Entertainment
Altitude Trampoline Park Announces Mike Stout as Vice President of Franchise Development
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Premier Family-Friendly Entertainment Destination Expands Leadership Team to Strengthen Franchise
Development Operations and Spearhead Growth
Last Updated on September 5, 2024 by Daily News Staff
DALLAS /PRNewswire/ — Altitude Trampoline Park, the leading family-friendly entertainment franchise, has announced the appointment of Mike Stout as the company’s Vice President of Franchise Development, effective immediately. In this role, Stout will utilize his extensive experience to lead the brand’s franchise recruitment, real estate, and construction initiatives.
“With our former Vice President of Development, Robert Morris, bringing his talents to Altitude’s newest sister brand, The Pickle Pad, we saw the perfect opportunity to bring Mike’s impressive track record and invaluable expertise to the brand. Altitude is nearing 100 locations globally, and we believe Mike’s skills will be instrumental in growing our franchise recruitment initiatives,” said Mike Rotondo, CEO of Altitude Trampoline Park. “The past several years has consisted of remarkable momentum, and to align with our ongoing development, it is crucial for us to expand our leadership team with industry experts, like Mike. He is a seasoned leader known for delivering strong business results and fostering meaningful connections with franchisees, and we’re eager to bring his strategic vision for growth to Altitude.”
Bringing more than three decades of domestic and international franchising experience, Stout has a history of implementing successful growth strategies. His leadership has played a key role in the opening of over 1,500 units spanning multiple continents and industries. Prior to Altitude, Stout held senior franchise and business development roles with companies including Shipley Do-Nuts, Save-A-Lot Food Stores, Papa John’s, Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. An expert in the franchise industry, Stout has led development teams in the areas of growth initiatives, franchise recruitment, site selection, and construction. Stout will bring his expertise to Altitude to assist in refining the brand’s growth strategies as the brand continues to expand worldwide.
“I am honored to join Altitude’s exceptional team and to work closely with the brand’s current and prospective franchisees. 2023 was a pivotal year for Altitude, with 25 deal signings, and we are already gaining notable momentum in 2024 with 12 planned park openings,” said Mike Stout. “Altitude’s business model provides an enticing investment opportunity for franchise candidates, offering safe, family-fun attractions, a diversified mix of revenue streams including its membership program and private event packages, and significant growth potential across the nation. I believe Altitude presents a strong value proposition, and I look forward to working with new franchise candidates who are passionate about being involved in their communities and providing a go-to destination for family-friendly fun.”
Altitude Trampoline Park is owned by Indoor Active Brands, a platform company that focuses on indoor entertainment concepts. Most recently, Indoor Active Brands announced the launch of its latest brand, The Pickle Pad, an indoor pickleball playground featuring a chef-inspired restaurant, bar, and yard games for all ages. Established by NRD Capital, Indoor Active Brands utilizes industry experience in the family entertainment and restaurant industries to support and assist its franchisees.
The brand is actively seeking qualified candidates to help grow its footprint throughout the U.S. in Kansas City, MO, Minneapolis, MN, Las Vegas, NV, Denver, CO, among others. To learn more about franchise opportunities and upcoming store openings, contact Kailee Apodaca at kailee@atphq.com or visit www.altitudefranchise.com.
About Altitude Trampoline Park
Altitude Trampoline Park is a premier family-friendly entertainment destination offering cutting-edge attractions and Party Packages to accommodate all of life’s most meaningful celebrations. Altitude is the home for active family fun! The brand offers children’s birthday party packages and special events, providing two hours of unlimited jump time and access to all of Altitude’s attractions, including trampolines, playgrounds, basketball, dodgeball, interactive games and more. Altitude’s successful $10 Endless Jumps Membership program allows children unlimited access to the brand’s attractions for a fixed price, offering a great way for families to stay together and play together all year long. Nearing 100 locations worldwide, Altitude parks are centrally located and easily accessible, making it the convenient, budget friendly choice for families in 2024. More information can be found at altitudetrampolinepark.com.
About Indoor Active Brands
Indoor Active Brands is a platform company focused on owning and operating franchising concepts in the indoor family entertainment industry. Created by NRD Capital, Indoor Active Brands currently consists of Altitude Trampoline Park and The Pickle Pad. Indoor Active Brands leverages years of experience in the family entertainment and restaurant industries to provide unmatched support for its franchisees. For more information about Indoor Active Brands visit www.indooractivebrands.com.
SOURCE Altitude Trampoline Park
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amusement and theme parks
Six Flags Magic Mountain Unveils Record-Setting ‘Thrill Glider’ Coaster for 2027
Six Flags Magic Mountain is taking flight in 2027 with Thrill Glider, a first-of-its-kind coaster combining flying, motorbike and suspended ride technology with multiple launches, five inversions and speeds up to 50 mph.
Last Updated on September 27, 2026 by Daily News Staff
VALENCIA, Calif. — Six Flags Magic Mountain is preparing to add another major attraction to its coaster lineup with Thrill Glider, a first-of-its-kind roller coaster scheduled to open in 2027.
The Southern California theme park announced Sept. 10 that the new attraction will combine elements of flying, motorbike and suspended roller coasters to create what the park is calling an entirely new category: the “Thrillglider.”
Developed by coaster manufacturer Vekoma, Thrill Glider will place riders aboard specially designed “hovercycles.” Instead of sitting upright, riders will be positioned face-forward and prone beneath the track, creating the sensation of flying through the terrain.
The approximately 80-second ride will feature multiple launches reaching speeds of 50 mph, along with 12 airtime moments, five inversions and 20 track elements spread across nearly 3.5 acres. Onboard audio and lighting effects will add to the experience.
A Record-Setting New Coaster
According to Six Flags, Thrill Glider will stretch 3,380 feet — more than half a mile — and reach a maximum height of 107 feet. The company says the attraction will establish several records within the newly created Thrillglider category, including world’s longest, fastest and tallest Thrillglider.
The ride will also feature an elaborate science-fiction storyline centered on the fictional QuantumPulse Propulsion Systems and its discovery of an energy source called PSR B417. Guests will encounter futuristic displays, holographic presentations and other themed elements before boarding their hovercycles.
“Thrill Glider is more than a new attraction. It is the latest milestone in Six Flags Magic Mountain’s renaissance and a reflection of the park’s enduring role as an industry innovator,” park president Brian Oerding said in the announcement.
Where Will Thrill Glider Be Located?
Thrill Glider will occupy the former Golden Bear Theatre site, positioned between Full Throttle and LEX LUTHOR: Drop of Doom and next to the recently reimagined Looney Tunes Land.
Construction is already underway, with Six Flags planning to open the attraction sometime in 2027. A specific opening date has not yet been announced. The minimum rider height will be 48 inches.
The addition continues Magic Mountain’s long-running emphasis on ambitious roller coasters and introduces a substantially different ride experience: part flying coaster, part launched coaster and part futuristic motorcycle adventure.
Source/ Related Links
Six Flags Magic Mountain — Official Site
Source: Six Flags Magic Mountain press release, Sept. 10, 2026.
More Thrills, More Entertainment 🎢
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Entertainment
Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort: What’s the Latest in Glendale?
Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort still have no announced opening date. VAI says construction continues and expects to share more about the park in late 2026.
GLENDALE, Ariz. — The wait continues for Mattel Adventure Park and VAI Resort near State Farm Stadium. Both remain under development, and neither has announced an opening date.
There has, however, been a change in how the park is being described. In August, Axios Phoenix reported that Epic Resort Destinations, the park’s original developer, appears to be out of the Glendale project. Asked about Epic’s involvement, a VAI spokesperson told Axios that VAI is the park’s owner and operator, but did not directly answer whether Epic still has any role. Another VAI spokesperson said the park and resort are now considered part of the same project and that construction continues on both.
VAI also told Axios it is redefining the park’s guest experience and creative vision and expects to share more in the fourth quarter of 2026. That is a promise of a project update, not an opening announcement.
The VAI Resort FAQ currently says it will announce an opening date approximately nine months in advance. Mattel Adventure Park’s Glendale page continues to promote planned attractions, including the Barbie Beach House and two Hot Wheels roller coasters, without listing an opening date.
For families hoping to visit, the practical answer is that there is still no date to put on the calendar. The next meaningful development to watch is VAI’s promised fourth-quarter update: it may clarify the park’s plans, but visitors will need an official opening announcement before they can plan a trip.
Source links: VAI Resort FAQ · Mattel Adventure Park Glendale page · Axios Phoenix’s August report
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Entertainment
Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show Starring Bad Bunny Wins 7 Emmys, Sets New Record
Executive produced by Roc Nation and JAY-Z, the show becomes the most-awarded halftime production in Emmy history.
The Apple Music Super Bowl LX Halftime Show starring Bad Bunny took home seven Emmy Awards at the 78th Emmy Awards, making it the most-awarded Super Bowl halftime show in Emmy history, according to Roc Nation. The live spectacle—executive produced by Roc Nation and JAY-Z—won across major production categories, underscoring how the halftime stage has evolved into a full-scale, awards-caliber live television event.
The record-setting wins included Outstanding Variety Special (Live), Outstanding Music Direction, Outstanding Directing for a Variety Special, Outstanding Choreography for Variety or Reality Programming, Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special, Outstanding Lighting Design/Lighting Direction for a Special, and Outstanding Technical Direction and Camerawork for a Special. Roc Nation also noted the show set a global viewership record, pulling 4.157 billion views in 24 hours across global broadcast, YouTube, and social platforms.
Beyond the trophies and viewership numbers, the halftime show leaned into big-name star power with special guest performers Lady Gaga and Ricky Martin, plus additional appearances from Karol G, Cardi B, Jessica Alba, Pedro Pascal, Young Miko, and others. The sweep signals not just a win for the artists on stage, but for the behind-the-scenes creative teams turning the halftime show into one of the most technically ambitious live productions on television.
What to watch for: With Emmy recognition now firmly in the conversation, expect future halftime shows to push even harder on cinematic staging, choreography, and broadcast innovation—because the bar (and the awards) just got higher.
Source: Roc Nation (PRNewswire), Sept. 6, 2026
Link to original press release: https://prnmedia.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-apple-music-super-bowl-lx-halftime-starring-bad-bunny–executive-produced-by-roc-nation–jay-z-wins-seven-emmys-302870842.html
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