilling time for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as the corporate continues to make vital investments in new points of interest, immersive animal experiences and the visitor expertise, together with meals and beverage and leisure choices, all designed to boost each go to from day to nighttime. Latest main new additions embody Wild Oasis, the immersive new household journey space that debuted in 2025. Opening this 12 months, the all-new Lion and Hyena Ridge represents the park’s largest and most immersive wildlife habitat in additional than a decade. The dynamic new realm options 5 younger male lions and a pair of hyenas, surrounded by expansive 270-degree viewing angles, water options and elevated rocky views that deliver company nearer than ever earlier than.
“We’re strategically targeted on enhancing each facet of the visitor expertise at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Jon’s in depth business expertise makes him the best chief to advance that imaginative and prescient,” stated Kyle Miller, Co-Chief Parks Operations Officer at United Parks & Resorts, mother or father firm of Busch Gardens. “As we proceed to make significant investments within the park, we’re assured that Jon’s management, operational excellence and fervour for innovation will assist drive our subsequent chapter of progress.”
All through his profession, Vigue has constructed a robust status for operational management, crew improvement and creating memorable visitor experiences. Earlier than becoming a member of Wild Adventures, he spent almost 20 years at Lake Compounce theme park, the place he performed a key function within the property’s revitalization and long-term success. Along with park actions, Vigue has been actively concerned with the Worldwide Affiliation of Amusement Parks and Points of interest (IAAPA) since 2007, most just lately as chair of the Meals & Beverage Committee for North America.
“I’m extremely honored to affix the proficient crew at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and assist lead one of the crucial iconic theme parks within the nation,” stated Vigue. “The park has a rare legacy of mixing world-class thrills, inspiring animal experiences and immersive leisure in contrast to wherever else. I look ahead to working with our passionate ambassadors as we construct on that legacy, make investments sooner or later and create unforgettable experiences for company and households in Tampa Bay and past.”
The park’s momentum continues this summer season with main new additions and expanded choices. Company can expertise the return of the park’s well-liked Summer time Nights occasion, happening via August 9, with all-new leisure, prolonged night hours and spectacular nighttime productions. Highlights embody the debut of the brand new Seashore Bash present with retro-inspired music and energetic performances, the return of the fan-favorite Increase Field Dance Occasion and a free beer providing for company 21 and older. The indoor leisure providing, together with reveals: Cirque Electrical, Animal Tales, Icons and Rhythm of Nature, provides company extra methods to remain cool whereas being entertained.
As evening falls, the Busch Gardens Tampa Bay skyline transforms with the return of Wild Skies: Drone Present & Fireworks Spectacular. On choose nights, company can expertise two all-new nighttime spectacles that includes 400 synchronized drones, breathtaking fireworks and charming music. The season kicks off with a patriotic manufacturing celebrating America’s 250th birthday, adopted by a brand new drone spectacle, unique to Busch Gardens, debuting July 10.
“I’m thrilled to be right here and intensely enthusiastic about the way forward for Busch Gardens Tampa Bay,” Vigue added. “I look ahead to assembly our valued company and annual cross holders.”